Alistair played in his first proper cricket match - U9B team - at Bryanston Primary last Thursday. Each side played 20 overs. Bryanston went in to bat first and scored an impressive 55 runs (OK, most of those were actually from wides, but we're not going to split hairs!). Then it was King's School's turn to bat. After a brief rainstorm, King's returned to the crease to continue their battle. Ali batted 7th and went in with about 6 or so overs remaining. By 4 overs left, they needed 14 runs to win (doesn't sound like much, but it is a big ask for U9's!! Fortunately, the opposition were helping us along nicely with wides, just as we had kindly done for them!!). By 3 overs left, 11 runs were required. All this time, Ali and his batting partner, Josh, were ticking along, but it was dubious as to whether they would make it! By the last over, they needed 5 more runs. With about 3 balls left (and 2 runs), Josh went out, and Gabriel came in. On the last ball, they STILL needed those 2 runs. Now, Ali may not be the top batsman of his grade, but I'm prepared to bet that he is the craftiest! He knew exactly what was needed, and what he needed to do to get them! As the bowler bowled the last ball, Ali started sneaking across the crease. A helpful misfield meant he was able to run and safely reach the other side. However, another minor misfield on their part meant that he could turn and complete another run (as fast as he could with those great pads on!), thereby taking his team to VICTORY!! We parents (and there were a lot of us because it was the first match, I have no doubt our enthusiasm will wane as the season progresses) were on our feet! I felt so proud, you have no idea!! Ali raised his arms and bat in victory, just as we see our heroes, Graham Smith and the like, do! His team mates tried to carry him in victory, which was not very successful, but it was the thought that counted! I think for that brief moment in Ali's life, he felt how it feels to be a hero! Well done Ali!!
