Going to Appleby Magna today I had a good feeling we would be able to get the job done. Being part of the warm up myself and getting schooled how to catch by the under 13’s I knew a good day was ahead!

As Will Lennox turned up he swiftly gave the reigns of today’s captaincy over to Max Johnson, out he wandered to do the toss and put the opposition in to bat. Max took charge of the field entirely today and did an outstanding job of positioning and encouragement. As the newly found opening bowler Evan Wrightam got into his rhythm backed up fully by Noah Cockerill at the other end for a superb opening spell from them both going for just 11 off 4 overs.

Will Chick then came on and took a wicket first over for his second U13’s scalp followed by Tom Geary seeing off the other opener. Excellent control of the ball by both bowlers taking the score to 17-2 off 8. Will Lennox then got his bowling boots on sending down absolute wheels. Bowling in pairs today like I’ve never seen Ratby do before, Rosie Fowler came on to support Will with not going for a single run off the bat two weeks running now! The score at 23-2 off 12!

Ratby’s tails were up and the voices in the field were flowing. Little did we know what we in for next. As Stan Wozencroft came up to bowl wearing his new headband to make him quicker he clean bowled the batsmen after 2 balls. Waiting for the signature fortnite dance we were very disappointed when he forgot to do it! Riled by his forgetful memory he announced he will get another wicket to not disappoint. With his final ball of the second over he pulled out orange justice. At the other end George Odell Bowled very tight going for just one run off the bat. Good discipline from George keeping the scores tight. Scores at 50-4 at 16 overs.

Skipper Max and Veteran for the day Arthur allowed the wickets to flow. Max picking up a 3 wicket hall after he sorted out the couple of no balls backed up by Arthur forcing a run out saw Ratby hold Appleby to just 71-8 at the break. All round one of the best performances I have seen from any of my junior sides in the field. 7 wickets bowled, one run out and Murphy Cadle one seriously good junior keepers. Only the 4 byes in 2 games. Unheard of! Full credit to him today for his performance and quick hands behind the wicket.

After having to leave at the break looking at the book and hearing about our chase ive nothing but praise again. Max (19) and Murphy (3) getting us of to a great start for 30 for the first wicket followed up by George (9) to get us well over half way for the second wicket at 41-2.

Boundaries came as a customary for Arthur (28*) before he and Will (15*) got us over the line after just 11 overs. Noah (5*) hitting a superb 4 and running well between the wickets as he has informed me alongside Toms cameo trying to push on the scoring but unfortunately failing to do so. Evan (3*) Will C also unfortunately failing to trouble the score with Rosie (1*) scoring her first run in U13’s And Stan’s first runs too (3*) bringing up the rear confirming a solid batting performance seeing 4 retired innings and 2 not outs. A fantastic 138 for Ratby after the 20 overs proved too much fire power for Appleby Magna to handle.

McDonald’s for winning every game this season looks possible! Keep these performances up and I’ll be glad to keep my promise!

Massive thanks to Steve Geary, Greg Lennox, and Josh Odell for overseeing things today. I’ll see you all next week for another win I hope!

Dan