The Match at Willow Park

Sam was eight years old, and Saturday was the day of the big cricket match at Willow Park. He had practised his batting every evening in the garden. Before leaving home, Sam packed his cricket bat, gloves, water bottle and a bright red cap.

At the park, Sam’s team was warming up beside the scoreboard. Their coach, Mrs Patel, smiled and reminded everyone to listen carefully and encourage one another. Sam felt excited, but his stomach fluttered when he saw the other team arriving.

The match began under a warm, blue sky. Sam’s team batted first. He waited patiently on the bench, watching his teammates score runs. When it was finally his turn, Sam walked to the crease and carefully placed his bat behind the line.

The first ball bounced close to his feet. Sam stepped back and missed it. The second ball came straight towards him. He swung his bat and hit it along the ground. His teammates cheered as he ran to the other end. Sam and his partner completed two runs.

On the next ball, Sam hit the cricket ball towards the boundary. It stopped just before the rope, so he and his partner ran quickly. They scored four runs. Sam’s confidence grew, and he began to enjoy the game.

A few minutes later, Sam tried to hit a high ball but was caught by a fielder. He felt disappointed as he walked back. Mrs Patel gave him a friendly pat on the shoulder and said, “You watched the ball carefully and tried your best. That is what matters.”

When the match ended, Willow Park’s team had lost by three runs. Sam was sad for a moment, but then he joined his teammates in thanking the other players. On the way home, he decided to practise catching as well as batting before the next match.

Reading Comprehension Questions

Answer Key

1. Sam was eight years old.

2. The match was on Saturday.

3. Any two of: his cricket bat, gloves, water bottle or bright red cap.

4. Mrs Patel was the team’s coach.

5. It was warm and sunny, with a blue sky.

6. He swung his bat and hit the ball along the ground.

7. They completed two runs.

8. He hit the ball towards the boundary.

9. They scored four runs.

10. He was caught by a fielder.

11. Trying his best mattered.

12. He decided to practise catching as well as batting.