Petersfield U9 Pumas versus Portsmouth Community U9 Thursday 16th May 2012, 6.00

This was the Petersfield U9 Pumas' first match of the season, and the first ever competitive game for some of the team. Portsmouth Community had struggled to get a team together with some players dropping out at short notice, but their positive approach to the fixture meant that the game was played in a great spirit, helped by the perfect weather at Penns Place. Portsmouth Community won the toss and put Petersfield in to bat, and the Pumas started strongly with some stylish singles and determined running from Thomas Mason and Hamish McGuire. The less experienced middle order looked confident, with a special mention to highest scorer Fin Roberson, who scored an impressive 19 runs in his two overs. Patrick Bell and Jack McKechnie finished the innings in style, their partnership adding 25 runs to the total. Portsmouth Community went into bat and their three strongest players all reached double figures, but the Pumas total didn't look under threat. With the victory looking secure there was some over-exuberance among the fielders, but there were some strong bowling performances, with William Osborne taking three wickets. All in all, a very enjoyable game and a great learning experience for some young players.