Lee Grogan and Kate Cross took some of the club’s under-9s to play Kwik Cricket at Old Trafford during the third Ashes Test.

Mike Jackson was there to take photos.

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REPORT – Kathryn Cross: Last Thursday. Heywood U9s took on one of the stronger teams in the league, Milnrow, who have a number of players playing above their age group. Due to a few late arrivals from Milnrow, Heywood fielded first and proceeded to display what was one of the best performances I have seen any U9s team deliver.

The tone was set from the first over when Joe Carter took the first wicket of the match. Wickets then followed from Thomas Grogan, Libby Harding and Jack Wilkinson. Special mention must go to Matthew Barker, who took two wickets in his first over.

Heywood took a total of 9 wickets in their innings which has been the most I have seen in a junior match, and all were thoroughly deserved. We bowled straight and this reflected with just the 5 wides which were bowled in our innings. Anybody who has watched junior cricket will know that that is an achievement in itself!

Not only did we bowl particularly well, but our fielding was exceptional. Everybody committed themselves 110 per cent which was noted and applauded by many of the spectators. Tom Sullivan took some fantastic catches which really kept us in the game against a team to whom we lost heavily at the start of the season. Frankie Quinn also delivered his best performance behind the stumps, barely letting anything go past him.

Milnrow ended on 239 after their 15 overs. Luke Thulborn and Callum Jackson batted very sensibly early on and Heywood only lost 4 wickets in their innings. Thomas Grogan and Liam Forshaw played some nice shots and ran very well between the wickets.

However, with only one pair to bat Heywood needed 14 runs to win in 3 overs.  Some tight bowling from Milnrow’s senior players put pressure on Joe Carter and Tom Sullivan. After a terrific effort from the two, unfortunately Heywood fell just 9 runs shorts and ended on 230. Although we weren’t able to get over the line, that doesn’t take away what a fantastic performance it was from every single player.

Everybody played their part and delivered what I’m sure was an enjoyable game to watch. I got so many compliments from spectators saying how wonderful they had done despite the result. Even the Milnrow coach commented on how much of an improvement they had all made which was lovely to hear. I was very proud of everyone on Thursday and I am delighted with the progressive steps that everyone is taking.

Thanks to everyone who came to watch and to Angie and Mike for sorting the post-match snacks out.