Reflections on the u11 Season (2011)

Lilleshall’s under 11 cricketers have completed an all-conquering season, winning all of their eleven matches. Led by ever-present skipper and wicketkeeper Elliot Evlyn-Bufton, they started their season winning their first six matches in the pairs format of the game. The pick of these games was undoubtedly the defeat of Allscott when Joe Trickett scored the winning run off the very last ball of the game.

And it was the same story when they switched to the Twenty20 version with five more victories in even more convincing fashion as they out-batted and out-bowled their rivals.

Resounding victories against Shifnal and Wellington owed much to the outstanding batting of Joe Trickett and Elliot Evlyn-Bufton, while Sam Mottershead stole the show in the hard-fought win against Much Wenlock with a hard-hitting 25 not out.  As well as displaying his prowess with the bat, Elliot took ten catches and pulled off eight stumpings.  In total, 19 players represented the club through the season with outstanding contributions by Charlie Conquest, Will Beech, Ben Downward, Ben Buchan, Nathan Colcough and Will Lucas while Dan Bate, Harry Maddox, Thomas Brown, Tryfan Evans, Jake Leonard, Felix Price, Charlie Gamble, David Holdroyd and Connor Steele all left their mark on the games they played.

Their results were as follows:

Pairs Format (teams start with 200 runs and five runs are deducted for every wicket lost)

Lilleshall 289-3, Shifnal 247-7 (Will Beech 3 wickets); Lilleshall won by 42 runs.
Lilleshall 288-4 (Charlie Conquest 15), Wellington 256-8 (Sam Mottershead 2 wickets); Lilleshall won by 32 runs.
Allscott 273-5 (Nathan Colcough 2 wickets), Lilleshall 269-4; Lilleshall won by 1 run.
Lilleshall 330-3 (Ben Buchan 21, Ben Downward, 18), Albrighton 293-6 (Will Lucas, Nathan Colcough 2 wickets each); Lilleshall won by 52 runs.
Much Wenlock 255-9 (Charlie Conquest 3 wickets), Lilleshall 262-4; Lilleshall won by 32 runs.
Newport 254-9, Lilleshall 295-8 (Charlie Conquest 15); Lilleshall won by 26 runs.

Twenty20 Format

Shifnal 77 (Joe Trickett, Will Lucas 2 wickets each), Lilleshall 78-0 (Elliot Evlyn-Bufton and Joe Trickett both not out); Lilleshall won by 10 wickets.
Wellington 88-7 (Will Beech 3 wickets), Lilleshall 90-1 (Elliot Evlyn-Bufton 25 retired NO and Joe Tricket 26 retired NO); Lilleshall won by 9 wickets.
Allscott 86-4, Lilleshall 89-3 (Elliot Evlyn-Bufton 15); Lilleshall won by 7 wickets.
Lilleshall 94-2 (Elliot Evlyn-Bufton 30 retired NO, Joe Trickett 30 retired NO), Albrighton 46 all out (Joe Trickett 4 wickets, Sam Mottershead 2 wickets); Lilleshall won by 8 wickets.
Much Wenlock 93 all out (Will Lucas 2 wickets), Lilleshall 94-2 (Sam Mottershead 25 retired NO, Elliot Evlyn-Bufton 20 NO); Lilleshall won by 8 wickets.

 

September 19, 2011   Posted in: Uncategorized  No Comments

Junior Presentation 2011

Once again Lilleshall parents and juniors enjoyed an excellent evening at our presentation night. Apologies to those for whom the main trophies had not been returned in time – we will be chasing those down just as soon as we can.

Thanks to all those who helped make this evening a great success and congratulations to all the award winners as listed below.

Winners were as follows:

  • Best u10 Player  – Connor Steele
  • u11 Batting – Elliot Evlyn-Bufton
  • u11 Bowling – Joseph Trickett
  • u11 Most Improved Overall – Charlie Conquest
  • u13 Batting – Ian Holdroyd
  • u13 Bowling – Jake Mottershead
  • u13 Fielding – Callum Leech
  • u13 Most Improved Overall – Joshua NcCormick
  • u13 Most Improved Batting – Callum Leech
  • u13 Most Improved Bowling – Jordan Hughes-Harvey
  • u15 Batting – Matthew Evans
  • u15 Bowling – James Gant
  • u15 Fielding – Maxwell Jones
  • u15 Most Improved Overall – Christian Hine
  • u15 Most Improved Batting – Ryan Ball
  • u15 Most Improved Bowling – Ryan Dawes
  • Coaches Award – Charlie Walsh
  • Chairman’s Award – David Holdroyd

Special Recognition Awards for Contribution Outside the Club

  • Each u11 squad member received a commemorative medal and a framed copy of the Newport Advertiser article detailing their league topping unbeaten record for the season – congratulations to the entire squad and to their coaches.
  • In recognition of selection for Shropshire County u13  girls squad at the age of just 9 – Megan Trickett

Thanks once again to all the coaches and parents who worked so hard and turned out in their numbers to make this event a successful one and to Vikki from the Traditional Buffet Co for the catering.

