During the England v Ireland test at Lords last week Agers told a story about facing the formidable West Indian attack and Pat Pocock upsetting Joel Garner by telling Joel that before he gets one of the stumps he’ll have to get him out first….even Jonathan Agnew stood at the bowlers end winced at what followed.

I think Finn slapping the first delivery by easily the fastest bowler at U11s back over his head for four was the catalyst for what followed. Lincoln and Finn faced some quick accurate bowling and although Linc blocked doggedly for his four overs for just 2 runs, he was clean bowled 3 balls from the end of his innings and the photo below shows him so disappointed at getting out for the first time in 3 matches.

To put his innings in context SandbachCC U11s were soundly beaten by 180 runs, and were just outplayed by a far superior DavenhamCC U11s side. Non of those that played tonight should feel bad they should just move on and play well next time.

With s bench now installed in me shed and an idea how my window frames are going to work I just need a few more bits of wood to start the window build!

For the last couple of weeks I have relaxed and finally found my rhythm and everything seems to have clicked, with scoring becoming easier and certainly doubles and generally my aim away from 20s is good.

It means practising now is fun and I can see progress with my all round game and its always nice to hit a maximum which I am hitting regularly because I am able to consistently stay on the 20s

It’s far, a club I don’t recall ever playing, I want Lincoln to love cricket it’s Wednesday and I have a pool match but at 20:45 I am stood waiting with SandbachCC U11s to hear if they won or not. As a parent sacrifice is necessary and tonight I got to do it all and it was so worth it. Lincoln played really well and enjoyed his cricket scoring 7 not out bowling well and running 2 out in the field. I got to pool late but managed win £15 on the football card and my frame all in the first 10 minutes of arriving at the Legion!

Here’s Lincoln’s match report:

With pretty much all of our experienced players unavailable for our trip to Bunbury, it was time for us to see what younger/less experienced players were made of.

We took a cut down squad that included: Oliver B, Albie F, Levi K, Lincoln F, Henry D, Tom M and Ralph S (who made his debut).

Oliver B and Albie F were made co-captains for the trip and we were put into bat by our opposition.

The batting was mixed, there were some good shots during the innings but too many cheap wickets given away through over-exuberant stroke play.

There were also a lot of missed opportunities for quick singles and 2s (due to the first run not being pushed quick enough). Especially when the boundary was so long and there was plenty of space for runs.

Levi hit 15 (out twice), Henry put a good performance in scoring 13 (out once) and Albie hit 10 (out once). Lincoln (7) and Ralph (4) managed to keep their wickets intact. The pick of the batters though was Oliver who hit an impressive 23 runs (out once).

With the help of a lot of extras (59), we ended the innings 135 for 6. A net score of 105 (305). This looked a good score and gave us something to protect.

With our lack of players, we opened the bowling with our wicket keeper and co-captain Oliver (whilst Albie took the gloves). Oliver bowled well getting 3 wickets for 24 runs (in 3 overs). A great effort. Albie looked comfortable deputising behind the stumps too, very little got passed.

Bunbury got off to a really good start in regards to runs. Their opening pair scored 44 runs as we gave them too many opportunities down the leg side. A theme of Bunbury’s play was quick running between the wickets, getting something from most balls. At the half way stage, Bunbury we’re on top and looking as though they were heading for victory.

We started poorly in the field today, a lot of misfields and overthrows giving unnecessary runs away.

Moments change games and Lincoln managed a runout from long on with a direct hit of the wickets from 40 yards.

Then co-caption Albie came into the attack. His first ball pitched a good 6 inches outside leg stump and turned to clip the bail from off stump. He was the pick of the bowlers taking 3 wickets for 15 runs (from 4 overs). The economical bowler of the day.

Back to back run outs during Ralph’s first over put Sandbach back in the driving seat. Henry also picked a wicket up (1 for 21).

Every player contributed. Lincoln (batted well, fielded well, helping in 2 run outs) and Henry (a decent knock with the bat and a wicket) had their best games so far this season and a pleasing debut for Ralph! Levi and Tom continue to improve, in particular with their bowling!

It was however our co-captains who made the difference today. Oliver’s 23 with the bat, 3 wickets and contributions to run-outs. Albie’s 3 wickets, 10 runs, decent effort behind the stumps and economical bowling.

Bunbury scored 122 for 11. A net score of 68 (or 268). Sandbach won by 37.

Another 11 wickets for U11s. That is 50 wickets in 5 games. A remarkable achievement!

That is also 3 wins on the run for the Under 11s. Our junior section continues to develop week by week.

Well done all involved!

Tonight Lincoln was asked to play for SandbachCC U13s and he was asked to field which did diligently where ever he was told to, generally between mid on and deep mid wicket so did a lot of running at each change of over.

He did not complain but was visibly disappointed as the Middlewich innings ended, but as I explained, he is stepping up from U11s to play and may not get to bowl yet. He needs to think about the fact that he will be playing in this team for 3 years and this is just the beginning, when the better players leave you get to bowl and bat higher up the order.

He will play at Bunbury on Wednesday and bat and bowl and it will be fine.