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Coaching kids is at times challenging but at other times amazingly fulfilling. the 2019 Grand Final of my kids cricket v another local team was definitely the latter.

Junior sport is not all about winning but I'm sure most participants will agree it is a lot of fun when you do! Having gone back to back with a fairly simple game plan, I thought today might be a good time to reflect on how we did it... We were "heated off" in the semi final so were required to play a short form one day grand final of 26 overs. Being half the usual length of time, we set ourselves the target of basically trying to score 1 off every ball we faced fully expecting under 13's to not get anywhere near that.

My opening bats began our innings with the dual aim of not losing a wicket in the first two overs and then accelerating the innings to get momentum our way. We got off to a fantastic start. 20 off the first 3 overs before a run out with neat deflections to third man and fine leg and the odd pull shot off short balls. I couldn't have asked for more from a 9 year old opening the batting in particular.

The next pair took off from there putting on 19 to have us 1/39 off 6 when our opener retired for 22. They were controlled and powerful particularly on the leg side as is common with juniors. Numbers 3 and 4 took the score to 1/63 off 9 when our number 3 retired for 20. More retirements followed as we only batted the boys a short time to give everyone a bat. Essentially our method is to divide the pairs by the number of overs so everyone gets a go. Whilst this may seem ambit, it also develops the whole group, not just the dominant older ones and with clear communication, the whole team was on board.

When I set plan A, I wanted 1/90 off 18. We did better than that - 1/111 off 18. The opposition were manful in sticking at it but the game was almost gone. As always happens in short form cricket, a few of the boys who like to bat longer periods had no time to bat really. Fitting in 15 players in 26 overs doesn't go too well so a few of the bats paid the price tonight. Sorry lads. I wish we played last week as well and the longer innings batsmen would have done well I am sure. The lower order hit enterprising boundaries to the legside before doing the team thing and losing stumps going for another big one. No probs with us though - we play a team game. One of our older boys batting at 11 showed what he can do when given a chance. Probably the biggest improver in my time coaching back to back flags actually. A very dangerous player now. The whole club it felt like were watching and cheering with 40 members of the senior club coming along on a friday night to watch saw a six and four from consecutive balls off the opening bowler coming back at the end. Retired not out 20 a great reward for hard work all year with the coaches. At the end of our 26 overs we made 155. For the record - 6 an over or one a ball would have been 156. I love that the group deliver on what they are asked to do. I couldn't be prouder as coach than that. Brilliant stuff but half a job done.

With the ball, we got one in the first over. They had brief resistance when one of their bats got hold of our other opening bowler but they were snuffed out by some tight bowling from first change. 2 overs for no runs, literally none. This block of 4 overs for 2 basically ended the game. There was no coming back from 1/29 off 8 chasing heaps! Our leg spinner had his best bowling for the year getting 2/2. Great reward for all that summer training in the nets. Good things come to those who work hard. Our bowling effort was complete with a great catch in the outfield by the opening bowler who got hit around a bit. He kept a smile on his face and contributed in the field with energy. Great character that. It doesn't always go your way in cricket so the character to keep going is vital. Awesome team member. Allan Jeans once said, "Premierships don't happen by accident". They are the culmination of consistently doing what you have been asked at a level higher than the opposition. We hit harder, we ran quicker, we bowled straighter and we were more switched on. It was a comprehensive win and a great way to close out our time in Under 13's.

It takes a community to achieve success. We had a diligent mum who was brilliant as scorer all year. Our overseas pro in the senior club took training all year and been great consistent match day support for me. Many were great on the BBQ.

The boys themselves were respectful, enthusiastic and talented. I thought we were captained brilliantly tonight for a 12 year old captain. Gets the angles rights, the bowling changes were astute and the game awarenes as always spot on. Finally, there is always a long suffering wife, Thanks again for your support. I know the kitchen table discussion of tactics drives you nuts but we did it.... again! Well done to all.