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2007 Review Index
Under 15s
XI Report
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It is difficult to find a balance
between offering boys the chance to develop their skills in a game
situation and also trying to win matches. Furthermore, the purpose of
coaching young lads cricket in my mind is to sell them a sport for life.
They will only buy into this ticket if they find that the game is
enjoyable. At 15 years there is a difference between winning and losing
and part enjoyment comes out of success. Winning creates team spirit and
camaraderie within a group of people. To balance all these issues needs
careful man handling and a good understanding between coach, captain and
players. This they had with two coaches and I thank David Harris for his
valued contribution.
Success was due to a two way interaction
– the coaches to the players and their response. I can also point out the
importance of supportive parents with real interest in the game of
cricket, and one especially David Lloyd who scored all the matches. My
thanks go to him and all the parents for their total support.
As statistics go, we played 9 matches,
won 8 and lost 1 (to St Fagans) and 1 was cancelled. We finished runners
up in the league and had to play St Fagans in the final – more of that
later. The turning point in the season came when we played Cardiff at home
and away in successive weeks. In the tightest of matches at Cardiff it was
the unsung hero Ben Homan and Dan McNee that hit the winning runs with 7
needed to win and only 3 balls remaining. They scored 5 off the next two
balls and still needed 2 from the last. Ben got a four. A match to be
remembered by all. The following week it was the regulars that demolished
Cardiff with 10 overs to spare. Mike Lloyd hit a retired 35, Jack Harris
8, Tom Howson 7, Adam Wood 13no, and Nick Davies 1no, to destroy the
opposition.
The season saw a mixture of year 9 and
year 10 pupils blend well into a good unit. “Senior” players Mike Lloyd,
Jack Harris and Nick Davies all played for the 1st XI were
supported by the “juniors” – Adam Wood, Alastair Brace, and Huw Moorcraft.
All the above were regular County School players. Nick in particular
bowled magnificently all season for us but more importantly for the County
and the 1st XI. We congratulate him on his Welsh Cap for the
Schools National team, an honour he deserved in a very successful National
side. In the league he was our most economical bowler gaining 12 wickets
at a cost of 9 runs and averaging only 11 runs per 4 overs bowled in each
game. Jack Harris and Mike Lloyd were our two run machines with Jack
averaging 48 and Mike 51 runs for the season.
The most improved player without
question was Adam Wood. He took over the wicket keeping duties when Jack
Johnson was injured and by the end of the season was an accomplished
performer. Other vital contributions came from Alastair Brace, Huw
Moorcraft, Tom Howson, Dan McNee, Ben Homan, Dewi Harris, George Teesdale,
Jack Johnson and Scott Coombes who all became aggressive fielders, which
was demonstrated in the final. The squad would like to thank for the
services of Under 13’s players Bethan Moorcraft, Sam Wood and also
Christopher Brace.
The Final – Once again our old
rival St Fagans. Both the School Under 15’s and Under 14’s had lost the
County finals to The Cathedral School made up mainly of the St Fagans
players. Mike Lloyd won the toss and put the opposition in. Andrew Leering
one of the hardest hitting bats I have seen at this level started like an
express train and 55 runs were scored from just 6 overs – a formidable
start. When Leering retired on 35, Chris Lowler and international Freddie
John were at the wicket but a fine catch by Ben Homan (AWAKE!) dismissed
Lowler off Jack Harris and another good catch by Nick Davies from the same
bowler turned the tables – 75 for 3 after 10 overs. Jack and Ben bowled
their best 4 overs of the season – Jack 3 for 11 and Ben 2 for 14 and with
Nick tight at the other end, taking 2 for 10, St Fagans were bowled out
for 99.
Needing 100 to win, Mike played the
captain’s role in anchoring the innings. Jack Harris went for 0 in the
second over and at 47 for 1 by the 9th over the match was going
to be a tight one. Adam Wood was out for 20 excellent runs but Nick Davies
followed quickly for a duck and then Mike retired on 35, leaving Cowbridge
effectively 52 for 4 in the 10th over. Huw Moorcraft (17) and
Alastair Brace (9) steered the team close but it was left to Tom Howson
and Dan McNee to hit the winning runs and victory with an over to spare.
Much to the relief of a large crowd
Cowbridge Under 15’s for successive seasons had stopped St Fagans winning
a clean sweep of the “A” finals. Well done boys for an excellent and
enjoyable season – keep playing!
Hugh Williams
Under 15 Coach
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