Our first game of the season in front of the ‘heath faithful' ended with a hard fought win! Skipper Teddy won the toss and we chose to bat first.
The twin pronged (literally) attack of Vir and Neev got us off to what was a tough start, against a handy opening bowler. The twins fell to a couple of good accurate balls (and a dodgy LBW decision ?).

Aaron, in at 4, was very unlucky to hit a powerful cut shot straight into a fielders hands, which left us 3 down early on. Up step JP and the skipper, who steadied the ship. Questionable but nonetheless effective running between the wickets, along with some nice shots, kept the scoreboard ticking over. It looked so easy for the pair….. too easy maybe, as JP seemingly went sleep walking out of his crease, run out 4 short of (what would have been) a well deserved retirement.

Freddie continued his great early season form with a blistering 26 retired, hitting a ball into Danson Park in the process! An assured 18 runs from Teddy helped the team post a very decent score, leaving our visitors the daunting target of 138 to win.

Their response did not start well, with Freddie knocking over their opening pair in the first over. There was no let up for the Bromley batters either, with excellent economical bowling from Owen, Teddy and Vir. Suchet struck twice with some deliveries that our opponents simply couldn’t handle and Sid also ended with two wickets with some wicked left arm swing.

Some more accurate bowling late on from Adi and John put pressure on the chasing side, before Neev finished them off with some excellent pace bowling, 15 runs short of our total!

There were some walking wounded towards the end, with JP limping in to bowl (maybe explaining his lack of urgency earlier in the night!) but especially our brave keeper Aaron, who had taken a bit of a bashing, showing grit and determination to finish what was a good nights work!

There was some outstanding sportsmanship from the boys and they supported each other throughout, which I was very happy to see out in the middle.

The boys should be very proud of a great victory, but there is plenty to work on, not least reducing the 68 extras we conceded!
I will also have to speak with them about their sledging, as I think “more singles than Tinder” may need some work!

By Rich Lockett (U13 Coach)