A great learning experience for the Wizards

All of the boys seemed a bit disappointed yesterday after the match, which is probably understandable when it was such a closely fought game.

However, there were so many great things to take away from the game that it's important to remember that these games aren't really about winning: they are about everyone getting a chance to learn through playing. If we don't give everyone a meaningful chance to play, then they won't get the chance to know how it feels to try what they have been practicing, see what works, what doesn't and what to try next.

Our opponents yesterday provided a great test for us and a chance for some of the developing and younger players to start batting higher up the order to see how they met the challenge. Unfortunately, their opening bowler was quite straight and managed to account for three of our top four batsmen quite quickly by bowling them through the gate.

However, not before Luke manage to get 6 runs of 6 balls; Rafferty really doing a great job running between the wickets for his runs for his 7 off 9 balls; and Felix getting 8 runs. Wilf, playing in his first 11-a-side match, managed to get a run, did some great fielding and also got 2 wickets - a great start! Although it may have seemed like we were in trouble because so many wickets had fallen, our run rate (probably the most important statistic in this format) was still very healthy and all of the boys were trying to make the most of the balls they faced.

Hugo came in to steady the ship and put in a great innings of 14 not out (in two spells). Max also contributed a strong 8 before being caught and Isaac provided a resilient 22 balls for 2 runs to calm the fall of wickets. Kit came in and managed an 11 before getting run out in the last over when pushing for extra runs with Zack, who also batted very well at the death for his 4 runs, pushing for extra runs.

What I was really happy with was that we scored 62 runs with the bat! Everyone was trying to do what we had been practicing and trying to get runs when they were out in the middle, somehow in partnership with their teammate and in a way that works for them. Lots of great running between the wickets to tick the score over. 105 is a great score at this level!

On the bowling front, a lot of the bowlers were put in very testing situations and performed very well in the circumstances. I was particularly proud to see Rafferty and Eddie taking the last two overs with a lot riding on the overs. They both tried their best and bowled some great balls that took one wicket and that on another day might have got the wickets we were looking for. I also know that it was probably very nerve wracking for Wilf to have to bowl in his first match - but he managed to get a couple of wickets, which will have made it all worth it when he is given the ball the next time.

The stand out bowlers for the day were Kit with 2 for 3 (EC 1.50/over), Harry with 1 for 4 (EC 2/over) and Max with 1 for 5 (EC 2.5/over). Max, in particular, figured out how the trajectory of his ball can affect the batsman - which will help him get wickets long into his career. Special mention has to go to Eddie, who really met the challenge of bowling the last over with intent. It's really hard to be the death bowler, and he did a great job trying to deliver for the team with a couple of great balls that could have taken wickets. Knowing that he is brave enough to do it will help him as his technique improves over time. It was great that the team supported him too, as they will all know how it feels.

The fielding was excellent all around - with 3 catches and 2 run outs and a stumping. Luke and Zack seemed to be everywhere.

The match had lots of ebbs and flows to it and I thought all of the boys did a great job in focussing their energies on what they could do at each turn to try to change the match with the bat, ball and in the field.

I want to make special mention to Mark, the coach from Bath, who very generously (and very much in the spirit of the game) allowed for only one run to be counted for the no-ball that would have meant the game was over when also hitting the stumps. It was a far better outcome to see their batsman win the game with the bat than for us to concede the game on a no ball.

Well done to them all and I look forward to seeing them all on Friday to hear what they think about it all and what they would like to work on going forward.

Best

Scott