Photo Gallery

September 18, 2011   Posted in: Uncategorized  No Comments

A Monumental Challenge

I know what you’re thinking – a 2k run – how hard can it be?  And with such naive optimism, I convinced my 13 year old that a little jog around Lilleshall would do neither of us any harm. So after a good breakfast we set off – on bikes – to cycle the short distance from home (Muxton) to the cricket club.  Climbing the hill into the village was our first obstacle but we just about made it without having to get off and walk (apologies to any car drivers that needed to give us a wide berth as we clawed our way up the hill).

Arriving in good time we found Senior Coach Pete Maltby masquerading as a Steward (in order to avoid running) and other non-competing stalwarts of Lilleshall CC were also in attendance.  Undeterred, we headed off to register and were soon back for some pre-race banter.  By now the runners were arriving thick and fast, an eclectic mix of young and old it’s fair to say.

Soon we were ready for Rachel’s superb aerobics warm-up session which had us joining in (some more enthusiastically than others) in an effort to coax some life into our muscles.  As the start time approached, we were ushered to the start line (towards the back of the grid) and I looked around anxiously for a St John’s Ambulance – just in case - but failed to spot one!

With the minimum of ceremony it was under starter’s orders and we were off – as the klaxon sounded and everyone dashed forward.  We settled into a comfortable pace as we did a circuit of the ground and then headed over the stile and down hill across some tricky terrain.  Easy going – this was going to be fine after all.  Even the gentlest of inclines didn’t faze us as we kept up with the leading group and turned towards the hill.  Running up Lilleshall Hill however was not going to happen – as runners started to go past us we elected for a brisk walk to the summit – although we were briefly encouraged to run by the sight of Pete Maltby near the top as we jogged past and gave him a dousing with our water bottles as we went by.

Soon we were on the downhill section and here my young son came into his own as he sprinted down the slope towards the finish line with me a few yards behind to claim our certificates and record our times.

A bottle of water and a hot dog each later we were well on the road to recovery, completed – in my case – by a life-saving cuppa!  We watched the ‘serious’ runners head off on the 10k and headed for home with the long free wheel down Lilleshall Bank making the prospect of the return journey a lot less strenuous.

Roll on next year.

 

March 27, 2011   Posted in: Uncategorized  No Comments

Junior Presentation 2010

Once again Lilleshall parents and juniors enjoyed an excellent evening at our presentation night. Apologies to those for whom the main trophies had not been returned in time – we will be chasing those down just as soon as we can.

Thanks to all those who helped make this evening a great success and congratulations to all the award winners as listed below.

Winners were as follows:

  • Best u10 Player  – Nathan Colclough
  • u11 Batting – Ian Holdroyd
  • u11 Bowling – Joseph Trickett
  • u11 Most Improved Overall – Eathan Rodwell
  • u13 Batting – James Hudson
  • u13 Bowling – Ryan Ball
  • u13 Fielding – Talal Ahmad
  • u13 Most Improved Overall – Matthew Hornby
  • u13 Most Improved Batting – Christian Hine
  • u13 Most Improved Bowling – Jacob Meeson-White
  • u15 Batting – Jack Pierce
  • u15 Bowling – Peter Coombes
  • u15 Fielding – Maxwell Jones
  • u15 Most Improved Overall – James Gant
  • u15 Most Improved Batting – Tom Lowe
  • u15 Most Improved Bowling – Stephen Evans
  • Coaches Award – - Elliot Evelyn-Bufton
  • Chairman’s Award – Jack Pierce

Special Recognition Awards for Contribution Outside the Club

  • Representing England (v Wales) at u10 Disabled Cricket – William Beech
  • In recognition of selection for Shropshire County u13 Squad and one of the leading run scorers – Thomas Mackriel

Thanks once again to all the parents who worked so hard to make this event a successful one

Photo Gallery

October 31, 2010   Posted in: Uncategorized  No Comments

A Tale of Youth vs Experience

So to round off the U13 season there was much anticipation for the ‘grudge match’ of the year;  the ultimate test of youth against experience, athleticism versus ‘seen better days or’ namely The Annual Lads V Dads’ match!  It wasn’t about life and death, it was far more important than that!  It was a battle royal; a battle to end all battles; a battle for ultimate bragging rights, but who would prevail – Lads or Dads – only time would tell.

