Petersfield Cricket Club’s under-nine girls got their season under way with a defeat against Whitchurch.

It was a debut game for all the girls in outdoor cricket, although half of the girls had played in the indoor season.

Petersfield bowled first and were backed up by some excellent fielding.

Martha Ferguson set the tone with two wickets in her first over – one of which was an excellent caught and bowled.

Ferguson also took a wicket in her second over, and Mia Collin also got a wicket.

Elouise Yarnley also bowled well – going for only four runs in her two overs.

Whitchurch scored 279 from their 16 overs – a total which was boosted by 35 wides.

When Petersfield came to bat the focus was on trying to hit every ball and running well between the wickets.

The soft outfield meant most shots went for singles, with the odd two. Petersfield scored 257 for four off their 16 overs and had outscored Whitchurch off the bat, but the 35 wides proved crucial as Whitchurch claimed the spoils.

The Petersfield team had produced a good effort and the girls put into place what they have been practising.