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| Under 11 Match Reports 2007 |
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Worthing Under 11’s Sussex Junior Cricket Festival Shield Report 2007
Winners!
An exceptional season for the U11’s culminated in an emphatic win in the Final of the U11s Sussex Junior Cricket Festival Shield. Despite the return of some less than seasonal weather for the Festival week, some good batting performances in trying conditions provided the key element for Worthing’s progression into the Final. With two wins, one draw and one game abandoned, the team secured sufficient points to see a Worthing side in a Festival Final for the first time in many a good year. This would prove to be the climax of a great season for this particular squad of players.
Festival Match 1 - Away to West Chiltington, Tuesday 21st August 2007
A damp and overcast day marked the start of Worthing U11’s Festival Week as they took on West Chiltington in their opening game. West Chiltington won the toss and put Worthing in to bat on a wet field. Despite the conditions, Worthing got off to an excellent start putting on 86 runs for the first wicket. The wet outfield helped to slow the run rate down encouraging Worthing to bat on to secure a total that couldn’t be passed. This decision, however, would prove critical later in the game.
Three wickets in the first six overs for just 10 runs ensured that West Chiltington were unlikely to reach the target set by Worthing. However, with the match out of reach, the lower order provided solid resistance which Worthing found difficult to breakdown. With overs running out, West Chiltington continued to hang on as the wickets started to fall. Jackson (18 not out) was the linchpin of West Chiltington’s rearguard action carrying his bat to the end. With one wicket still standing, the innings closed resulting in a winning draw for Worthing based on a faster run rate.
Worthing, 157 for 6 after 32 overs drew with West Chiltington 64 for 9 after 30 overs
Notable Performances:
Batting: Martyn Swift 50 Bowling: Nick Ballamy 3 for 12 Nick Ballamy 39 Nick Oxley 2 for 12 Mason Crane 22 Oliver Parker 2 for 1
Festival Match 2 – Away to Eastergate, Wednesday, 22nd August 2007
Worthing, 141 for 3 declared (after 26.1 overs) beat Eastergate by 79 Runs (62 All Out after 24.5 overs)
Another overcast day and another excellent first wicket stand of 69 saw Worthing off to a good start as they accumulated runs quickly. Nick Ballamy once again excelled with the bat in the middle order helping Worthing up to 141 for 3 wickets before Worthing declared in the 27th over. Keen to avoid a repetition of the drawn result yesterday, Worthing’s declaration would leave more overs to bowl at Eastergate in order to gain the outright win.
A heavy shower at tea delayed the start of Eastergate’s response which saw three wickets fall in the first over. Oliver Parker’s spell effectively saw the end of any challenge from Eastergate but despite this disastrous start, some good batting from Eastergate’s middle order; Murphy (17) and Stannard (16 not out), looked for a while that another draw might be in the offing. However, Nick Oxley bowling his own version of left arm leg-spin had other ideas as he picked up 3 wickets in 3 overs, and this time, with more overs at their disposal, Worthing would make sure of the win, taking the last wicket in the 25th over.
Notable Performances:
Batting: Nick Ballamy 28 not out Bowling: Oliver Parker 4 for 10 Martyn Swift 22 Nick Oxley 3 for 3
Festival Match 3 – Away to Arundel, Thursday, 23rd August 2007
Arundel, 91 all out (after 24.4 overs), Worthing 32 for 2 after 5.1 overs - Match Abandoned
An overcast and wet day saw continual interruptions to the day’s play before the game was finally abandoned just after six o’clock. Worthing elected to field making the most of the conditions, taking early wickets before the first bout of rain. On resumption of play, a fine onslaught from Sam Temple took Arundel along at a good rate before his dismissal on 49 effectively saw the end of Arundel’s innings. Despite the conditions, Worthing achieved some notable bowling performances and stuck to the task well in the field taking some good catches along the way.
After tea, with the weather closing in further, the rain became more persistent. Worthing lost two quick wickets before play was stopped for a second time. Two further interruptions in quick succession followed as Worthing slowly tried to re-build the innings but two injuries sustained by Arundel fielders in the wet conditions indicated that the field was no longer fit for play. With the batsmen struggling to see the ball in driving rain, the game was finally abandoned. A disappointing conclusion as the outcome of this match would have a significant bearing on the final group placings.
