Kibworth Mead Reach Area Cricket Final
‘Howzat’ for a headline!
A win against Lutterworth before half term meant that victory for our Y8/9 boys’ cricket team against Thomas Estley on Tuesday 6 June would mean they would progress to the Blaby & Harborough Schools’ Area Final.
Won the toss
Captain Ben won the toss, and chose to bowl, hoping to make the most of the overcast conditions. Isaac and Joe opened the bowling, and both nearly broke the deadlock with some accurate line and length. However, the Thomas Estley opening batsmen weathered the early storm well, and it looked as if we would need something special to break the deadlock.
This special moment arrived, with Harry, our wicket keeper, showing lightning-fast reactions to take a catch from behind the stumps.
Wonderful bowling
Following this came some wonderful bowling contributions from Sam, Ben, Zach, Jamie, Lewis, Aaron and Jake. Nine out of the 11 players all bowled superbly, and there were great moments for Jamie and Lewis who took their first ever wickets in a cricket match.
This is what school cricket is all about, and the delight shown by all team members for the bowlers getting wickets was great to see.
Best bit of Fielding
Captain Ben produced the best bit of fielding we have seen at school level cricket to run out a Thomas Estley batsman. Ben showed his football goalkeeping skills to dive brilliantly to his right, stretching full length to stop a fast-moving ball, then in one motion, roll over and throw the ball accurately towards the stumps to secure an astonishing run out. A bit of magic!
Thomas Estely had been reduced to 78 from their 16 overs, and so the Kibworth pursuit began.
Harry and Jake opened our batting with some nice shots, before Harry fell and Evan came to the crease. A few more runs were added until Evan fell to a ball that kept low. Jake was beginning to really get his eye in and picked out some lovely shots, as did captain Ben until he got a good ball that took out his off stump. In came Zach who took no time in setting about hitting runs for fun, and the winning total of 79 was on the horizon.
Jake was bowled by their spin bowler but played a great innings for the team. Joe came to the crease and there was no ‘steedy scoop’ today. However he remained resilient, and he and Zach eventually saw the boys home with some excellent running between the wickets.
The team were ecstatic, and quite rightly so; a real team performance, with contributions from every single player! What impressed us most was the superb spirit and encouragement shown from each player to one another.
A trip to Leicester Grammar now beckons for a chance to be crowned Area champions. A big challenge for the boys, however with the spirit of this team, anything is possible!
Dr Patricia Thompson
Vice Principal
Duggie’s Ramblings
