The Under 11's 6 a-side squad returned to Bingham to face Kimberley and West Bridgfordians.
A paintballing party accounted for Blacklock, Cox and Phoenix with Garlick also unavailable.
The U13s younger brothers Alex Newell and Oscar Brown were on debut as were Boyle and Rock to join Devenney and Hefter. All six were fresh from Keyworth United duties. What a day - football in the morning, cricket in the afternoon!
To open was a match against Kimberley. Hefter won an important toss with scenes reminiscent of last years first XI. Batting was elected with only 3 of the 6 present as 2 o clock ticked by.
Rock showed some nice touches with runs hard to come by, before departing. Devenney worked the ball tidily off his pads before falling to a tremendous diving catch for 8. Hefter failed to add to the score pushing for quick runs. Boyle and Newell benefitted from some wayward bowling and some good running before Boyle was run out. Newell finished on 8 not out with Brown. 53-4.
Straws were going to be drawn for keeper duties but Brown took one for the team and padded up as Rocket Rendu looked on from the inflatables, with Aoife, at a party.
Hefter and Rock only conceded 4 a piece for a great start. Tremendous work all round saw Devenney run out the opener and Rock took a great caught and bowled in the penultimate over. Kimberley were left needing 8 off the last over.
With wickets in hand Kimberley hit out but Hefter kept composure. With 2 required off 2 the ball was hit forcefully back towards the non strikers end. Three fielders expected each other to get it and the ball rolled agonisingly to the back board for four, as Kimberley finished on 56-2 with a ball to spare. A brilliant effort, so close.
West Brigford v Notts and Arnold was the all star fixture for the afternoon and didn't disappoint with terrific technique in every aspect.
West Bridgfordians were the final fixture for Keyworth. Hefter made it two out of two correct calls, and elected to field, with Devenney taking the gloves. Good bowling through out meant the free scoring Bridgford team had to work hard for the runs but showed excellent experience. Boyle had a super penultimate over, creating a run out and Newell took a wicket in the final over with Boyle safe as houses. 82-2
Devenney and Hefter opened solidly with the ball finding the middle. They worked it round sharply but were unsure between the wicket, before throwing caution to the wind and hitting full throttle.
Devenney departed for 15 and was shortly followed by Rock who was run out, just short of the crease. Boyle couldn't add to the tally as Newell accompanied Hefter for the final few overs. 36 were required off the last 6 balls. Hefter finished excellently on 26* as the innings concluded on 66-3.
Another great afternoon and plenty of promise for the upcoming season.
Its time to dust off the Christmas cobwebs and begin to get ready for the 2010 outdoor season.
