1st XI REPORT 2019
A view from inside the boundary, an end of season review.
It’s been a little under a month since the end of the cricket season now and I think it’s about time I put my reflections on an unbelievable season down on paper! It all started on May 4th (a fairly significant date for me!) when we made the trip over to Potters Bar to give it our best shot of upsetting the big boys in the Herts T20 Cup Group stage.
As usual we were first game on, having travelled furthest to get there. We arrived with a little bit of optimism but fairly confident that we would be in the car on the way home in a little over 3 hours! Our opponents North Mymms, who we knew very little about, other than they had a few Minor County representatives and a medium pacer from Langleybury playing for them. I felt our best chance of winning the game was to have a bowl and see what we had to chase. Mymms started well reaching 45 without loss, before I brought on our star Aussie import Zac McGuigan. Having only landed in the country a few days before nobody, including myself, really knew what to expect but with his first ball on English soil he nicked off the NM opener with a fairly sharp nut and then things started happening. As per usual our bowling attack was tidy and before we knew it NM were on the ropes at 60-5. This was followed by the introduction of my spin twin Sean Tidey, who quickly wrapped up the innings and in what seemed like a blink of an eye, we had bowled the Prem side out for 103! I’m not sure we could believe our luck.
Anyway, as you can imagine we knocked it off practically with ease, with Matt Giblin guiding us to a comfortable 9-down victory with a classy 1 not out from 1 ball! Part one of “Operation Upset the Prem Clubs” complete.
With a couple of hours to spare whilst the other ‘semi-final’ of the day was being played out, we decided to take a real athletes’ approach and have a couple of shandies and enjoy the game! It turned out Potters Bar had a comfortable win and would be our opponents for a place in the Group Final.
Once again I won the toss and had a bowl, with Potters Bar captain Steve Gale having earlier in the day been quoted as saying “The problem with these lot is they have no plan, who knows what’s going to happen” he knew they would have a reasonable test to reach finals day. The clouds came rolling over the ground at the Bar and with 7 overs completed in the PB innings, their score was 35. As the heavens opened it looked as though we would be back next week to replay the match. A few of the Reed players were in the shower when the rain stopped and the sun started shining.
A lot of time had been taken out of the game and Duckworth Lewis Stern had been calculated that Reed required 49 to win from 7 overs. Game on. I can’t seem to find anything on play-cricket from the match but from memory Sean Tidey teed-up and we knocked the runs off in 4 overs .… Part two of “Operation Upset the Prem Clubs” complete; Reed onto Finals day!
I won’t bore you with the details of every game we played, but in terms of what we have achieved this year I feel like that day was a huge building block and served as a great reminder for us that if we went out, played our best and really left nothing in the sheds that we could get promoted into the Premier Division.
With the split format in the Championship we started our first 5 games in coloured clothing playing 50/50 win/lose cricket, a format that, in my opinion, suits us much better. Not only because we like giving it a whack about but also because we are a strong fielding side with a great balance to our bowling attack, probably a bowling attack only Shenley Village could match this year. In game 1 we knocked off Old Owens in a last over finish, game 2 it was Hemel Hempstead, game 3 Letchworth Garden City, game 4 Leverstock Green and game 5 we knocked off a strong Flitwick side with Rob Lankester taking charge of the team for the first time.
So five League games in and we were unbeaten, 7 from 7 in all Hertfordshire cricket, and we had kicked off our National Village Cup campaign with a thumping win over Sawbridgeworth and an equally convincing win over Sharnbrook & Bromham. What a start to the season; 9 from 9!
We made it to the perfect 10 with another strong victory over Preston in the Regional Final of the NVC. We were going strong across all formats and could not have hoped for a better start, our bowling attack firing on all cylinders and a batting unit that was getting the job done, Ed Wharton, particularly impressive in the early parts of the season. We couldn’t go on to make it 11 out of 11, when we suffered our first defeat of the season to Shenley Village. We collapsed from a strong position to be bowled out 30 runs short of the victory target, in classic Reed fashion!
