2007 Review
Back to
2007 Review Index
Under 13s
XI Report
Click on picture to enlarge
The 2007 season started well for the
Under 13’s. Net sessions were well attended from the outset and it was
evident that the team would be competitive in the league. The team was
well led by their captain Bethan Moorcraft and ably supported by an
enthusiastic group of young men.
Following an abandoned opening match,
wins against Lisvane and Penarth saw Cowbridge well positioned in the top
half of the table. In both matches Bethan passed 30 not out and was well
supported by Sam Wood, Alex Kurobasa and Gethin Davies. Their
contributions posted competitive totals and the accurate bowling of Nick
Oakes, Tom Francis and George Brown assisted by the wily legspin of Gethin
Davies ensured victories.
However, cricket can be a funny old game
and it is better to learn this at a young age. We certainly did, as
unfortunately four defeats followed the successful start. Nonetheless,
this did not dampen the spirits of the team because despite the losses
there were good batting contributions from Matthew Goodlad and Michael
Barnett and notable bowling performances came from Christopher Brace, Sam
Wood (both under 11) and Alex Kurobasa. In addition, George Hawksworth, in
his first year as a wicket keeper, was improving every week with the
gloves. As those that have tried it will know, keeping wicket is probably
the hardest job in cricket and George was doing a fine job.
With a number of fixtures rearranged and
one abandoned due to the weather, there was a fair amount of disruption
throughout the season. However, the squad remained committed and keen and
were determined to return to their wining ways. Supported by a number of
enthusiastic parents, the team completed the season with two excellent
wins away to Cardiff and Lisvane. In the first of these two matches,
Cardiff were dismissed for just 40 in what was the best bowling and
fielding display from the team all summer. Bethan’s 24 not out, supported
by Alex Kurobasa ensured an eight wicket win.
At Lisvane, tight bowling from all the
bowlers, backed up by excellent fielding, restricted the opposition to 61.
In reply, the team got off to a good start and the spectators were
convinced a victory in the final game of the season would be a certainty.
However, four wickets fell quickly and the outcome was not quite so
predictable. Despite the middle order batting collapse, Nick Oakes,
Christopher Brace and Alex Kurobasa showed great maturity at the end of
the innings to secure a three wicket win. The team finished fourth in the
league – a very respectable position.
This was my first year coaching junior
cricket and was, at the beginning of the year, something I was very
apprehensive about. The thought of supervising twenty teenagers seemed a
daunting prospect but within a very short time, it was something I found
very enjoyable. The enthusiasm, excitement and willingness to learn by all
was a delight to witness and I am truly grateful to all the lads and their
leader Bethan for making my first year so enjoyable.
I must also thank Peter Hardwick for his
coaching assistance. His knowledge of cricket (and children!) made my job
so much easier and also my thanks go to all the parents for their support
throughout the summer. For those that assisted with transporting the team
to matches and providing the vocal support from the boundary, it was much
appreciated. Finally, I would like to thank Joanna Moorcraft and David
Wood for their assistance as scorers. It is a thankless task and a job
they undertook with a smile on their faces every time they were asked!
Thank you and good luck in 2008.
Jonathan
Smart
Under 13 Coach
Back to 2007 Review Index
