Hector’s Cricket Catch

Hector and Bridget practise catching a soft ball on the school field. Their teacher marks a clear space with two cones so they can work together safely.

Bridget sends the orange ball towards Hector with a gentle throw. He lifts both hands, but the low sun shines straight into his eyes as he looks up.

The ball drops onto the grass near his feet. “I lost it in the light,” Hector says, blinking and turning his face away from the sun.

Bridget picks up the ball and waits while he speaks to the teacher. Hector explains that he can see the ball clearly until it rises into the bright sky.

Together they turn their practice line across the field. Now the sun is to one side of them instead of directly behind Bridget when she throws.

They begin with a short, easy throw. Hector watches the orange ball all the way into his hands, then holds it up with a small smile.

Bridget takes one step back for the next turn. They keep the throws gentle and check that each person is ready before sending the ball across.

Soon both friends are making steady catches. Hector has not needed a harder throw or a faster ball; he needed a clearer view of what was coming.