With my poppadum back, I didn’t manage the trip over to Dunstable but once again Rob Lankester stepped up well and got the job done, leading the troops to a 7-wicket win and proving to be a great second-in-charge! A lot of credit this season has to go to Rob, not only in with his own personal batting performances but his advice in the field at times has been invaluable and watching him mature into a fantastic cricketer really is a pleasure.
A week later and another strong performance in the league saw us turn over Ampthill in a fairly convincing fashion and a visit from Stoke Green, the champions of the Buckinghamshire area, in the 5th round of the Village Cup safely negotiated we were sitting 2nd in the league and knew that three more cup wins would see us back to Lord’s for the third time in 7 years…
The final round of the first 9 games saw second-placed Reed host first-placed Hoddesdon – a game that is always strongly contested. Unfortunately Hoddy got the better of us on this occasion, restricting us to a well under par 189, despite some gritty lower batting from the tail, this only ever looked like a good enough score when Hoddy were 12-3. Our bowling attack nearly dragged us out of a hole, but with a couple of dropped chances and a classy 105 not out from Jayden Broodryk, who was by far and away the league’s stand out batsman (averaging a staggering 126!!), the game was gone.
So halfway through the season, we’re in a strong promotion position; we’re going well in the Village Cup and progressed through to the finals Herts T20 Cup. We knew that if we went as well in the second half as we had in the first, then we would be really well set for a great season.
The next four games saw us beat Old Owens for a second time and the following day made the trip over to Radlett for T20 Finals day, the first time in the club’s history that we’d made it to a final like this. Unfortunately we came up against a very strong Radlett side who comprehensively beat us, with the highlight being Michael Juckes, affectionately known as ‘the box’, making his senior 1st team debut due to a couple of last minute drop outs. Although we lost we did at least turn up and have a crack at it…
We managed to throw victory away against Hemel in the last over and get washed out against Letchworth, not our most successful 3 weeks, although we did dismiss Borstall CC from Kent in another crushing NVC victory then pick up a great win against local rivals Foxton from Cambridgeshire in the NVC Quarter-Final. In a thoroughly dominant display we restricted the hosts to 206 from their allocated 40 overs and knocked it off without really getting into second gear; a classy 97 not out from Rich Wharton and a composed 73 from V-C Rob Lankester. Really taking the sting out of Foxton, as we cruised to an 8-wicket victory inside 36 overs and sailed into the Semi-Finals.
So although we had stalled slightly in our pursuit of promotion we were now only 1 win away from playing at Lord’s!
We got back to winning ways in League cricket away at Leverstock Green, a ton from Rob Lankester the highlight. Then came THAT game ..… The Semi-Final of the National Village cup versus Sarisbury Athletic CC from Hampshire. The visitors won the toss and elected to bat on a glorious day at Reed. The Green saw close to 500 spectators as S-A looked to build a defendable total against us, but after a strong start Reed kept chipping away with wickets shared around and restricted Athletic to 195. Reed needed 196 runs in 40 to go to Lord’s. A nightmare start losing “star” batsman Sean Tidey without scoring saw myself accompany Rob Lankester at the crease as we looked to rebuild the innings. From 5-1 we took the score up to 86 as the game swung back the way of Sarisbury. We lost 4 for 18 and were reduced to 104-5. In came Stuart Smith and Mitchell Cooper who began to rebuild the innings again for Reed, taking very few risks and taking the game deep, something we had spoken about doing all season. It was with 5 overs to go when the pair put the foot on the gas, Stuart hitting 4 fours and 1 six on his way to 43 not out from 52 balls and Cooper striking some huge blows on his way to 52 not out from just 47 deliveries with 5 fours and 3 sixes. We had done it, huge celebrations followed after a day that will live long in the memory of not only those involved in playing but also all those at the ground supporting. WE ARE GOING BACK TO LORD’S!