The 5th September dawned dry and clear, fixture congestion meant an early 9.30am start to avoid a clash with the Annual Charity Match in the afternoon and the weather looked set fair at the start as it remained warm and dry. The match was a 20 over, ten-a-side affair after Matt and Paul Hornby had to pull out at the last minute due to illness.  So under the leadership of Simon Mackriel, the Dads took on the might of a mixed junior squad including the current u15, u13 and u11 skippers, a county player and three District squad members – a dazzling array of young and athletic cricketing talent.  The Dads were nursing at least two bad backs and a bad leg – clearly the Dad’s didn’t have a prayer.

So with 10 players on each side, the Dads invited the Lads to bat first.  The Lads insisted on playing proper cricket rather than pairs cricket so the scene was set for a battle of epic proportions.  The match was fixed at 20 overs a side and Dads would be encouraged to bowl at their offspring and vice-versa.

Ian Holdroyd and Hannah Maltby strode out into the middle to open the batting for ‘The Lads’ and Holdroyd Senior bowled an excellent first over at his son with Ian getting off the mark with an excellent cover drive from the fourth ball of the over.  Hannah played with an excellent straight bat and defended resolutely to keep out the tame bowling of Mackriel Senior in the second over with Mackriel claiming a bad back and old age for his poor form.

However, it was not until the fourth over that the first wicket fell as Hannah was cruelly bowled by the ‘villain of the piece’ coach Andrew Ball, who was bowling with more swing than a 60’s disco.  The fall of the first wicket brought Talal Ahmad to the crease and he immediately made an impact playing aggressively and scoring freely from the bowling of his father.

However, in the next over confusion reigned as a call for a quick single backfired and Mackriel Senior removed the bails at the non-strikers end to run out Ian Holdroyd after an impressive display from the U11 captain who scored 12 runs including 1 boundary.  U13 skipper Ryan Ball was next into bat, and was quickly off the mark forming a strong partnership with Talal.  Ryan stoutly defended a classic yorker from his Dad and was lucky not to lose his stumps after coming down the pitch and trying to hit his old man over the top for four, a mere layer of varnish was the margin of survival.

In an inspired bowling change by Skipper Mackriel Senior, Hudson Senior entered the attack and with the third ball of his first over Talal Ahmad was clean bowled by an excellent delivery for 15 runs including 2 boundaries.  The third wicket bought Charlie Walsh to the crease however, having played the ball into the off side which was well policed by Maltby Senior, he called for a suicidal run which wasn’t there and Ryan Ball, running from the non-strikers end, was duly run out for 8 runs including 1 boundary and a cheeky dilscoop over an astounded Steve Hine behind the stumps from the bowling of Rob Bagshaw.  Charlie was stumped soon after, coming down the wicket to Hudson Senior only for Rob Bagshaw crouched behind the stumps to remove the bails.  Charlie scored 13 runs including two boundaries.

New batsmen Chris Hine and James Hudson were running out of overs, but Chris decided attack was the best form of defence, and set about the bowling in some style.  A series of mighty blows including 4 boundaries and one enormous 6 saw him reach 25 runs in only 8 scoring shots after being dropped in the deep by veteran and Senior Coach Pete Maltby – to much applause and cheering from the balcony!  Chris was eventually bowled by Rob Bagshaw who handed over the wicket keeping gloves to Hine Senior.  Thomas Mackriel came in to bat as the ‘Lads’ looked to push the scoring on at the end of their innings and Thomas put in an impressive performance scoring 16 runs including boundaries before being brilliantly run out by a throw from Mackriel Senior with Steve Hine whipping off the bails.

That dismissal bought U15 captain Jack Pierce to the crease and he hit two enormous 6’s into the field off Maltby Senior putting on an unbeaten 16 with only three scoring shots.  James Hudson also finished unbeaten on 8 runs including 1 boundary.  Ziyad Azam did not bat but the Lads finished with a total of 131 runs for 7 wickets off their 20 overs.  Most notable bowling performances from the Dads included Andrew Ball’s 1 wicket for 7 runs off 3 overs, and at the other end of the scale Rob Bagshaw with 1 wicket for 37 runs off 3 overs.

