BCC U8s Big Bash Success!

On a sunny, breezy, and at times, rainy, Sunday afternoon, two Beaconsfield U8 teams; the Challengers and the Gladiators, headed to the 2017 Marlow Big Bash. The boys were full of excitement about playing a lot of cricket, and hopefully even winning a game.

First up, the Challengers took on Coleshill, while the Gladiators played Marlow. The boys adapted quickly to the 6-a-side format, organised themselves really well in the field, batted competently, and both teams secured a comfortable victory - a cause of much excitement and celebration, for both teams and the parents who'd come to cheer their boys on.

The Challengers then had a break, while the Gladiators took on High Wycombe. High Wycombe were a well-organised team, and it looked like the game could be close, but the enthusiasm from the first victory, supported by some accurate bowling and great catches led to another victory for the Gladiators. The Challengers then took on High Wycombe while the Gladiators had a break. Lots of boundaries, and good fielding, allowed the Challengers to cruise to victory in this match too.

By this point the boys could barely contain their excitement. Both the Challengers and the Gladiators had decided they were going to win their next matches (against Marlow, and Coleshill respectively). They went in and gave it their all again, and although tiredness was starting to have an effect, both teams won. This set up a 'final' between the Challengers and the Gladiators to decide who won the tournament and who were runners up.

So, was there a risk of this match being uncompetitive, or too friendly, given the boys were playing their own team mates? Absolutely not! Both teams were intent on securing victory, and this turned out to be the most tightly fought contest of the day. We played 7-a-side to make sure everyone could participate, and the boys used their last reserves of energy to try and win. In the end, The Challengers, with a few more boundaries, and some tighter fielding, emerged victorious. Really well done Challengers! Although the Gladiators were gutted to lose, they were somewhat consoled by the realisation that Beaconsfield were taking home TWO trophies!! Something they hadn't thought possible a few hours earlier.

Well done to all the boys who took part, and a huge thanks to all the parents for giving up their afternoon to stand and cheer the boys on. Thanks to Tim for stepping into team management, as well as Steve and Andrew for square leg umpiring. Thanks also to Marlow Cricket Club for creating opportunities for the younger boys to play in tournaments. Everyone had a great time, learnt an enormous amount, and they're definitely looking forward to the next match....