Cargilfield 153 (lost 4 wickets)

Craigclowan 2 (lost 15 wickets)

Clearly a very comprehensive win up in the baking hot sunshine in Perth this afternoon, and  we were much the stronger team despite a number of boys being rested this week with lots of cricket taking place for this age group between now and the end of term.  We decided to play pairs today with each pair batting for four overs which meant a good stint for all the batsmen to get in and then play some shots.  I stressed at the start that not getting out would be the key today, so sensible running between the wickets, careful shot selection and putting the bad ball away would be so important.

We only lost 4 wickets in the 22 overs we batted for which was a terrific effort, and there were no run outs which was even better! Tristan and Jamie scored the most runs, but all the batsmen chipped in and kept the score moving along.  Admittedly, the Craigclowan bowling was not great, but it is often harder to bat against weaker bowling because you relax and do not concentrate as much as when the bowling is accurate and on the stumps.  We ended up on 153 which was an excellent total and one that was going to be out of reach for our less experienced opponents.

Our bowling and fielding were top notch today: mostly pretty accurate with very few wides and we bowled straight which is so important as I often repeat the mantra that at this level 99% of batsmen get out bowled, so pitching the ball up on the stumps will bring wickets......and it certainly did today! We took 15 wickets in the 22 overs with Wilfred being the pick of the bowlers, but to be fair a number of boys bowled well including Alex and Edward, and this was backed up by some excellent fielding and catching with Wilfred taking an unbelievable catch at gulley which had to be seen to be believed - it would certainly have been on the highlights reel on the TV!  Dexter was excellent behind the stumps too, letting very few byes through and finishing off a couple of runs outs too.  In the end, Craigclowan ended up with 2 runs so a comprehensive win, but more importantly, it was lovely to see everyone in the team contributing, enjoying their cricket and working hard at their skills. All the sessions in the nets is clearly paying off and I look forward to seeing how you finish the season in the next ten days.

It was a real pleasure taking the U11s today and I was impressed with not only the skill level and enthusiasm on show, but also the way that you played the game which is such an important aspect of all sport, but particularly cricket.  Well played, boys!