After a quick turn around, the Lads took to the field and the opening pair of Walsh Senior and Ahmad Senior carried the hopes of the Dads, with a target of 132 runs to win.   For the Lads, Charlie Walsh and Talal Ahmad opened the bowling as some light rain began to fall.  First wicket to fall was that of Walsh Senior who enjoyed dispatching two excellent boundaries majestically off his son’s bowling to finish on 8 runs in total.  The fall of the first wicket bought Azam Senior to the crease and with the assistance of a willing runner he batted with supreme authority and skill scoring 18 runs including 2 boundaries before asking to retire.  The second ‘Dads’ wicket to fall was that of Ahmad Senior when Ziyad clean bowled him after he had added just two singles to the total.

 That dismissal bought Ball Senior into the fray who rode his luck early on, dropped by Chris Hine off his own bowling.  That dropped chance proved expensive as he quickly set about the bowling in fine style, including a big legside six into the field off the first ball off his son’s bowling; which set the tone for what would prove to be the decisive innings of the match.  Jack Pierce surrendered the wicket-keeping gloves and brought himself into the attack but no avail as he too was despatched to the boundary with a square cut by Ball Senior who retired on an unbeaten 30 runs including 4 boundaries and one 6 in an excellent display.  Holdroyd Senior also batted well but was bowled by a great delivery from Ziyad Azam for 10 runs having scored 2 boundaries, and Hudson Senior and Hine Senior piled on the agony for the Lads as both batsmen retired unbeaten to give other Dad’s a chance.  Mark Hudson scored 24 runs including 5 boundaries and Steve Hine scored 9 runs including 1 boundary as the Dads began to sniff the scent of victory.

These retirements saw Rob Bagshaw and Mackriel Senior take to the middle to finish off the run chase in style.  Rob Bagshaw decided to be generous and holed out to Chris Hine off the bowling of Ryan ball having scored 7 runs including 1 boundary, to allow Maltby Senior to have a bat in the last over.  After surviving an appeal for LBW on his first delivery (he was plumb), umpire Nick Hockin decided to give him a chance to face the last few balls.  Mackriel Senior finished unbeaten on 3 runs and Maltby Senior finished unbeaten on 1 run, and the Dad’s finished on 142 runs for 4 off their 20 overs to claim a comfortable victory.

Notable bowling performances for the Lads included Talal Ahmad with 1 wicket for 1 run off 1 over, and Ziyad Azam with 2 wickets for 18 runs off 3 overs.

Man Of The Match Award goes to Najeeb Azam for one of the grittiest and most determined batting performances seen in many a year, just wait till next year when he is fully fit again!

After the match both teams enjoyed a hot dog and nibbles in the club house whilst the Dad’s sank a pint to celebrate a famous victory!  Many thanks to Zoe Mackriel and Helen Walsh for preparing and laying out all the food to finish off what was a most memorable and enjoyable end to another successful season.  Also thanks to Simon Mackriel for organising the entire event.

Thank you to all those who turned out for both sides and for the excellent spirit of competitiveness and fun which both sides displayed, and finally congratulations to the Lads for accepting defeat without too much complaint.   Roll on next year’s match!

Scorecard: http://lilleshall.play-cricket.com/scoreboard/scorecard.asp?id=11100935

September 10, 2010   Posted in: Friendlies  No Comments

Senior Presentation 2009

Senior Presentation 2009

Colin welcomed everyone to the Hadley Park Hotel.  As Paul and Val Wrighton were celebrating their 22nd wedding anniversary, the club presented them with a bouquet of flowers and a bottle of champagne.  Flowers were also presented to Julie Jones and Deb Wassell for organising not only this presentation but the junior one as well.

Colin thanked all the usual suspects, Captains, Coaches, Pete Maltby and Andrew Potter for their work during the season.  He also summarised what has been an interesting year for the club, both on and off the field.  The club secured several grants to enable us to improve our facilities and thus make progress on the field with several with many young players coming to the fore.

