Having lost the toss and being put into bat on a slippy, skiddy artificial service (after a day of rain, we were lucky/surprised to get the game on), we entered what was to be a tough and entertaining game against Pyrford. We lost one of our openers (Stan) controversially, to the first LBW we've seen at this age group, and it seemed to hit very high up this tall batsman's leg. We then had Harry out first ball to a quick delivery that kept low, Gabe run out having slipped on the surface, and a couple of run outs that were our own fault. Suddenly we were 37-8 and it looked like being a very short evening. Another sign of great development across the squad though as we dug in and got to a defendable total of 73 in this 100 ball format. Cillian made 6 crucial runs and was retired after 25 balls, Jack showed his growing confidence and technique to finish on 7 not out, with Jake also hanging in at the end with him for 5 not out.

We went out to bowl knowing we had to be absolutely on it with the ball and in the field to have any chance, and boy did they give it a go. Danny delivered the bowling performance of the season so far with 4 wickets for just 1 run off his 4 overs. Stan also bowled superbly with 2 wickets off 3 overs and conceding just 7 runs, and Felix chipped in with another wicket. All the boys bowled well and the fielding was great, taking 7 wickets before Pyrford managed to reach the total in the 17th over. Another 15 runs and I think we'd have snuck it but it was an entertaining fight and the boys showed tremendous spirit and teamwork in the field to get it that close after what was a somewhat chaotic start with the bat!