Captain Noah P-S, in his last game for the U9As before moving on the the U11's, won the toss and elected to bat first on a windy/sunny and damp morning at St Cross.

Our first pairing of Noah P-S and Jamie J saw a steady start against a physically stronger Andover team. Noah ending up to be our top scorer with a net score of 16 ably supported by Jamie who was unfortunate not to get more bat on ball himself. Felix and Joshie had the toughest bowling attack to face but took it on with tenacity showing no signs of shying away from a faster pace of bowling. Hugo and Elliott had a partnership of 13 with Hugo protecting his wicket for his spell at the stumps. Our final pairing of Jonah and Bertie B (who was also half the size of their bowlers) managed to knock together 23 in their partnership but unfortunately couldn't protect their wicket for the hole spell so ended with a net partnership of 8.

All credit to the Andover bowlers and fielders, there was some very pacey, accurate bowling on display. Particular mentions to Nihaal's 3 overs, 1 maiden, 4 wickets for just 9 runs and Billy who had 2 overs, 2 wickets for 5 runs. There was also an exceptional one handed diving catch by the Andover WK. Well done boys!

St Cross opened the bowling with MVP of the day, Noah P-S who promptly took a wicket, clean bowled with his first ball. Not to be outdone Jamie followed up with a wicket in his first over, Noah and Jamie managing to keep the score at 11.

Felix and Joshie picked up a couple of wickets in their spell despite being up against strong batsmen, one of whom was literally twice the height of Joshie.

Hugo and Elliott faced a fierce pairing but managed to keep things at bay however they struggled to find the much needed wickets to get the the scores a little closer together.

Jonah and Bertie B were the final pair to bowl and Jonah was unlucky not to get a wicket with some tidy pace bowling. Bertie B claimed one with a straight ball bowling out the Andover player.

A tough day at St Cross for our boys but they played with such spirit and stood brave against pace they've not faced before in this young group. It is great to watch how they are very supportive of each other and respectful to the opposition when they come up against great players like they did today. No moment showed this more than when Noah P-S, on as sub-fielder for the Andover side, took a good catch to dismiss one of our batsmen. Congratulations to Andover and the great show of team spirit and the ethos of U9 cricket....enjoyment and enthusiasm.