Notable Performances:
Batting: Nick Ballamy 20 not out Bowling: Martyn Swift 3 for 13 Oliver Parker 2 for 26
Festival Match 4 – Away to Goring, Friday, 24th August 2007
Goring, 27 all out (after 16 overs) lost to Worthing by 6 wickets (28 for 4 after 7.3 overs)
This was to be a short game against a Goring side that were missing some of their key players but who still managed to get an eleven together to play out the match. In an act of damage limitation, Goring chose to bat first and started brightly on a pitch that showed considerable bounce. However, two early wickets from Oliver Parker saw the departure of Goring’s top run-makers and the loss of any hope for Goring to build a creditable total.
Worthing made heavy weather of the short run chase losing 4 wickets in getting to the target with Lewry and Herbert each taking two wickets. It did give the opportunity for some of Worthing’s lower order batters to get some time at the crease which could prove valuable should the team make it to the Final. Worthing won the game in the 8th over at 4 o’clock but it would be five hours later before confirmation was received that Worthing would be playing Burgess Hill for the Shield on Sunday.
Notable Performances:
Batting: Matthew Isaacs 6 not out Bowling: Oliver Parker 3 for 8 Nick Oxley 2 for 2 James Neal 2 for 5
Final – v Burgess Hill at The Sidney West Centre, Burgess Hill, Sunday, 26th August 2007
Worthing, 161 for 7 (after 30 overs) beat Burgess Hill & St. Andrews by 75 runs (86 all out after 24.5 overs)
The Shield Final would be played on a glorious summer’s afternoon at the Sidney West Centre in Burgess Hill against Burgess Hill & St. Andrews. The Saints won the toss and chose to bat hoping to dominate the match with their bowling attack that had done well earlier in the week.
Worthing started brightly as Martyn Swift (9) played positively before being brilliantly caught by Beard at square leg off a leading edge. Worthing’s other opener, Oliver Parker (6), followed soon after bringing Nick Ballamy to the crease for what would prove to be a match winning innings. As Nick settled in, Burgess Hill made headway at the other end taking 3 quick wickets, S. Zafar (2 for 38) claiming two victims in two balls. With the game in the balance, Nick was joined at the crease by James Neal who played a fine and unprecedented supporting role, allowing Nick to dominate the innings with some fine stroke play. The 7th wicket partnership of 64 would ultimately turn the game Worthing’s way and by the time Thorpe (3 for 30) claimed the wicket of Nick Ballamy (62), the seasiders had already accrued a large total. Nick’s departure allowed James Neal to come to the fore who batted exceptionally well, eventually finishing on 32 not out; a fine innings for one of Worthing’s up and coming batsmen. He in turn was supported by Will Bardouleau (5 not out) who together, took Worthing’s total up to 161 after their allotted 30 overs.
With a large total to chase, Burgess Hill needed to find a partnership early on in the innings to give themselves a platform on which to build. Having chased the ball around the field in the hot sun for two hours, this was likely to be a tall order and so it proved. After a cautious start, two run outs, brilliantly set up in the field by Will Bardouleau, set the tone as Burgess Hill tried to force the pace. A wicket apiece from Martyn Swift and Nick Ballamy kept the Saints pegged back and when Burgess Hill captain, Owen Male, was out for the 6th wicket to a tired shot on 12, the game was effectively all over. The Anderson brothers got amongst the wickets as the innings moved through the middle and latter stages; Robbie (1 for 11) and Alex (2 for 7), making it a real family affair. Despite the inevitable outcome, Tagg (12) and S.Zafar (16) made some good runs for Burgess Hill in quick time towards the end but the return of Martyn Swift to the attack (finishing with figures of 2 for 22) was to see the last wicket fall on 86 in the 25th over; Worthing running out as convincing winners by 75 runs.
In Summary
This was truly a fine game to round off the season with another convincing win for Worthing’s U11s who played some outstanding cricket. Spearheaded by Worthing’s Man-of-the-Match, Nick Ballamy, everyone played their part both in the final and throughout the Festival Week; a tribute not just to their playing ability but to the team’s spirit and camaraderie that has been visibly present throughout the summer. The boys have been a joy to work with and we look forward to seeing you all again in 2008. Well done indeed.
