A super batting track and two teams keen to impress with the bat combined to serve up a junior cricket treat at the MCG on Friday 8th. Each side hit 19 boundaries as they raced to big totals.

After winning the toss and batting first, the visitors posted a huge 165 for 5 after 20 overs. The Dulwich openers Ted and Ahmed looked well set to make a big score till Mitcham turned to the spin of Hammad (2-17). Two of his excellent turners were finished off by great work from stand-in keeper Shamali, to have the visitors 48-2 in the 7th over. But Dulwich batters gradually got on top: classy left-hander Robbie batted with real authority to finish unbeaten on 64. The browncaps rued a dropped catch when he was on 8. He was well supported by Tom (38) as Dulwich finished on a score that looked unbeatable.

But Mitcham's top 3 have been on fire all season and looked assured from the start in the face of excellent bowling, especially from Callum, James and Ahmed. Shamali hit 41 and Zubair was unbeaten - again - on 37. But the star of the innings was captain Maywon who carried his bat for 65 - his second half century of the season. He also captained the side well, allowing all 11 boys at least one over with the ball.

The Mitcham boys can be proud of their efforts against such a high calibre team. One of the differences was in the accuracy of the bowlers - Mitcham conceded 23 extras, Dulwich conceded just 3, and the winning margin in the end was 19. So lots to work on; but the boys continue to be competitive as a team.

The under12s also went down to defeat away at Dulwich. Mitcham's star was Faebian
who top scored with 20 in a total of 74-4, which the home side beat with overs to spare.