The Tour Party with Barnoby outside Jersey YHA
Taken from the STRICTNet school website (2000-2012)
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U14 - Played 3, Won 1, Drew 1, Lost 1
U13 - Played 3, Won 2, Lost 1
The weather gods were with the touring party - and the Jersey Islanders extemely grateful for that! We brought dry, sunny weather to the island for our stay! As soon as we left, the weather reverted to the wet and windy conditions that had dampened the whole island for several weeks.
Even though some venues changed due to damp pitches, both U13 & U14 sides enjoyed their full quota of matches and took part in some excellently contested games. One match that will stand out in memory for a long time to come is the second fixture played by the U13 team against the Jersey Island U13 XI. For such a young side they showed incredible character, resilience and determination defending a low total to eventually emerge winners by just 1 runs!
Put into bat, it was evident that the conditions favoured the bowlers - the ball swung predigiously and nipped around off of a still green track. A couple of early wickets fell but the Rich's middle order batsmen gritted it out, occupying the crease for their full allotment of 30 overs and causing much frustration for the Jersey Island side who bowled well but could not make major inroads into the batting. Runs were extremely hard to come by and at close of innings, Rich's had scraped their way to a miserly 61 runs for 5 wkts. Seemingly a lost cause at tea.
Then up stepped Elliot Burge to the bowler's mark. His pace, swing and unexpected bounce ripped the top of the Islander's batting - 5 wickets for just 1 run in his opening spell! Rich's were well and truly back in contention. Fielding brilliantly, the side only leaked 2 unnecessary runs and 3 more wickets were soon added to the tally. At 24 for 8 things looked good. But with nearly 20 overs still to go, the Islanders found two stalwart batsmen who defended stoulty, pushed and nudged runs here and there; gradually the total crept ever closer to the 62 run target. Jamie Dingle manipulated his bowling attack well but could not just conjure up a break through.
He then re-introduced Peter Reed to the attack. He suddenly found some late swing and in his first over broke the critical partnership. Things were still very tense (for the spectators as well as the players!) as the remaining 8 or so runs required gradually whittled away. Two runs needed, Peter Reed bowling, late swing, a clipped bail - all over! Rich's victors by just 1 run.
Phew!!
The Tour Party with Barnoby outside Jersey YHA
We'd like to especially thank the following ....
Martin Berrill Sports for provision of quality kit at excellent rates and for sponsoring our match presentation trophies. Thanks Martin!
The Jersey YHA and its brilliant staff for putting up with us and making our stay such an enjoyable, comfortable and cracking one - sorry again for the mirror!!
Mr Doug Ferguson for arranging a superb set of fixtures and venues and for being our special friend on the Island!
Mr Rob Sims & Mr Rhys Williams - our two long-suffering and brilliant coaches! Don't forget the sun-hats next year, boys!
Mr Miller for letting us display his excellent action photographs of the U14s
And finally Mrs Celia Brown for all the pre-tour organising of food arrangements and venues, not to mention the excellent meal she cooked for our first night at the YHA.
Same again next year please!
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