Taken from the STRICTNet school website (2000-2012)
Return to the Jersey Tours Index Page
U14 Touring Party
(from left to right)
Ben Fabbro, Huw Arnold, Mr Rob Sims (Coach), Ben Ruxton, Niall Drury, Mr Phil Brown (Coach), Chris Surman
George Angell, William Latter, Farhaan Shaikh, Sam Horder, Ben Griffiths, James Payne, Simon Guilor, Oliver Ellis
U14 Cricketers Gain Valuable Experience in Channel Island Tour
Played 3, Drew 1, Lost 2
A valuable learning experience. Judged merely on the results (2 losses and one draw) not a ‘successful’ tour. However, considering that both lost games were played against U15 opposition and how the Rich’s boys measured up to their older adversaries, took them on and given the rub of the green might have easily reversed the final outcome of both matches, all bears testament to their strength of character and team spirit. When pitched against the Island U14 side Surman and his team looked head and shoulders above their
opposite numbers but learned that not all sides will roll over and capitulate to some quick and at times hostile bowling but perhaps need to be coaxed into surrendering their wickets via gentler and
more subtle means.
An invaluable piece to fit into the jigsaw of cricketing experiences was the weather. The first game against Victoria College was played on a damp pitch in overcast conditions in which the ball swung prodigiously and often late. Runs were hard to come by but openers Latter (19) and Ellis did their job well and pieced together a 28 run opening stand in 10 overs. The rest of the top order looked to be coping with the vagaries of the moving and swinging ball as the Victoria College bowlers generally held a very good line and length but the batsmen, having got themselves in, were either removed by an unplayable delivery or slight over-confidence in their stroke play. Simon Guilor batted well for 17no and with a cameo knock from James Payne saw the total through to 86 and just a slight glimpse of hope.
An early breakthrough was needed and Ruxton provided this with Ellis taking a sharp catch at gully. Victoria’s Chipperfield (40) then came to the crease and his innings and partnerships with McCabe and then De La Haye proved decisive. Surviving 2 very sharp half-chances he dashed any hopes Rich’s had of further immediate breakthroughs. When Surman did eventually hold onto a sharp return catch, Victoria College were
within 12 runs of victory. Another quick wicket and some nervous play by the new batsmen suggested that if Rich’s had posted 120 runs the outcome might have been a lot different.
The second game against the Island U14 side was played in warm sunshine on a firm Les Quennevais pitch. Batting first Rich’s notched up a commanding total of 142 for 7 (Ellis 48, Latter 21, Ruxton 28no). In reply, and with Ruxton and Surman both bowling with great speed, the Island side lost early wickets and only a gritty knock of 34no by Osman took their total to a respectable 117 for 7 at close. Although 7 bowlers were tried to winkle out the tail, Osman was allowed to keep most of the strike in the latter overs and one felt that a little more guile and less bluster might have won the day.
The final game of the tour was against De La Salle College on a very hot and sunny afternoon. Rich’s again batted well and realised an opening stand of 80 runs before Latter fell for 30. Olly Ellis went on to reach his 50 before falling to the leg spin of Young, who bowled an inviting length and was rewarded with figures of 5 for 20 as the Rich’s middle order tried to up the score rate. Niall Drury (22no) and Ben Griffiths
(16no) reasserted control and boosted the total to 163 for 6 at the close.
Being a year older and hitting the ball that bit harder gave the De La Salle top order batsmen the edge and the quicker the Rich’s bowlers tried to bowl the sooner the ball went to the boundary. With 48 off the first 6 overs the initiative had clearly swung De La Salle’s way. The bowlers stuck to their guns though and Angell and Surman both took 2 wickets, thereby putting the brakes on the scoring. However, it only needed careful run accumulation now for De La Salle to secure victory which they did with 3
overs to spare.
Off the field the side were good ambassadors and thoroughly enjoyed the Jersey hospitality and scenery. Special thanks should be given to our hosts at Victoria College and De La Salle College and especially to Mr Doug Ferguson who arranged all our fixtures and made the tour a thoroughly enjoyable and rewarding one for both players and coaching staff alike. We also would like to thank the Jersey YHA and their staff who looked after us so well and provided excellent facilities and accommodation. We should also mention the Pizza Express in St Helier who fitted us in for a meal at very short notice with excellent food and service.
Opening fixture against Victoria College
Mr Sims at the wheel
A 'rustic' Angell
Final Score with Jersey Island XI
Tour Dinner at Pizza Express
We'd like to especially thank the following ....
The Jersey YHA and its brilliant staff for putting up with us and making our stay such an enjoyable and comfortable one
Mr Doug Ferguson for arranging a superb set of fixtures and venues and for being our special friend on the Island!
The Pizza Express in St Helier for providing at short notice a cosy venue for our final evening tour dinner
Return to Jersey Tours Home Page