With our place in the Final secured, a fairly dull draw against Flitwick in a weather-affected game followed and then an amazing victory snatched from the jaws of defeat against promotion rivals Shenley Village. Having been bowled out for just 125 on a green deck over at Shenley, we knew we needed a strong bowling and fielding performance to save our season. Step up our bowling attack..… Jack Tidey, Zac McGuigan, Sean Tidey and unlikely heroes of the day, Marcus Martin and Jack Caine. We bowled and fielded as well as I’ve ever seen a Reed team perform and bowled the hosts out for 95 taking away a crucial 25 points and gaining back our 2nd spot in the league.
With 3 league games to go, our fate was in our own hands, 3 wins would guarantee us 2nd spot if not top. First on the list was Dunstable at home, a team that traditionally we struggle against. Due to a slight disagreement in the rules over at Shenley I had to take a rest for the home game so Rob took charge once again and marshalled the troops to another well fought win. In the penultimate scheduled league game of the season we took on Ampthill and pulled off another dominant performance and grabbed a win. 8 from 8 in the 50/50 games for the season, as I said earlier, a testament to a well-balanced bowling attack with a powerful batting line-up makes us as good as any in this format.
This meant that with one game to go, we travelled over to “Essex” to take on Hoddesdon in the re-match. Both teams guaranteed 2nd spot and a Play-Off game at a very minimum. With Hoddy taking in a fair sized points lead into the last game they only needed 5 more points to make sure. They won the toss and unsurprisingly chose to bat, needing only 225 to secure promotion to the Hertfordshire Premier League. We managed part one of the “miracle in Essex”; we restricted them to 224! It wasn’t to be however when Hoddy took their second wicket to secure top spot and promotion to the Premier Division. Congratulations to them on a great campaign and thoroughly deserved champs. The game fizzled out and Hoddy got the win, Reed’s highlight was a well made 80 not out from old boy, James Heslam.
This meant one weekend, after playing 17 league games, 7 NVC games and 3 T20 matches would define our season. A home tie against Luton Town & Indians, who had finished 9th in the Premier Division, in the Play-Off and a dream day out at Lord’s versus Houghton Main from Yorkshire. Two matches stood in the way of us completing the most successful season in the clubs’ history. A great prospect and one that as a player you relish.
So we welcomed Luton to The Green and on winning the toss I had no hesitation in asking the Prem boys to have a bat against, a ‘chubby medium pacer’ bowling up the hill. The chubby lad ended up returning figures of 10-2-25-2 in one of the spells of the season; J Tidey was unlucky not to have a few more. He was in a different class to the Luton batsman. He was ably supported by Zac, Ed Wharton and his brother Sean who took 4-34 himself in an inspired spell. Luton were bowled out for 157 without batting the full allocation.
This was our chance, 158 runs away from small Reed CC – a village club with a population of 300 odd – playing Premier League cricket alongside the best sides in Hertfordshire. The chat in the changing rooms at half time was fairly calm, go out, concentrate hard and bat the overs and we will be in the top 10 cricket clubs in Hertfordshire.
We were fairly shaky in the chase, with a few nerves showing, but we kept the scoreboard ticking along and with three valuable partnerships of 40-odd we were almost there. Matt Sampson led the lads brilliantly showing all of his class scoring 46 not out and in just over 34 overs we had done it. REED CRICKET CLUB BEAT LUTON TOWN & INDIANS BY 3 WICKETS AND GAIN PROMOTION TO THE PREMIER LEAGUE!
Absolutely fantastic scenes followed as the celebrations began, but almost as soon as they began they were halted again – we had a big Final to win at Lord’s the next day.
Sunday 15th of September, we arrived at the Grace Gate at Lord’s and were escorted up to the home dressing room at by our dressing room attendant for the day. This really is what dreams are made of; the lads were all bouncing from the success the previous day. I went out for the toss and was asked to field by Houghton Main. From the first over of the match to the last we looked in total control, playing with a confidence that comes over playing in this set side for 7 or 8 years now, we knew our game plan and executed it to perfection. At 6pm we had lifted the trophy and were Reed Cricket Club, Premier League, 3 time National Village Cup Winners. Amazing!
