The U10s didn't have long to wait before returning to the field, following their first game on Thursday evening, with another away fixture, this time against Bromsgrove in the Worcs Pairs League.

This game saw a further 2 more hardball debutants, and an even younger side than the previous team!

Winning the toss, and electing to bat first, looked a brave move. However, despite a slowish start to the innings, where boundaries were difficult to come by, the final two pairs for Earls scored at a good rate, posting a respectable 264 for the loss of 6 wickets, with Harry Empson (17), Callum Graham (16) and Daniel Graham (13 on debut) leading the batting scores. Callum, Isaac Rock and Tom Jennings all preserved their wickets too.

The reply from Bromsgrove started well for them, with the first pair adding 16, up with the required run rate. The first Bromsgrove wicket did not fall until the 6th over, which saw Daniel Graham claim a wicket with his first ball in hardball cricket (aided by his brother's catching!), with further wickets falling in each of the next 3 overs - Noah McGrory picking up one, caught behind by Tom, Daniel picking up a second (again, with a catch from his brother (finishing with 2 for 2 from his 2 overs (no wides/ no balls)) and Isaac - sending "the bails to Wales" (as I heard from the pitch!), slowing the run rate down, assisted by 2 tight overs from Tom, and one from Liam Owen, which left the final Bromsgrove pair needing 43 to win. Despite 41 coming from the bat/ extras, the loss of 4 wickets in the final 3 overs, Harry picking up 2, and Callum 1 (c&b) and a run out, saw the Bromsgrove run chase finish on 243-8, and ensure a well deserved victory for the boys.

It was difficult to pick a man of the match as there were a number of positives to take from this performance:-
- Wickets for 5 of our bowlers;
- 2 debutants (who also shared the wicket keeping duties admirably, with 1 taking a catch);
- 2 bowlers with maidens (Edward Alberry and Isaac);
- catches in the outfield; and
- general good fielding from all.

So, it felt right to award a collective team award!

Looking forward to our next game on Wednesday 24th against K&D at Watery Lane, our first home fixture, and look forward to seeing some of you there to cheer the team on, which will also feature some of the famous #girlswood!!