Awards were presented as follows:

  • Sunday Batting – Rob Bagshaw for a brutal 68 against the Laconics
  • 3rd XI Fielding – Steve Gant
  • 3rd XI Bowling – Richard Todd (22 wickets)
  • 3rd XI Batting – Dave Wright (652 runs, averaging 59.27) – Dave is a spritely 62!!
  • 2nd XI Fielding – Richard Harris
  • 2nd XI Bowling – Will Askin (53 wickets, average 8.17 and bagged a 7-fer on three ocassions)
  • 2nd XI Batting – Stu Lane (339 runs)
  • 1st XI Fielding – Richard Dakin
  • 1st XI Bowling – Chris Airey (28 wickets, average 19.1)
  • 1st XI Batting – Ollie Todd (376 runs)
  • Chairman’s Cup – Kelvin Price
  • Best Young Player – Alex Russell
  • Best Performance – Chris Airey (a century against Trysull & Seisdon)
  • Player’s Player – Chris Airey
  • Captain’s Cup – Richard Todd (overall contribution to the club)

November 21, 2009   Posted in: Uncategorized  No Comments

Junior Presentation 2009

Once again Lilleshall parents and juniors enjoyed an excellent evening at our presentation night. Apologies to those for whom the main trophies had not been returned in time – we will be chasing those down just as soon as we can.

Thanks to all those who helped make this evening a great success and congratulations to all the award winners as listed below.

Winners were as follows:

Full list of awards as follows:

  • Best u10 – Sam Jones
  • u11 Batting – Ian Holdroyd
  • u11 Bowling – Callum Leech
  • u11 Most Improved – Matthew Roberts
  • u13 Batting – James Gant
  • u13 Bowling – James Hudson
  • u13 Most Improved – Charlie Walsh
  • u13 Most Improved Batting – Thomas Mackriel
  • u13 Most Improved Bowling – Ryan Ball
  • u15 Batting – Alex Dyer
  • u15 Bowling – Peter Coombes
  • u15 Most Improved Overall – Tom Lowe
  • u15 Most Improved Batting – Jack Pierce
  • u15 Most Improved Bowling – Henry Sankey
  • Coaches Cup – James Hudson
  • Chairman’s Award – Nick Hockin

Thanks once again to all the parents who worked so hard to make this event a successful one

Photo Gallery

October 31, 2009   Posted in: Uncategorized  No Comments

Reflections on the u13 Season (2009)

The Lilleshall u13 squad for 2009 made for an appetising prospect.  The experience of Ziyad, Cameron, Scott, Mark Richards, James Gant and James Hudson blended with some new talent coming up from the u11s such as Ryan Ball, Thomas Mackriel, Talal Ahmad, Jack Painter and Matthew Hornby, to name but a few. This, together with an influx of new talent, was always going to create pressure on places with a regular squad of between 15 and 20 lads to choose from for each match.

Faced with this prospect, many clubs will simply pick their best side every week. At Lilleshall we don’t quite work that way and we guarantee that every child that wants to will represent the club at least once and in most cases many more times than that.  In fact, apart from a couple of late joiners and some lads with very restricted availability, everyone did play at least once and most played a minimum of three matches.  There will always be some players that are picked more often (they may be specialists such as wicket keeper or captain) or those whose natural ability, positive attitude and sustained effort and regular attendance at practice will keep them in the side most weeks.  We hope you think the selection policy has been fair, we have tried to make it so and bear in mind that those in the first year of the u13 squad this season should expect to play more games next year; provided they show the necessary commitment and attend practice regularly.

Albrighton couldn’t raise a side to make a game the first week of the season so we started the season away at Cound – a lovely place to play cricket in early Summer sunshine.  A game we should have won slipped away with the setting sun as our early season lack of match fitness told and we leaked away 60 runs as a result of 12 lost wickets (four of which went down in the first over).  Despite restricting Cound to 247-6 (net) we limped home on 228-12 (net).

The following week, the weather gave us a taste of the season to come with cool squally conditions as Cound made the return trip to Lilleshall. Cound won the toss and promptly put us into bat, clearly fancying a repeat of their 12 wicket haul from the previous week.  However, a week is a long time and a defiant Lilleshall were having none of it.  After scoring 266-6, Lilleshall ripped into the Cound attack which collapsed in spectacular style with James Gant grabbing his first three wicket haul of the season as Cound batted positively to bag 249 (net), but lost 11 wickets in the process.  A deserving first victory for Lilleshall.

