From our lead cricket writer, Ben Storey

It was one of those serene spring mornings that make English cricket, at any level, such a joy to witness. A soft breeze rustled the hedgerows, the sun casting long shadows across the freshly-cut square — and with it, the promise of a fine contest as the Farnham Sixers U10s travelled to Grayshott and their sun-dappled home ground.

Captain Edward, full of poise and quiet authority, led his young side with composure. Having been inserted after losing the toss, Farnham took first strike. Yet, what followed was no typical innings. Grayshott’s bowlers were erratic — a deluge of wides and no-balls made fluency hard to find. Far from a batting paradise, the innings became a test of concentration and discipline.

Charlie and Alfie opened with assurance, navigating the unpredictability by rotating strike smartly and capitalising on the extras. Their calm heads yielded a useful 17 without loss — a steady platform. Edward and George followed, but a couple of unfortunate runouts sowed seeds of hesitation. Still, their partnership was not without resolve, and they added 13 hard-earned runs to the total.
Next came George G and Sonny — the standout pair of the innings. Their understanding between the wickets was exceptional, turning ones into twos with intelligent running and a keen eye for gaps. They racked up a brisk 27, giving the innings much-needed momentum.

Seb and Nathan rounded off proceedings, with Seb providing a flourish — two crisply struck boundaries the highlight of the closing stand. Only three wickets fell across the innings, a testament to the team’s growing maturity. Farnham closed on a respectable 280.

The chase began with discipline and intent from the bowlers. The Sixers found probing lines — tight, teasing channels that demanded respect. Yet, luck was not always on their side. Edges evaded fielders, swings and missed within millimetres of the stumps, and Grayshott’s batters, to their credit, kept the scoreboard moving.

Charlie was exemplary behind the stumps — sharp, alert, and vocal. Alfie claimed a deserved wicket, well caught by George H, while Seb’s direct-hit runout lifted the energy. Sonny, much improved from the previous season, bowled with admirable control and rhythm, a bright spot on the day.

Ultimately, Grayshott’s steady accumulation saw them reach 310 from their 16 overs. The scoreboard perhaps flattered them slightly, given the balance of play.

There will be days when the result doesn’t go your way, but the signs are there — skill, spirit, and a team learning quickly. Keep encouraging each other, keep your heads up, and the wins will surely follow.

Well played, Sixers.