Ricky U9's stunning victory in first game back

In sunny but windy conditions Rickmansworth Under 9’s began their league campaign against Old Albanians, with 6 boys who had never played a competitive match before, Ozzy who had played as a 7 year old and Jayati, our representative girl. Our own collection of blue, red and green tops contrasted with OACC’s own all-white clad players, but maybe skill and ability is about whats inside. We started well with George and jack putting on 19 for the first 4 overs, despite the set back of a catch. Jayati hit the first boundary and with brother Nimai they put on 19 for no further loss. Ricky were going along nicely on 38/1

Then the fireworks began. Ozzy has been a prodigious talent for a number of years, competing with his 2 older brothers in every sport. But now we had am Ozzy who was a star at his own age group and wow – what a show he put on. A reversed 4, 2 straight driven boundaries and then two more, one through the covers, all along the ground. As an umpire I was lucky to have the best seat in the house. Zac was hugely supportive, and hit 2 great shots of his own that were just intercepted inside the boundary. He played with wonderful freedom and although both got caught out once, they still scored 38 between them, with Ozzy getting 28 and the score was 76/3.

Rohan, also playing up 2 years, is another precocious talent and he hit some lovely boundaries alongside Dishan and they took the score to 101/3. A very good score. What was most encouraging was that no player was bowled or run out. Great discipline

What happened next, in my humble opinion, was 45 minutes of pure box office. With his first ball, Ozzie bowled a low full toss that was smashed back and him and he took a wonderful diving catch. 0/1. Jack bowled a good over and then Zac conceded just one run off his 6 balls. Against their 2 best batters. Rohan also bowled a full toss next over and wonders of wonders also took a return catch that was hit back at him. 11/2 after 4 overs.

And then it was Jayati’s turn. First ball “wicket”, 2nd ball “wicket” Jayati was on a hattrick and showing the boys that girls are just as capable. One of the wickets was a wonderful catch in the covers by George, who made it look easy. Nimai wasn’t going to let his sister take all the glory and got a wicket of his own and then on came Dishan. He was by far and away the quickest bowler on the night and perhaps the quickest I have seen at this age since Tahir or Raunak (both boys who went on to play for Hertfordshire). Naturally he got a wicket too, and a maiden, and ALCC were 20/6.

In the 2nd round of bowling, the ALCC batters kept hold of their wickets more carefully and crept up to 38/6 after 12 overs, and scored their only 4 of the game. Jayati’s next over went for just 1 run and so did Nimai’s. Between them, their bowling went for 5 runs in 4 overs with 3 wickets. Great team work.

And finally Dishan returned, as quick as a train and his 4th ball sent the stumps cartwheeling and so did his 6th ball. Dishan finished with 2 overs, no runs and 3 wickets. Days don’t come much better. ALCC finished on the equivalent of 45/8.
It’s important to note that this was a well-coached ALCC side who all bowled well and batted correctly. The Ricky team were just on top of our game. The crowd were amazed and entertained on a chilly evening and everyone in the team went home a hero or heroine. Our catching and fielding was top drawer and everyone played their part. I have seen a lot of youngsters games over the last 16 years and this one was up their with the best for entertainment and skill.

NAME – RUNS – WICKETS – RUNS CONCEEDED
George 8 0-11
Jack 2 0-5
Jayati 7 2-3
Nimai 3 1-2
Ozzy 28 1-4
Zac 2 0-8
Rohan 13 1-10
Dishan 4 3-0