The winning streak continued the following week at Shifnal where damp conditions and bad light were very much in evidence.  Another strong batting display left Lilleshall at 275-3 (net) after 20 overs.  James Gant again made headlines with his second three wicket haul.  New recruit Casey Little had a fine game scoring 3 unbeaten, bagging the first wicket off his bowling (caught in the deep by Ziyad) and a run out with a direct hit from Mid Off.  Shifnal were left flailing on 259-7 (net).

The weather finally defeated us the following week.  We started optimistically against Forton but as the Wrekin disappeared from view, we knew the game was up and with less than three overs bowled the heavens opened and that was that. Match abandoned.

After a half term rest, we travelled to Madeley.  With a sloping pitch to contend with and carrying a few injuries (Jack Painter and James Hudson both nursing a sore achilles tendon and Thomas Mackriel and Cameron Seabury out with a broken thumb and badly bruised wrist) it would be a tough game.  Despite some good early batting, Lilleshall were pegged back to 244-8 (net) by a competent Madeley side that never gave up.  A superb early bowling display kept Madeley at just 205-1 after 8 overs, but two batsmen for Madeley changed the game – scoring 43 between them – to win comfortably at 262-5 (net). Lilleshall conceded only 6 extras in this game – a superb example of well controlled bowling.

The following week we were defeated again by the weather, claiming a much anticipated game with St Georges. So much for the ‘Barbeque Summer’ we had been promised by the Met Office earlier in the season.

So it was local rivals Newport next, who had easily defeated our u14 side in the cup so we were keen to make amends.  Rain again claimed the Wednesday but we managed to reschedule the game to Friday.  In less than perfect conditions and bowling first, Cameron weighed in with his first three wicket haul and Skipper James Hudson did the same to leave Newport reeling on 233-7 (net).  It was close though, Newport kept up the pressure and Lilleshall just scraped home on 244-8 thanks to an excellent innings by the u13s Skipper James Hudson scoring 20 runs unbeaten from his four overs. In the end it was catches that split the teams, Lilleshall held theirs and Newport didn’t.

Albrighton made their way to Lilleshall the following week on a glorious Summer evening and served up a batting masterclass finishing on 339-4 (net).  Lilleshall needed a good start and they got one, James Gant scoring 16 not out early on and Thomas Mackriel following up with a top score of 20 not out.  Lilleshall’s habit of leaking wickets continued however which pulled the score down to 249-10 (net).  No disguising a heavy defeat by a competitive and talented side that had clearly been working hard on their game.

The following week saw the chance to ‘do the double’ over Shifnal at home.  Hot and sultry conditions were in order as Lilleshall lost the toss and were put in to bat.  James Hudson was again in sparkling form with the bat, top scoring on 25 undefeated.  Despite that, the ‘Lilleshall disease’ was once again in evidence as wickets fell away leaving a target of 295-11 (net).  Superb bowling from Matthew Hornby, Mark Richards and Dan Witty put a brake on the Shifnal run chase just as they were looking to accelerate and they slumped to defeat on 263-8 (net).  Lilleshall’s temperament was tested in this game by some disagreeable umpiring but they showed good grace in accepting the decisions and justice was ultimately done.  Good cricket played in the best of spirits – just the way we like it.

Another disappointing washout against Forton was followed by the return of Newport the week after. This offered the chance of another ‘double’ and Lilleshall played some of their best cricket of the season. Late recruits Rory Cattermull and Henry Thackray further stiffened the Lilleshall bowling and batting line up, so in beautiful conditions and on a grass strip, the game got underway with Lilleshall batting first. Newport bowled well as Lilleshall’s top order struggled with the variable bounce, Rory batted well with 10 unbeaten, followed by James Gant, top scoring on 17 not out, Mark Richards on 5 not out and Talal Ahmad contributing 12 not out. However the wicket count had been steadily rising and Lilleshall had set Newport a target of 246-8 (net) that did not seem enough to secure victory.  However Charlie Walsh did early damage with a couple of wickets, matched soon after by Henry Thackray taking two in two balls.  Not to be outdone, Ryan Ball landed his first three wicket haul with two in two balls (which would have been a hat trick save a dropped catch behind).  Economical bowling from the rest of Lilleshall’s attack left Newport undone on 218-11 (net).

