Eagles beat the Sloggers in 8-a-side derby

A great game for a Friday evening saw the u11 local derby at Cricketfield Lane. It was clear from the game that the kids, are taking on the messages they are getting at training and on match days. Calling, running between the wickets, backing up, sensible throwing, long barriers, playing a straight ball with a straight bat, supporting your team mates.....all was much improved from early season and it is clear that all these matches are having an impact which is great to see. Eagles bowled really well and shared wickets with 2 for Seb and 1 each for Kier, Frank, Sam B and Luca. Sloggers struggled to get many runs against the excellent bowling but eventually Ed F, William and Ed W chipped in to get to 234 for 6 after their 16 overs. For the Eagles Seb got off to a great start with a cracking 14 and Frank also weighed in with 9. Sloggers bowling was solid especially from Mathew and Ed F who bowled with real pace down the hill. A mention too for William H who took on the 'keeping duties for the first time this season and was excellent. After 12 overs the scores were close...but Sam B (18) and Charlie (7) batted with a real sense of purpose finding gaps, running aggressively and playing a few shots toward the end once the win was secure. Both teams showed much improvement and fist pumps and smiles at the end was great to see.