MANSFIELD’S U12s were excited to participate in our first ever game of cricket in the Wangaratta and District Cricket Association league on Saturday.

For the last few years our numbers have grown steadily, allowing us to field a team in the WDCA league as well as play our regular Wednesday intra-club matches.

Captain Jack Jacob lost our first toss, and Delatite was sent in to bat.

Yarrawonga-Mulwala got off to a strong start by taking a wicket in the first over.

Our batters steadied the ship and by the third over runs started flowing.

U12 regulars from last season Noah and Xavier Heaysman, Roy Mercieca and Jacob all got amongst the runs, with Mercieca top scoring with nine off 19 balls.

Runs dried up somewhat near the end of the innings but Delatite still posted a handy 4/64 off the allotted 20 overs.

A rusty start by our bowlers was expected considering this was our first game of cricket in several months, and Yarrawonga-Mulwala capitalized on some early wayward deliveries.

Mercieca made up for a dropped catch early in the innings by taking a spectacular grab after drinks, demonstrating to all present that taking a catch with the knees can be just as effective as one with the hands.

He also finished with one wicket, as did Cecily Smith, Cody Place and Noah Heaysman.

Best on ground honours went to Mercieca, while Yarrawonga-Mulwala ran out comfortable winners with 5/121.

The U12s’ next game will be at College Park at 9am on Saturday against the Benalla Bushrangers, we invite everyone interested in cricket to come down and watch our future stars play.