U11B Cricket v Belhaven

It’s always a pleasure to take a team down to Dunbar for a cricket match against our friends at Belhaven. Their hospitality is second to none, and their match teas are something I particularly look forward to!

Our captain, Thandie, won the toss and chose to field first. For such a young team, we fielded exceptionally well. George and Zanna were the most lively, running in to save singles. I was impressed by how encouraging the players were to one another, how they celebrated the bowlers’ tricky deliveries, and how alert they were in backing each other up to prevent any overthrows or mis-fields costing valuable runs.

Our bowling attack was strong: Esme, Zanna, and Benji each bowled maiden overs; Isobel and James claimed a wicket apiece; but the standout performers were Charlie, who took two wickets in a single over, and Ezra, who also picked up two—one caught brilliantly by his brother behind the stumps. Ensay was outstanding as wicketkeeper, letting just one bye through in 20 overs—a testament to his sharp reflexes and quiet confidence. Belhaven posted a total of 75 from their 20 overs. We headed off for a well-earned break which included more application of suncream, a cup of tea, and a delicious scone!

In our innings, Evan and Matthew opened the batting. Matthew struck some lovely shots, including two elegant cover drives for four. Evan was unfortunately run out after a quick single. Isabelle came in and faced some tough deliveries but responded with an inside edge for four and a composed single off a no-ball. Matthew was bowled, bringing Thandie to the crease. After a mix-up in the calling, Isabelle was run out—a reminder we need to sharpen our communication between wickets.

Esme then came in and played brilliantly. Having only faced hard balls for the first time in the nets the day before, she scored a lively 13 off just 8 balls, giving us real momentum. Belhaven’s captain Anastasia then bowled Esme and followed up by dismissing Charlie next ball—suddenly she was on a hat trick! But Benji steadied the ship with a confident single and went on to craft a superb 17 from 13 deliveries.

In a lovely gesture to give others a chance to bat, Benji and Thandie retired, allowing the twins, Ezra and Ensay, to knock off the remaining runs. We secured victory by 6 wickets in just under 10 of the 20 potential overs.

It was a terrific performance and a result that delighted the travelling supporters. The children had a great time, and it was heartening to see so many enjoying hardball cricket.

A big thank you to Agustina for scoring, and congratulations to Benji, our well-deserved player of the match for his excellent all round play with the ball, the bat and in the field.