League Summary:
7 wins from 7 games tells its own story as Worthing dominated the Arun & Chichester Shield League. Without really being troubled in any of their matches, Worthing U11s won the Shield by some margin and with one game to spare. The real strength of this squad is that it is made up of a group of players that bat and bowl in depth. In almost every game, the team would produce a number of good individual performances which would include different players from week to week. Having the luxury to turn to a number of players to take wickets and score runs is not something many teams can boast and this is something that the team can certainly take forward into next year. Something which we wouldn’t want to take forward was the weather which was about as bad as it could be. In the end, one game was lost but thanks to all the players and parents for their patience and willingness in supporting re-arranged games. Without your efforts we wouldn’t have had the success that we did.
The Management
Match 8 - Away to Goring
Not Played – Goring unable to raise team
Match 7 - Home to Eastergate, Friday 10th August, 2007
Worthing (142 All Out after 24.4 overs) beat Eastergate by 107 Runs (35 All Out after 21.4 overs)
Another convincing win for Worthing, playing an understrength Eastergate side, hit by the holiday season but who were still willing to make the journey over to the Manor Ground on this Friday evening. Eastergate won the toss and put Worthing in on a dry pitch (at last) in bright evening sunshine.
The Worthing innings was dominated by some powerful stroke play from Harry Dunn, who hit 7 boundaries on his way to 45. Going for his half century in the last over Harry was bowled out just shy of his fifty. At the other end, Harry was ably supported by Martyn Swift who made a steady 33 not out, while Charlie Chalaye made his top score for the team this season, putting 20 on the board while demonstrating some hard hitting shots himself. Eastergate’s bowlers stuck to the task well and showed some good form but with Worthing’s batsmen in dominant form, it was difficult to stop the runs flowing. Worthing were eventually All Out for 142 in the last over.
Martyn Swift (3 for 0) carried on with the ball from where he left off with the bat, clean bowling 3 of Eastergate’s top order in two overs. This gave Worthing the opportunity to share the bowling around and once again all ten outfield players had a chance to turn their arm. Five other bowlers were successful in claiming wickets and Nick Ballamy, Worthing’s U11 unofficial ‘Fielder of the Year’, made up for his first ball dismissal earlier, by claiming yet another run out from a direct throw. Opener R. Bateman showed solid resistance by batting almost right through the innings but when he was picked up by a smart low catch by Jamie Packer off the bowling of Matthew Isaacs, the end was nigh. Eastergate finally succumbed on 35 in the 22nd over.
Some good individual performances well supported by the rest of the team. Running between the wickets can still be described as over urgent at times but once again the fielding remained sharp, despite the chilly end to the evening.
Match 6 - Home to Goring, Sunday 29th July 2007
Goring, 56 All Out after 23.3 overs, lost to Worthing by 8 Wickets (57 for 2 after 18 overs)
A wet start to the day saw some early activity on the phone network. The match was hastily switched from the Manor Ground to Goring’s venue at Fernhurst Drive, taking advantage of their all-weather strip. And in what seemed like no time, Worthing had won the toss and duly put Goring into bat.
Goring, clearly a developing side, made steady progress early on, with none of Worthing’s top order bowlers able to make a significant breakthrough. A run out and a single wicket for Harvey Von Biel (1 for 6) were Worthing’s only early successes. A steady stream of wides helped to keep the score moving along before Mason Crane opened up Goring’s middle order, taking two quick wickets in the middle of the innings, completing with figures of 3 for 1. Nick Oxley (1 for 8) took his first wicket for Worthing U11s while Matthew Isaacs also took his first wickets of the season finishing on 2 for 10. Anstead batted steadily for Goring, top scoring with 12 before his dismissal saw the close of the innings with the score on 56.
In response, Worthing started cautiously against some measured bowling. Lewry opened the attack for Goring returning 4 overs for 3 runs in his spell, supported by Clarke (1 for 15) who bowled Oliver Parker, Worthing’s first victim, for 10 in the 6th over. Harvey Bevan (14) was unluckily run out at the non-strikers end backing up; Adams using his boot to good effect, deflecting the ball on to the stumps off a well hit drive by Nick Ballamy. Nick Ballamy himself went on to complete his innings, retiring on 17 leaving Mason Crane (8 no) and Jamie Packer (3 no) to take Worthing over the line, completing the Worthing innings on 57 for 2 in exactly 18 overs.
It was good to see some of the developing bowlers getting in amongst the wickets for a change; a sure indication that this squad of players has strength in depth and should look to do well in the future.