What a season. As I reflect back on it I do so with an amazing sense of pride. In April we had a team meeting in which we set out to gain promotion and win the NVC. We achieved both, through hard work, determination and a fair share of luck. We also did it without paying a single player. We had great performances throughout the season but there was not one major stand up player. We had several match winning performances and every player that played in the side contributed, bought into the team’s plan and smashed it. Well-done lads.
Onto the thank yous. I can’t thank everyone Individually but I’d like to firstly thank all the supporters that came out all season and throughout the cup run, I hope everyone had an amazing day out at Lord’s. I’d secondly like to thank the club’s committee, made of several volunteers that spend countless hours making sure everything is in place for us to be able to have this amazing club to play cricket at. Thirdly to all the WAGs, we know you don’t really like cricket and that 12 hours every Saturday is a fairly long time to be out but I think I speak on behalf of all the lads when I say thanks for putting up with us and supporting us!
Finally I’d like to thank the players. It’s been an absolute pleasure to captain each and every one this season. I hope you have all enjoyed it as much as I have and remember We Go Again! Thanks lads, see you in the Prem!!!!
Tom Greaves, Club Captain, “Leader”, “Legend”, RCC.
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2nd XI REPORT 2019
The 2019 season for the Reed 2nd XI was an extremely successful one. The record reads Played 18, Won 15, Lost 1, No Result 2. The only game we lost was against a strong Hitchin side when we were missing a number of players. The team really benefitted from much stronger availability throughout the club, which allowed a core group of players to play the majority of games for the 2s and build a really strong morale and winning mentality. The game for me that really highlighted this mentality was at home against Hitchin, when we managed to post a respectable 225 from our 50 overs against a very accurate attack. Chasing that total Hitchin were cruising at drinks at 100-1. However we turned the game around with 3 run outs and a brilliant one-handed catch on the boundary from Phil Frenay, to end up winning by 20 runs. To add to this core group of players we also had the addition of James Sandford who had a very successful first season averaging 50 with the bat and taking some useful wickets.
The first game of the season against Holtwhites set the tone for the campaign where we asked to bat first on a wet wicket but everyone contributed to get us to a score of over 200. We then managed to bowl them out for 120 with the wickets shared out. Our winning formula for the season from then was to bat first, score over 200 and restrict the opposition in the second innings.
The second game of the season we bowled out bottom of the table strugglers Sawbridgeworth for 75 with Matt Giblin taking 5 wickets and knocked it off for 1 wicket with Phil Frenay scoring an unbeaten 50. A few games later we played Stevenage and it was another wet Saturday, the visitors really didn’t want to play the game but with the help of Robbo we were able to get the game on we scored 250 in 40 overs with Mitch Cooper scoring 50 off 21 balls and Ed Garrott a run-a-ball 50. Perhaps one of the strangest games of the season came at home against Flamstead where a depleted side proceeded to smash 160 all out off 26 overs, we were able to chase it 1 down with Richard Barlow and Phil Frenay hitting 50s.
The reverse fixture at Holtwhites saw us amass a score of 300 runs. Chris Jackson scored his second consecutive century and Mitch Cooper smashed a 50 and went on to pick up 4 wickets as we won by 200 runs. Stevenage away saw us score our highest score of the season of 320 runs with Chris Jackson and James Sandford scoring centuries. By this point in the season we knew we needed to win every game, a crucial game was at home against Northampton Exiles where we reduced to 27-3, however Phil Frenay dug in for 81 and George Garrott hit a quick fire 50, steering us to 225 from 50 overs and we went on to win the game by 30 runs. Flamstead away is always a tricky fixture and the home team were going well until Karl Ward produced a brilliant 10 over spell taking 5 wickets, in a tricky chase Reed went onto win by 6 wickets. The final game of the season at home to Ampthill ended in unfortunate circumstances for Rupert Martin who broke his finger, the match turned out to be the closest of the season with Reed winning by 7 runs in the final over.
