BCC U7's v U8's and U8's v U9's

On Friday 3rd July “Fun Fridays” took on a slightly different tone with over 40 boys turning out in their whites for an evening of inter BCC 20 over (Barrington rules) matches with the U7s v U8s, and U8s v U9s.

The weather was set fine and the 2 matches got started just after 6. With the BBQ going and the bar and tuck shop open everything was set up for a lovely evening. For many of the boys playing this was their first “proper” match and therefore great exposure to the highs and lows of mini colt cricket!

The U8s v U9s game was incredibly close, strong batting from the U9s first but with wickets falling regularly there was an opportunity for the U8s if they could keep their heads. As the overs ticked past it looked like the U9s would scrape home, it went down to the final over, in which there were wickets and runs which left the scores tied – great end to a very exciting game.

In the U8s v U7s game it was the U7s who batted first, there were some priceless moments of calling “Yes, No, wait, again” which are always great to watch. I think it is fair to say that wides was the top scorer in both innings, something that the coaching team will be taking on board! Having only lost 6 wickets though in their 20 overs, the U7s put a target of 246 on the board for the U8s to chase down.

The U8s started at a canter, racing to 220 in the first few overs with lusty 4s (which considering there were 14 U7s fielding was a good plan!) but then seemed to get stuck in the 220s for ages, getting runs then losing wickets at the same rate. This game as well went down to the last over – indeed needing 6 runs from the last over it seemed the U8s would have it, but then as in every age group pressure kicks in and an unfortunate run out meant the U7s could squeak home by a few runs.

Following a 3rd umpire enquiry though regarding fielding 14 players the U7s had 4 runs taken off their score and therefore this game was also a tie!

Overall the evening seemed to go down really well with children and parents alike, the coaches got a chance to see the children in action, and therefore the next few Sunday morning sessions are clear on what we need to work on.

For the U8s this was great practice as they look forward to league games next season.

Many thanks to everyone who helped manage the teams, and to everyone in the clubhouse for keeping the food and drinks flowing.