Match 5 - Home to Chichester B, Friday 22nd June 2007
Worthing, 140 for 4 after 22 overs, beat Chichester B, 92 for 5 after 22 overs, by 48 Runs
This re-arranged fixture from last month saw Worthing take on Chichester B for the 2nd time in 5 days. With the opposition held up in traffic, it was agreed to reduce the match to 22 overs per side. Chichester duly won the toss and put Worthing in on what looked a greenish wicket.
Worthing’s top order got off to what is fast becoming a customary flying start with 86 on the board after just 11 overs. Four batsmen had regulation retirements; Nicholas Ballamy (18 no), Jack Nicholson (17 no), Oliver Parker (16 no) and Martyn Swift (15 no), all enjoying a fair share of boundaries between them. However, 2 wickets in 2 balls from Chichester’s William Price (2 for 8) helped to put the brakes on Worthing’s progress. Nonetheless, some steady batting lower down the order, particularly from Robbie Anderson (11 no) and Louis Pakarian (11), his first innings for Worthing, helped Worthing up to 140 with the loss of 5 wickets at the end of their allotted overs.
After last week’s low score, Chichester batted with more determination this time round and put on a stubborn show to resist the Worthing attack with some straight batting. Lead by George Dempster (17 no) and Joe Dannat (15 no), Chichester accrued runs steadily during their innings. Oliver Parker (0 for 4) was unlucky not to take a wicket in his spell but Jack Nicholson compensated by taking a smart catch behind the stumps off the bowling of Harvey Bevan. Freddie Burgess (13) and Ken Merrit (10) kept the score ticking over for Chichester, but a brilliant run out from a direct throw by Jamie Packer and a late burst of quick bowling from Martyn Swift returning figures of 2 for 2, rounded off the innings in the gathering gloom on 92 for 5 after the stipulated 22 overs.
With everyone bowling and nearly all batting, this was another good team performance with all the players making a contribution of some sort – well done. And on a personal note, I would like to thank Mark for stepping in to help with the umpiring - you’ve no idea how much trouble you saved me.
Match 4 - Away to Chichester B, Sunday 17th June 2007
Chichester B, 48 All Out, lost to Worthing by 6 Wickets, (49 for 4 after 13 overs)
After a heavy early morning shower followed by further discussion on the state of the weather at the Manor Ground, the U11s finally set off for Oaklands Park for their fixture against Chichester B. Chichester B, are an U11s team in waiting, made up exclusively of U10s. With some of their stronger players on Area duty, they were likely to be up against it, facing an ever improving Worthing side.
Chichester won the toss and chose to bat on what was, not surprisingly, a damp wicket which yielded some low bounce. With some straight bowling, Worthing soon took advantage and the wickets began to fall. Oliver Parker (2 wickets for 0 runs), Nick Ballamy (2 for 13) and Julie Payne (2 for 8) all took a pair, clean bowling each of their victims. Freddie Burgess lead the way for Chichester with the bat scoring 20 not out and Price (8), Gibbons (1) and Duggal (6) all showed stout resistance in keeping the Chichester innings alive before the last man was out with the Total on 48, at the end of the 20th over.
With a low total to chase, Worthing gave some of their lower order batsmen a chance to bat up the innings. Harvey Bevan wielded his new Harrow to great effect, clubbing his way to all parts of the ground before retiring on 15 not out. Harvey Von Biel (8), Robbie Anderson (9 no) and Jamie Packer (6 no), also found the boundary on at least one occasion. Jack Nicholson was to be the unlucky batsman to miss out in the innings; run out without facing a ball. In the end it was Robbie Anderson who hit the winning run to see Worthing home for a quick victory in the 13th over.
Chichester generously played on to give all of the Worthing batsmen some time in the middle. Another strong win for the U11s who are starting to show they are ready to step up to the next level.
Match 3 - Away to West Chiltington, Saturday 9th June 2007
Worthing, 161 for 7 after 25 overs, beat West Chiltington, 127 All Out, by 34 Runs
Another fine morning and the delightful setting of West Chiltington Recreation Ground saw Worthing U11s record their third straight win of the season. Playing on a synthetic wicket and heavy overnight dew, Worthing won the toss and chose to bat first in what would prove a high scoring match.
