With half the Under 12s team playing their very first game, Mareeba sent the new squad into bat on the weekend.

Nathan Deuble and Ryan Doble started with the perfect opening partnership (40 runs) before retiring having faced their allotment of balls.

Ashton Davenport (3) fell with a 'yes, no, wait, sorry' call although he had lasted nearly all his deliveries. Cooper (0) and Edward (2) both played defensively, determined not to lose their wicket, deservedly both retiring.

Nick was unlucky not to score after playing great shots but couldn’t quite find the gaps. Batting at number 11, 8 year-old Zander proved he’s up to the task of Under 12s supporting his returning captain (Nathan Deuble) in a 14 run partnership.

On returning to the crease the retirees Deuble and Doble knew it was time to open the shoulders. Deuble clobbered 12 off 4 balls including a massive 6 over mid on. Doble tried to follow suit but was caught in deep mid wicket off the last ball of the innings.

Only one or two players had not managed to occupy the crease for a considerable time delivering a solid team effort to score 97.

Every sports player has a day to forget and unusually this was Rueben Alison’s day. After being bowled by a full toss for 0, he opened the bowling only to quickly see two sixes - one of which flew off the top edge of the bat over the keepers head and kept going - on a different day this would have earned him a wicket.

Although a long day in the field ensued there was some good straight bowling by Conner 0-15 off 3 and Nick 0-9 off 3 which included two maiden overs.

The only wicket taker was new player Phoenix 1-12 off 3 assisted by Curtis with a great catch. Mareeba completed their 27 overs to be 1/156.

An honourable mention goes to Luke Twomey who showed great maturity and sportsmanship by volunteering to play for the opposition who were one player short.

Muddies gave it their all up to the very last ball and the boys are keen to get out on the field at Mossman High School again next weekend and build on the experiences of their first game together.