Overall it was an extremely enjoyable and successful season and I know the players are looking forward to the challenge of Division 3B next year, where again we hope to be able to compete for the title. A few highlights to go along with the cricket was Matt Bowles dropping the simplest catch ever to win the match against Watford then claiming it was a bump ball, it must be added he had taken 5 wickets prior to this. Matt (T-Rex) Giblin running in at Ampthill to the Jurassic Park theme tune and in the same game Matt Bowles bowling to the tune of the Greatest Showman (it was the Ampthill Music Festival).
Finally I would like to say thanks to everyone that help provided teas and to Paul Watts for Umpiring, Neil Haslam for scoring and Richard Robertson & Peter Wholley for preparing the pitches.
Top Performers:
Batting
* Chris Jackson – 707 runs @101
• Phil Frenay – 431 runs @47
• James Sandford- 311 runs @52
Bowling
* Matt Bowles – 26 wickets @13
• Ed Garrott – 16 wickets @17
• Matt Giblin – 16 wickets @22
Ed Garrott, Captain, RCC Second XI.
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3rd XI REPORT 2019
After being relegated from Division 9A to 10A, the 3rds had aspirations of getting promoted out of 10A at the first time of asking with better availability of players for the 2019 season. Unfortunately we missed out on promotion by 2 points to Bushey 3rds on the last game of the season to finish 4th. The 3’s had a good record in the league: winning 10, losing 6 with one of those being conceded and 2 no results.
The 3’s got off to a good start to the season by thrashing Frogmore at home, bowling them out for 41 and knocking it off without losing a wicket. In the second game the 3’s came up against Southgate Compton who inflicted their first loss of the season. In the third game, we came up against Bentley Heath who scored 310 at Freman College, which looked too much for Reed to chase. However, Reed were able to chase down the target in 40 overs thanks to centuries from Mike Robertson and George Garrott. The 3’s then didn’t play again for three weeks because of a conceded game due to the lack of availability and one game getting rained off. The 3’s then took on Bushey at home where they won a tight game, chasing down 207. We then played Hoddesdon away who inflicted Reed’s second loss of the season. Reed then went on a three-game winning run, beating Rickmansworth, Ickleford and Frogmore. Notable mentions for Richard Johnson’s century against Ickleford and another century from Mike Robertson against Frogmore. This put Reed in a good position for promotion. We then came unstuck against Southgate Compton again losing by 30 runs, but it was a good team performance with only 10 players. Reed then had another cancelled game due to the weather, so the week after, we took on West Herts and we convincingly beat them. We then travelled to Holtwhite Trinibis where we lost due to a poor fielding display, but there was a notable performance by Owen Hughes scoring his first “adult” fifty. This result put a dent in our promotion push. We then got back-to-back wins against Bushey and Hoddesdon, knowing that winning our last two games would get us promoted. However, in the next game we lost a tight game against Rickmansworth, putting Reed’s chances of promotion slim. In the final game of the season we needed to win and Bushey to lose. We took on Ickleford and won the game but Bushey beat Bentley Heath and denied the 3’s promotion.
Throughout the season the 3rds played with good spirit, with all bowlers and batsmen contributing to the team’s cause. I would like to thank everyone that has made teas for us this year, being done to the usual high standard. I would also like to thank Richard Robertson for the good pitches we have played on at Freman Oval this year and also Paul Garrott and Peter Baker helping pick the teams and with administrative tasks.
My hopes for the 2020 season are to get the 3’s promotion from 10A, hopefully as champions.
Rhodri Hughes, Captain, RCC Third XI.
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SUNDAY XI REPORT 2019
Given the club’s Village Cup run this season, fixtures for the Sunday XI were few and far between. Nonetheless, the fixtures we did manage to squeeze into a busy schedule for the club were played in a competitive yet light-hearted manner.
The majority of the squads that were put out included a vast mix of youth and experience. In particular, it was great to see several of the Reed Colts beginning their adult cricketing experience – particularly the likes of William Archer and William Green – both of whom did not look a foot out of place, and doing incredibly well through making significant contributions in the fixtures they took part in. Having also been involved in the Colts coaching set-up this year, I am incredibly confident that this is an early indication of the level of talent that we can start to filter through into the Sunday XI and subsequently the Saturday 3rd XI within the next couple of seasons.