With such a wet outfield, both bowling and fielding were likely to be difficult early on and Worthing got off to a flying start reaching almost 100 before the first wicket went down. Five of the first six batsmen had regulation retirements, some going on to score later in the innings. Martyn Swift (26 no), Nick Ballamy (19), Oliver Parker (17), Jack Nicholson (16 no), his first innings for Worthing, and Robbie Anderson (15 no) were the principle scorers. However, West Chiltington kept about their business and took some well deserved wickets in the latter stages of the innings. Tavares (2 for 28) and Hasler (2 for 22) were the pick of the West Chiltington bowlers but Worthing still managed a healthy score of 161 for 7 after their allotted 25 overs.
Undaunted, West Chiltington, got their innings off to a good start also. At 59 for 2 after just 10 overs they were up with the chase. Kirkland (28 no), Tavares (27) and Brittle (15) lead the way with some attacking batting and but for some unfortunate Run Outs, West Chiltington may have closer to Worthing’s total. In the end, 2 wickets each from Robbie Anderson (2 for 5), including a good catch in the gully by Harvey Bevan, Jamie Packer (2 for 19) and Oliver Parker (2 for 21) were enough to see Worthing home; the innings coming to a close in the 24th over with West Chiltington finally all out on 134.
Congratulations to all the boys and to Harvey von Biel playing his first game for the team. A well deserved victory in a well fought match played in good spirit by both sides.
Match 2 - Away to Eastergate, Sunday 3rd June 2007
Worthing, 88 All Out, beat Eastergate, 71 All Out, by 17 Runs
After a wet May, the U11s were at last able to play their second match of the season, away to Eastergate on what proved to be a glorious sunny morning down at ‘The Sports Field’.
Eastergate won the toss and put Worthing in on a pitch that had significant variable bounce and which was noticeably different from either end. Batting was always going to be a patient task on this wicket and Worthing’s opening batsmen, Oliver Parker (16) and Harry Dunn (17), lead the way with a superb opening stand before both were retired out. At 48 without loss, Worthing held a strong position but the middle order showed less patience and wickets fell quickly. Eastergate’s bowlers; Bateman, Smith and Kemp, all picked up a couple of wickets as Worthing fell away to 88 All Out after 23.2 overs. The total could have been even less had Eastergate taken some sharp run out chances.
In reply, Worthing bowled tightly early on which kept Eastergate down to just 23 after 10 overs. Oliver Parker’s spell of 3 overs, 2 runs for 1 wicket, was particularly impressive, bowling his own brand of off/leg spin combinations. The wickets began to fall as the run chase ensued but some loose bowling and fielding in the second half of the innings let Eastergate back into the game. N.Green (21 not out) gave his team a fighting chance of pulling off a victory as the game moved towards its conclusion. However, Worthing’s opening bowlers returned to claim the last 3 wickets; Nick Ballamy finishing on 3 for 17 with Eastergate finally All Out for 71 after 23 overs.
Another good win for the U11s but still some things to work on – running between wickets and running the bat in are likely to figure highly in Tim’s Monday night work out.
Match 1 - Home to West Chiltington & Thakeham, Sunday 29th April 2007
West Chiltington, 42 All Out lost to Worthing by 7 Wickets (44 for 3 after 9 overs)
It’s been a while since Worthing Colts have run an U11s team and their first game back didn’t disappoint. Worthing won the toss and chose to field on what was a dry sunny morning at the Manor Ground. West Chiltington, fielding an U11s side for the first time in the Arun & Chichester league, were missing some key players, particularly in the batting department and this began to show early on as Worthing got on top with some accurate bowling. Brittle (9) and Kirkland (6) steadied the ship with some positive batting but Worthing closed out the innings in a flurry with the last wicket falling on the last ball of the allotted 20 overs with the score on 42. Harry Dunn (2 for 7) and Alex Anderson (3 for 0) were the principle wicket takers but everyone played their part in the bowling department with all 10 outfield players getting a chance to turn their arm. The fielding was also of very high order, topped by Mason Crane’s direct throw for a run out early on.
With a relatively low total to chase, Worthing were able to reach the target in comfort. Hasler (2 for 13) gave Worthing an early fright taking two quick wickets for West Chiltington but Harry Dunn (18 retired not out) and Mason Crane (7 not out) saw Worthing home, with Mason hitting the winning runs after just 9 overs.
An excellent start to the U11s campaign who’s players now represent the makings of a very good side.
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