The season closed at home with the much awaited game against St Georges and the return of Lilleshall ‘old boy’ Alex Dillon, now an established member of the St Georges side.  St Georges batted first in difficult windy conditions.  Alex faced a rough ride from James Gant and James Hudson but defended well and played some lovely looking strokes.  Cameron Seabury opened with a maiden and took two vital wickets, Isaac Pollard chipped in with one and overall St Georges finished on 274-5.  Lilleshall had contributed 48 to that total in extras in a rare display of indiscipline in the field.  Lilleshall started well at 222-0 after 8 overs.  Then the wickets began to fall but Lilleshall kept their heads as James Gant once again top scored with 17 unbeaten, superbly supported by Tom Cox playing his first match.  Lilleshall finished on 295-3 (net) to post a final victory.

So played nine, won six, lost three.  A great achievement and many memorable performances.  All the lads have improved as the season has gone on, Ryan Dawes, Dan Witty and Mark Richards finally settling into a comfortable bowling rhythm to bowl with a variety of pace, flight and even some spin to make the batsmen wary.  Ryan Ball returning to the kind of destructive form he showed at u11 after a tough early season with the ball and Jacob Meeson-White growing in confidence with bat and ball; completely fearless in the field. James Hudson and James Gant showing a destructive capability with bat and ball with James Gant taking regular wickets in the senior third XI at weekends.  Scott Ridgway developed great technique as an opening bat and has had competition behind the stumps from Ziyad and Talal, both of whom have done well as stand-ins. Ziyad and Talal have also become synonomous with quick singles, and with practice, will use that experience to good effect. Charlie Walsh and Isaac Pollard seem to have bowled with more pace with every week that has passed and both show an infectious appetite for the game. New faces, Casey Little, Tom Cox, Edward Seabury and Oliver North have also played their part, bowling and batting well under pressure and all showing great promise in the field as well.  Cameron Seabury and Thomas Mackriel both lost a few weeks to cricket related injuries but came back with some great displays, both showing the ability to bat with a maturity that belies their age and experience and consolidating the bowling attack.  Matthew Hornby and Jack Painter have also contributed again this year, Matt as accurate as ever with the ball and steadfast in defence of his wicket with the bat; Jack proving his worth as a bowler, gaining in confidence with the bat and excellent all round in the field. Finally, a couple of new recruits in the shape of Rory Cattermull and Henry Thackray who have slotted in to the squad really well and shown excellent form with both bat and ball.

From a coaching perspective this season has been a delight.  From all the lads we have seen great attitude, great performances, one hundred per cent effort and evidence of listening and learning as we have witnessed huge improvements in their game.  We wish those progressing to u15s success as they wave goodbye to ‘pairs cricket’ and we look forward to the remaing u13 squad competing hard for honours next season.

September 30, 2009   Posted in: Uncategorized  No Comments

Junior Presentation 2008

An excellent night was enjoyed by coaches, parents and players at Lilleshall’s junior presentation evening.  Chris Dirkin, Shropshire County Cricket Development Manager, was on hand as guest of honour to make the presentations and club chairman Colin Wetherley-Mein did a fine job as master of ceremonies.

The panic set in early with the absence of both a data projector and screen which would make the showing of the u11 video tricky but – no matter – the club’s ancient 14″ DVD/TV combo was hastily pressed into service as a backup plan.  Space for the food was clearly going to be a problem as a couple of heavy duty trestle tables were hastily dusted off and dressed with table coverings. All this activity came as a considerable suprise to several large spiders that had been living in these tables for years but these thankfully headed off to find quieter surroundings.

Extra benches were drafted in from outside to provide enough seats and much activity was evident in the kitchen as the buffet sprang into life supported by multiple plates of sandwiches from willing volunteer parents which just kept coming until the tables were heaving like something from a Hogwarts feast!

Meanwhile messrs Maltby and Bloor sat idly by sipping beer at the bar as the work went on around them – no change there!  The juniors took considerable interest in the array of trophies on display with much discussion about who might have won what.

Colin gave an excellent Chairman’s address where he thanked the coaches for their continuing commitment and the parents too for the support they give to the juniors.  It was just left to me to whip through a couple of domestics before the real business of the evening could begin and we were underway.

With the help of a couple of deft last minute corrections to the certificates – these were duly presented to all juniors present on the night with a shake of the hand and a word or two from Chris.  This was followed by the presentations to those juniors who had the best batting, bowling and most improved in each of the three age categories and the most improved under 10.  For the record these were as follows:

Under 10

Most Improved: David Holdroyd

Under 11

Best Batting: Alex Dillon
Best Bowling: Thomas Mackriel
Most Improved: Jack Painter

Under 13

Best Batting: James Hudson
Best Bowling: Peter Coombs
Most Improved: Ziyad Azam

Under 15

Best Batting: Alex Russell
Best Bowling: Drew Wrighton
Most Improved: Nick Hockin

Two further awards followed – the Coaches Award and the Chairman’s Award.