As is often the case, there were several individual performances that warrant a mention. Most notably, Toby Fynn – a man predominantly renowned for his ability with the ball in the Saturday 1st XI – kicked the season off in very much the same vein of form he displayed towards the tail-end of the 2018 season. His century against Little Hadham was applauded heavily by all in attendance. As well as this, both William Archer and William Green – as already mentioned – made some superb contributions with the ball, proving to be among the most economical bowlers in the side, going at 5.20 and 4.50 runs per over, respectively.
As always, the Sunday fixtures drew the support of several familiar faces. The atmosphere created by these individuals is somewhat fantastic – creating a hospitable, friendly environment, making the club a welcoming place for the home players, visitors, and any families that may venture up to watch the games. I therefore feel that all of these individuals that showed their support to the Sunday XI throughout the season heavily deserve a mention.
To conclude, several special thanks are required for certain individuals. Thanks go to Bethan Smith for providing teas for the Sunday XI throughout the season on behalf of myself, as well as all the players that consumed them. Many thanks also go to club groundsman, Richard Robertson, who put countless hours into preparing pitches for fixtures to be played on, which were commended by all of the opposing teams that visited The Green this season. Finally, thanks go to both Rhodri Hughes and Matt Giblin, who stood in as captains for the games I was unable to play.
It has been a pleasure to captain each and every player that turned out for the Sunday XI this year, and I am very much excited for winter nets (dates and location TBC) and preparations for the upcoming season.
Rob Lankester, Captain, RCC Sunday XI.
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COLTS’ LIAISON OFFICER’S REPORT 2019
I have really enjoyed taking on the role of Reed CC Colts Liaison Officer this season. This is of course a position that Cilla Robertson held for many years, making it a big role to fill! Thank you to Cilla for her many years of hard work and dedication.
It has been a very successful season for Reed CC Colts. With the numbers in all age groups growing, hosting our Cricket World Cup Day and now fielding fixtures for 4 teams for which one went unbeaten all season! The All Stars programme is continually growing each year and ran at full capacity. With positive feedback from parents on the sessions, thank you to Graham Aldridge and the team.
I would also like to thank all the Colts Managers for their hard work throughout the season. It is key we have committed and engaging Colts Managers and we were very fortunate to benefit from this last season. Thanks also to our dedicated Coaching Coordinator Richard Barlow and the coaching team for continuing to run fun and engaging training sessions with increasing numbers. Despite the demands of his job as a PE teacher Richard continues to bring the benefits of this experience and enthusiasm to the Colts section.
We are also incredibly lucky to play at such a well-kept ground, thank you very much to Richard Robertson for all his hours of work that go into preparing the ground and pitches for our 4 teams.
The refreshments/bacon rolls/ice-cream(!) stall not only was a welcome addition for hungry/thirsty parents and children but has helped contribute to our coaching costs each week. Thank you again to Vicky Green and Cath Tallis for all their hard work each week running this rain or shine!
Thank you to all the parents that have helped with the scoring (especially Ruth Vincent), having done this myself on several occasions, it isn’t an easy task! Thanks to parents for all the help with refreshments/setting/clearing up on match days. This is much appreciated and helps make Reed such a friendly and welcoming club to belong to.
We are looking forward to continuing to grow our squads and their successes next season fielding more teams and welcoming current and new members for training commencing in April.
Hannah Heslam, Colts’ Liaison Officer, RCC.
