Gresford Under 9's Vs Chirk

First game of the season and it was away to Chirk, the weather was on side with a nice sunny morning perfect for both playing and spectating. The Gresford boys and girls turned up ready to go.

Gresford batted first and started with girl power, step up Kathryn and Mia. Both made a solid start, Kathryn showing great front foot work pushing the ball between fielders, stringing together run after run. Mia in her first ever game didn't look out of place, some super decision making and unorthodox shots made sure Gresford’s start was as positive as it could be. Not a wicket lost the Gresford side moved to 225 from just 4 overs.

The next pair to make their mark on proceedings was Dylan and Joe. Joe started the boy’s aggressive start off well, attacking the ball from the word go firing two 4's over the boundary line in quick succession alongside some smart running between the wickets helped Joe to an impressive 11 runs. Dylan wasn't going to keep quiet as he battled against some quick bowling, taking one to the finger in the process. Dylan replied with some fast hitting of his own, whacking the ball over the boundary line for 4 along with some quick singles took his score to 6. The duo took Gresford to a healthy 231 runs with 8 overs to go.

Sid and James with bats in hand strolled out to the middle next, a great start from James set the tone for the boy’s innings. Two well hit 4's were part of James’ effort to put Gresford on the front foot, finishing his innings in double figures with 10 runs. Sid wasn't far behind with shot of the day a well-timed cut shot that the Gresford senior boys would be jealous of. This was followed up with an array of super shots scattering Chirk’s fielders.

Last in but my no means least Theo and Jack, the pair ready to get stuck in. Jack used his strength to clatter the ball numerous times into the outfield, making the Chirk boys apply defensive strategies creeping back further into the outfield. The highlight of Jacks innings a 4 that pinged off the bat at great speed flying across the boundary line. Theo looked to bat on the front foot which turned out to be a great decision. Blocking the good ball and driving the bad saw a solid performance from him. His tactic to run the quick singles Theo set about tipping and running.

Gresford finished on 249 runs a great start to the season, but there was still the job of protecting that score.

After a short break and a bite to eat Gresford were ready to go again. Roles switched Gresford were now fielding, opening the bowling Kathryn. The innings couldn't have started in a better way a wicket maiden to start proceeding. Kathryn's second over was just as good, nice and tight with no runs coming off the bat. Chirk were put onto the back foot and needed to start their fight back.

Next up to bowl Joseph, Joe continued Gresford’s good bowling performance keeping the batsmen pinned down and working for every run. Improving ball after ball homing in on the batsman’s stumps, his two overs went for just 1 run off the bat with a well-deserved wicket the highlight. Great performance with both the ball and bat well done Joe.

Sid marked out his run up next excited to follow his team’s good start, and boy did he. The batsmen looked confused as each ball bowled was different, first up a seam ball followed by a quick leg cutter. This was then topped off with a super spin ball turning away from the batsman. Two overs bowled for 3 runs and another wicket to add to Gresford’s tally.

Mia took the new ball in hand next and started what was to be an impressive accurate spell. Ball after ball improving Mia started to find her intended target as the Chirk batsmen struggled to defend their stumps. Mia’s highlight over number 2 which went for no runs off the bat. Great performance for a first ever match.

Jack was the next selected to turn his arm over, his first ever ball for Gresford resulted in a wicket clipping the top of off stump a perfect ball and a perfect way to start his season. His two overs were fast, again and again the pace beat Chirk’s pair at the crease as Gresford grew ever closer to a first win of the season.

Three more bowlers were left in Gresford’s arsenal, first up James. After marking out his run up with precision James ran in to bowl his first ball, a great start set the tone for his 2 overs. With not a single wide bowled, James’ line and length ensured Chirk’s score didn't budge piling the pressure on the batsmen to come. As the batting side grew ever more anxious Gresford were going from strength to strength.

Theo made sure he put his stamp on proceedings. Aiming for the stumps he set about his work. Slow and steady was the order of the day, and it worked a treat. Coming close to wickets on more than one occasion Theo bowled two impressive overs to keep Gresford on track. Great discipline saw Theo keep wides to a minimum finishing with some great bowling stats.

The final bowler of the day was Dylan, Chirk had clawed their way back to a score than could trouble the Gresford side, meaning two tight overs were needed to silence the home supporters. Dylan’s first over was confident, looking like a seasoned professional Dylan strung together a spell of top notch bowling. Over number one included a much needed wicket. His second over needed to bring home the goods and it did, keeping the batting team under control Dylan continued to work with the Gresford fielders to dry up the runs. The reward came with a more than deserved second wicket to cement Gresford’s result.

A great team performance gave Gresford an 18 run win, very impressive from all who took part, everyone playing a vital role in a super TEAM PERFORMANCE.

Player of the match-

This week Dylan's all round ability with the bat and the ball helped his team over the finish line. Some superb shots, a few sore fingers and accurate bowling spell makes Dylan the first player of the season. Well done.

Roll on next week!!