The Coaches Award went to Peter Coombs for setting a superb example of how to play the game in all its aspects and, for dedication and commitment both on and off the pitch, Alex Dyer collected the Chairman’s Award.

It was like a paparazzi scrum as cameras flashed at the winners who happily posed for photos as the applause kept going  and our thanks to Chris Dirkin for coming along and giving the whole thing a ringing endorsement from the County.  Chris clearly understands that – in grass roots cricket – such gestures are important and make a real difference.

The final – and perhaps most important – presentation went to Julia Ridgway and Nikki Witty for providing teas at u13 matches throughout the season and for a truly superb effort in co-ordinating the catering for the buffet – which was in no danger of running out – beating the appetites of even the hungriest Dads!  A bouquet of flowers for each – thoroughly deserved.

We hope that everyone enjoyed the evening – it was terrific to have the opportunity to chat informally with parents in a social context and there is a clear lesson that we should make the effort to do so more often. 

Thanks for coming.  Here’s to next year!

Photo Gallery

September 20, 2009   Posted in: Uncategorized  No Comments

An Umpire’s Lot…

Umpires, like referees I guess, have to expect a fair bit of criticism.  It goes with the turf.  For those that have been on the courses and do it week in week out and whose knowledge of the laws of the game is beyond question then it probably rolls off the back quite easily.  However, when you’re a junior team coach and expected to don the white coat at fixtures it can be a pretty daunting challenge and mistakes and criticism can really sting.

At u11 it’s a pretty easy job.  The odd run out, the rarest of lbws but mostly it’s about deciding how many wides and no balls to give.  At u13s however the competitiveness increases, as does the skill and speed of play.  Asked regularly for appeals on lbws, stumpings, run outs and caught behinds as well as looking for short runs, byes, leg byes and so on it becomes as big a challenge as it is for those umpiring the senior game.

I’ve had a few difficult decisions to give this year, one lbw against my own son, which I gave.  Another lbw - when that same son was bowling this time – that I also gave (and not as compensation for the previous week) and a catch behind against one of our guys that I turned down.

Now the lbws were plum in my opinion, pitching in line with the stumps and hitting the pad well below the knee roll and both times the batsman was back in his crease and the ball made no contact with the bat.  The caught behind was a difficult one, to a quicker ball slightly wide of leg (not wide enough to be so called), I saw it deviate into the keeper’s hand who briefly gloved it close to the ground on the leg side and the ball was quickly flicked up to slip.

 A vigorous appeal followed and I ruled not out as I believed that it had (a) hit the pad and not the bat as I heard no audible nick and (b) I was unconvinced that the keeper had gloved the ball cleanly or for long enough for it to be ruled a catch.  The bowler asked why, I told him and then the ‘Rooney and Ronaldo act’ followed with the team asking their coach (square leg umpire to overrule).  He stated that he was unsighted and I asserted my authority and stated clearly that the decision – right or wrong – was mine to give and I had ruled it not out and that was the end of it.  The opposition boys continued to protest and I had to ask them fairly firmly to continue with the game.

In conversation with the bastman afterwards he admitted that the ball had hit the bat but he thought the keeper had failed to glove the ball and the keeper himself had said he was unsure whether he had done so cleanly.  I was disappointed to learn that the ball had taken a nick because I don’t like getting decisions wrong (in the sense that I thought it hit the pad and that is the primary reason I gave for the decision). However, I feel partially vindicated to the extent that doubt existed as to whether it was a clean take and I had also been of that view.

What I take considerable exception to however is the overly agressive and unnecessary way in which the opposition team chose to challenge the decision.  This is a football disease and, until  and unless the rules are changed, has no place on a cricket square.  I would be mortified if my u13s had reacted similarly over an umpire’s decision in this way (and make no mistake we have had some howlers given against us), but you accept it and walk.

Umpires are not above the law, they have to be big enough to admit when they get it wrong (if they are later proven to have done so) but all they can do is their best on the day.  They have only one set of eyes and ears just like everyone else and one chance to see the action and make their decision.  It’s a tough job and those decisions should be respected, in all versions of the game; but particularly by juniors.

June 26, 2009   Posted in: Uncategorized  One Comment