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The Under 9 (1) Team (Unbeatables/Invincibles) had a fantastic season. Following their exposure to under 9s cricket last season, it might seem strange at such a young age still a year or more below the age range but there was somewhat of a high expectation. The fact they went on to do quite so well winning all 7 of their matches including the double over Bishop’s Stortford pleasantly surprised us all and owed not just to their talent in bowling, batting, fielding but also their team spirit and game awareness. It was a pleasure to be attached to them all this year. Each game they gave 100% but enjoyed each other’s company. The big difference from the previous season was the significant improvement in batting no doubt largely due to their age with top run scorer Ethan Fox (122 runs) leading the way to the side frequently posting 300 plus scores. His efforts were well supported by Josh Heslam (95 runs) and all of the squad backing things up running well in partnerships, taking the ‘cheeky run’ and smashing many boundaries of their own. With the ball we frequently dominated with only one side scoring over 50 net runs against us. Josh Heslam led the way with 9 wickets and remarkably younger brother 6 year-old Eddie with 7 wickets. A full breakdown of the team’s statistics for the season are copied below which clearly show what a fantastic team effort it was from all who played. The fielding was outstanding with countless catches and direct hit runs outs notably in the final game of the season where there was a sense of amazement from the parents watching on both sides at the fielding performance the boys put in that day. Next season leaves various paths open to all of the children in their next season of development and there is no doubt the future is bright for them and the club if we can keep hold of them!
James Heslam, U9 (1) Colts Manager, RCC.
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The Under 9 (2) Team were mainly from players new to cricket, ex All-Stars or had played the odd game in the previous season. All bar one of the boys were under 8 and we had 3 older girls but they all played brilliantly together. All in all we had a great season with lots of fun and friendships made. We lost some games early season but in the 2nd half of the season every single player improved their performances and all the players turned in to real all-rounders in batting, bowling and fielding.
I think my highlights from the season were;
• Luke’s team talk in the home changing room
• Some huge boundaries from Henry
• Always the smile and the hi five that Lily gave when she got a wicket
• Ollie who always bowled a killer last over of the game, which won us alone 2 games
• Most the team coming to the Village Cup semi-final and final
• The end of season’s parents and kids game
I guess we may lose some of our players to the Under 11s next year and if we do it will prove how much they all improved over the season. However if they all stayed as a team in 2020, I could see us going unbeaten all season.
It was an absolute pleasure coaching and managing a squad of lovely kids who listened and wanting to improve, who all had great parents who were always happy to help with anything before, during or after the game – so thank you.
Simon Jackson, U9 (2) Colts Manager, RCC.
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The Under 11 Team:
This season was always likely to be a bit of a transitional one for the Under 11s age group as a lot of players moved up to the Under 13s and a number of new predominantly young and inexperienced players joined the squad. Having said that, the children had a season I believe they can be proud of and one that has given a number of them some excellent exposure to hard ball cricket at U11s level. Nigel Cook who managed over half of their games commented as follows; “The way this group of cricketers conducted themselves this year was fantastic. The results they achieved were not perhaps what they wanted, but in time with more cricket all 23 players will develop and their enthusiasm and enjoyment of the game never faltered. The standout player Daniel Vincent almost took them to a couple of victories but they just fell short on many occasions. However, in all games, the team did various aspects well, they just needed a bit of luck and joining together their talents in harmony. When they batted well, they were let down either bowling or in the field and when the bowling was strong they lost wickets in bat! The spirit of the game was always great, they listened and took on board advice and in training they all tried to develop their game, with more matches and success they will come on leaps and bounds next year.” Thanks must also go to the clubs coaches who brought the children on this season and ran a number of the matches to help the age group without a full-time manager for the season.
James Heslam & Nigel Cook, U11 Colts Managers, RCC.
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The Under 13 Team:
It was a tough season for the U13s playing in the Cambridgeshire premier league. The cricket was of a very high standard and although we competed in most games we ended up losing all 10 of them. We were hampered by inconsistent availability, partially because of injury (Sam Osborne missed 5 league games because of this) and if this is rectified next year, we should do much better.
One win and one loss in the Cup and one win and one loss in the Herts summer league and an exciting tie in a friendly against a strong City of Cambridge side.
6 of our players have been selected for Cambridgeshire county age group squads next year (Sam Osborne U14, Charlie Walters, Eden Scott and Olu Agbola U13, William McIntosh and James Mitchell U11).
Ian Osborne, U13 Colts Manager, RCC.
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