U11 : Ricky lose for the first time against strong Berko team

The only thing that went well for Ricky last night was the toss, as each boy who arrived from Berkhamsted seemed to be sporting an Area shirt (sub-County) and had bags of kit bigger than the boys themselves. Most of these lads are privileged enough to go to Private Schools and therefore have access to the best facilities and full time coaching. It is, of course, what the England team is based on, after all. So with some trepidation, Ricky bowled first.

Sam and Henry both bowled well and after 4 overs Berko were 9/1 so maybe things were going to go better than expected. However, the big guns of Berko opened up and the runs started to flow. Tom bowled 2 overs for 3 runs and Rian bowled one over for 4 runs, but otherwise the classy shot play of Berko resulted in a good score of 97/3 after 20 overs, helped by a lightening quick outfield and good wicket.

Ricky needed to bat well and posted 25 after the first 5 overs, and so were on track, but had lost Henry for 7. But then came a mid-order collapse as we went to 43-4 after 10 overs. Still almost up with the rate, but most of the big hitters in the hutch. Sam tried bravely but couldn't connect with enough of the leg side balls, as he usually does so well, and when he went for 5 we were 58/7 and our chance was gone. Berko were keen to win and George, who earlier had scored 27, bowled 4 great overs taking 3-7 and Ricky were finished off by Jack taking 2 wickets in 2 balls.

So Ricky's winning streak came to an end and we learn and go again. Our bowling is good and our fielding competent, but we do need to play some better shots and run better between the wickets. This will come. The key is, as always, everyone bowled in the Ricky team and everyone had a game. We are trying to build a generation of keen boys.