Jersey Touring Party 2010 - outside the Mornington
Jersey Touring Party 2010 - outside the Mornington
Top Bowling by William Byrd for the U13 team against De La Salle, Jersey
6 wickets for 18 runs, including a hat trick
Top Batting by Oliver Goldsmith for the U15 team against Kings
102 not out in a century partnership of 170 with Michael Horwood
The U12 “A” team had a very good season that ended with the disappointment of coming out second best in the County Cup Final against Rednock.
On the day, Rednock played the slightly better cricket – their opening bats posting a stand of 77 to set up a total of 116 for 6. The bowling attack lacked its usual incisive punch but we fielded very well indeed to restrict Rednock to under 6 an over on a fast scoring track and quick outfield. It should have been well within our capabilities to overhaul the total.
The loss of early wickets cost us momentum and having to bat more cautiously to preserve wickets, we gradually fell behind the run rate required. Having stabilised the innings though, Sam North and Oli Pearce launched an assault on the Rednock bowlers; probably just an over too late, one felt, as 40 runs were still needed off the last 4 overs.
Rednock fielded very well in the closing stages and those now-necessary boundaries were just too elusive to the Rich’s batting. Even Ben Stratford (16 not out off just 8 balls) could not find the boundary enough to steal victory and we fell short by 7 runs. A shame, for although the team that just about played the better all-round cricket on the day fully deserved their victory, one was left thinking that perhaps the more complete and better team generally had lost out on the opportunity to represent their county next year in the national U13 competition. Nevertheless we wish Rednock well and every success.
As for the rest of the season, the team played extremely well in all departments. Weaker opposition were summarily dismissed, while against the stronger sides we showed great character and depth of cricketing ability in closely fought matches, winning most. It is testimony to the strong “B” team squad that by the end of the season several players found their way into regular “A” team places and this probably helped maintain the success of the “A” team. Mr P Lloyd deserves special mention for his work and encouragement here.
Some outstanding performances included:
- Sam Rideout’s season haul of 18 wickets, flighting his mesmerising leg-spin - never have I seen the ball turn so much on an artificial pitch, let alone grass;
- Oli Pearce’s 5 for 12 against Crypt – he is developing into a very good swing bowler;
- 3 Century partnerships – 145 for the 1st wicket between Jack Tyrer (68ret) & Jacob Hayward (55ret); 119 for the 2nd wicket between Jacob Hayward (56) and Toby Hiram (58); 103 for the 2nd wicket between Jacob Hayward & Toby Hiram (48no);
- And finally for his Captaincy & Leadership, Toby Hiram should be commended. He has rotated his bowling well, always tried to give his players match opportunities with bat and ball, given encouragement and set the right example, shown good awareness, is clearly learning from his experiences and is developing an astute cricketing brain.
For the most improved player over the season, it has to be Sam Rideout – he has crafted well his magical leg spin, developing subtle flight and variation. Besides this he has worked hard to improve his batting and fielding, becoming a complete all round cricketer. And he gives his all for the side. I watch his future in the game with great interest.
PB