“Humph!” grunted Sonny crossly. “I know he wants to keep our balls from going over his wall, but he doesn’t have to bother now.”

Then he had an idea – if all his friends got together and asked all their parents, then … maybe … they could have one last cricket match. He rushed off to find Simon.

The following Saturday there was great excitement because Sonny and Simon’s plan had worked! Today was going to be their last match – the biggest, best cricket match EVER! All the children in the street were going to play. AND there would be prizes! Some of the parents were making snacks for everyone to share at lunchtime. Thumi’s Dad was going to hand out the prizes at the end of the day.

Even though it was all just for fun, Sonny felt a little nervous. The crowd cheered as the first ball was bowled by Thumi.

Jack stepped forward. THWACK! He hit the ball so hard that it went high up into the air.
Sonny moved forward to catch the ball, but the sun was shining straight into his eyes. He squinted, waited and moved under the ball. Everyone was cheering. As Sonny started to close his hands around the ball, it popped back out again. It bounced once and rolled straight under Mr Peterson’s gate. Sonny’s heart sank.

“NOW what will we do?” asked Thumi.

“We can’t carry on with our match!” said Jack.

“We’ll NEVER get the ball back!” wailed Simon.

Sonny took a deep breath. “I’ll fetch the ball,” he said.

“But Mr Peterson will shout at you,” said Thumi.

“He won’t let you get the ball … and Shikisha’s probably dug a hole and buried it already!” said Simon.

“Well, I just have to try,” said Sonny. “It’s our last match and we’ve only just started it. We won’t get another chance to play like this.”

Bravely, Sonny opened Mr Peterson’s gate and walked up the path. Shikisha was nowhere to be seen. Sonny’s tummy felt all squishy. He was a little scared. He did not want to be shouted at by Mr Peterson. Just before he got to the front door, it swung open. There stood Mr Peterson. He looked much bigger up close. His cheeks were red as if he was very, very angry.