The under 12s ended their league season in defeat by Old Ruts yesterday evening. But it was a spirited performance, with observers impressed by the standard - of bowling in particular.

Batting first, Old Ruts posted 158-5. Two batsmen, Samuel and Sol, were retired on 30, but Mitcham bowling, shared across 8 players was good. Sahat (3 overs, 8 runs, 1 wicket), bowled beautifully and his best of the season. Connor (2-14-1) was unlucky not to take a further 2 wickets with chances going down. Ahmed, Ayaan Abaid (with a caught and bowled) and Madyn took a wicket each, and are the potential stars of the future.

The reply got off to a solid start, but was stalled when Ayaan Ali and Mohammed were out, both stumped, to successive balls. Sahat went on to top score with 11. There was stout resistance from Connor (24 balls), and Ayaan Abaid (19 balls) and 4s from Madyn, Connor and Yosef, with the team finishing on 64-7 after 20 overs. Compare that with 28 all out against the same team earlier in the season!

The league season as a whole has been tough, in terms of results, but each and every player has improved markedly. We will review the season later in a separate article.