The 2015 season proved to be one of the more successful in recent seasons, both from the performance of the U11s, but also the integration of several more junior players into the Saturday Senior and Midweek sides. This was also highlighted by the increased attendance at junior practice on Friday nights, as the club continues to work closely with Cogenhoe Primary School to encourage more children to attend. The use of Twitter, Facebook and more information on the club website has also generated interest from outside the village.
As well as winning four games at U11 level (the first time in a few years that the team actually won ANY game at all), the club has seen Josh Bastow progress into the 1st Team, Tom Robinson establish himself as a regular and legitimate bowling option in the 2nd Team and Alfie Wreford, Will Tipler and Harvey Westall make their senior debuts in the Midweek team. We have also been rewarded with two juniors being invited to County level trials at the County Ground over the winter.
The only disappointment and potential concern remains the lack of core numbers at U13 level and having enough U9 children with the concentration, confidence and understanding to enable the club to field teams at these age groups. This is a challenge for the club, especially as we lose another four of our U11 team next season as they will be too old for the U11s, and the need to find them regular cricket may force them to other clubs if we cannot provide it.
The U9s played one fixture this season at Wollaston, which highlighted the need for the younger players to develop their basic fundamentals away from the club, as well as through the weekly practice sessions. This is an area that we need to prioritise next season.On the plus side, it was a fun evening, with our friends at Wollaston laying on a bbq. The U13s were unable to fulfil a potential joint-venture with OWs, but there may be more opportunities next season, as more U11s mature.
On the positive side, the U11s beat St Crispins Ryelands, Grange Park and Wollaston (twice) this season and competed well in the majority of their games. Considering the ability of the larger clubs to attract more players at the correct age, it was rewarding to see the side play with 7 & 8 year-old players against genuine U11s and develop their skills and understanding of the game. We even had the opportunity for photos and autographs with England cricketer, David Willey.
Spencer with David Willey
Josh Bastow has produced some solid batting and fielding performances in the 1st Team, including hitting the winning runs in one game and batting out for a draw in another. Tom Robinson continues to battle injuries, but has shown a real competitive spirit in the 2nd Team. Harvey, Will and Alfie have also highlighted the benefit of playing midweek friendlies and we hope to see them progress to the Senior Teams next season.
Overall, it has been a really good season with a lot of improvements and been fun for everyone, including the family fun day at the end of the season, which raised funds for the club. Thanks go to Syd for scoring every Sunday (even ensuring the victory at Grange Park when their Coach tried to pull a fast one!!!), Malc, Pete and Charlie for their efforts to provide a strip for practice every week, the coaches* that turn up to help, the parents for transporting the children every week and most of all the boys and girls for trying their best every week.
*If anyone would like to volunteer to undertake any level of coaching qualification, including the one-day support worker’s course, please let Roy, DP or Matt know asap? It has been a struggle at times to have enough quality time with the children, as our ratios have been high some Fridays and the smaller the children:coach ratio is, the quicker they will develop.
Under 11`s Batting Statistics 2015
| Name | Matches | Net Runs | Dismissed | Batting Ave |
| Liam Morrissey | 10 | 43 | 3 | 4.30 |
| Jake Morrissey | 11 | 37 | 4 | 3.36 |
| Sam Tipler | 9 | 35 | 10 | 3.89 |
| Keelan Hone | 9 | 22 | 4 | 2.44 |
| George Thompson | 10 | 7 | 3 | 0.70 |
| Hrishi Dave | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
| Alex Price | 8 | -1 | 6 | -0.13 |
| Oliver Woolley | 2 | -1 | 1 | -0.50 |
| Prasil Chauhan | 2 | -6 | 2 | -3.00 |
| Spencer Smith | 7 | -13 | 7 | -1.86 |
| Anya Neal | 6 | -41 | 9 | -6.83 |
| Aidan Garratt | 11 | -45 | 13 | -4.09 |
Under 11`s Bowling Statistics 2015
| Name | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets |
| Liam Morrissey | 26 | 2 | 102 | 10 |
| Keelan Hone | 25 | 5 | 79 | 9 |
| Alex Price | 14 | 1 | 106 | 5 |
| Jake Morrissey | 30 | 2 | 121 | 4 |
|
George Thompson |
7 | 0 | 37 | 3 |
| Oliver Woolley | 4 | 0 | 26 | 3 |
| Aidan Garratt | 22 | 1 | 137 | 2 |
| Sam Tipler | 19 | 2 | 108 | 2 |
| Spencer Smith | 16 | 0 | 89 | 1 |
| Anya Neal | 5 | 0 | 40 | 1 |
| Hrishi Dave | 4 | 0 | 15 | 0 |
| Prasil Chauhan | 4 | 0 | 32 |
0 |
Coach Matt Morrissey gives his end of season thoughts on our future stars
Sam Tipler – Unfortunately, this was Sam’s last season at U11 level and has seen some strong aggressive batting, hitting more boundaries than any other player. Sam’s key now is to develop his concentration in the field and to recognize which balls to hit and which to defend as he moves to the U13s.
Anya Neal – A pleasure to coach, Anya has tried a bit of everything this year, but has shown real signs of being a top wicket-keeper. Really enjoys her cricket and always has a smile.
Alex Price – Some real highlights this year include Alex’s first runs and wickets in hard-ball cricket and a real enthusiasm for the game. He shouldn’t be so hard on himself when things don’t go according to plan.
Liam Morrissey – In his second season in the U11s, Liam has become a key batsman and bowler in the side, with a fierce competitive spirit.
Prasil Chauhan – Another of the youngsters, Prasil is a bundle of energy and showed a lot of courage at Saints with their quick bowlers on. Even their supporters cheered when he hit his first ‘4’ for the club.
George Thompson – Another sad day as George moves out of the U11s. George’s wicket-keeping improved but it was as a bowler late in the season that George really developed. His batting is from the Chris Tavare school of strokeplay!
Aidan Garratt – As the very youngest in the team, Aidan’s first year of hard-ball cricket has been a real learning experience mixed with some success. Having taken his first wickets and scored some fine runs, we look forward to him developing his concentration and playing like he does at practice.
Spencer Smith – Another player who moves out of the U11s, Spencer has really come on this year with all aspects of his play. The more he practices the better he gets.
Keelan Hone – The team’s quick bowler, Keelan has returned to cricket this season with a bang. Although he will be too old for the U11s next season, he has been offered a County Trial at U12 level from November and we wish him luck.
Hrishi Dave – Hrishi turned out as an over-age player on the odd occasion we were short. He and George come from the same batting school, ensuring that they protect their wicket at all costs.
Oliver Woolley – Another occasional over-age player, Oliver showed again his capabilities as a top fielder and an improving batsman. An U13 side would enable both Oliver and Hrishi to get more game experience.
Jake Morrissey – The captain, who has a good appreciation of the game and is the top catcher and fielder this season. He has also secured a County Trial at the U11 age group in November.
Best bowling performance in a single match – Keelan Hone
This player’s figures of 3 overs, 1 maiden, 3 wickets for 3 runs against St Crispin’s Ryelands was the top bowling performance in a match this season. Opening the bowling, he took two wickets in the first over and came back and took a third wicket at the death. On the days when he got his rhythm he bowled quick and with a hint of away swing, which on this day was too good for the St Crispin’s batsmen and contributed to an overall 85 run victory.
Batsman of the year – Liam Morrissey
This lad’s technique has developed immensely as the season has gone on, with probably the most correct technique in any age group. He is also happy either opening or closing the innings. He has scored the most net runs (the most important statistic in U11 cricket) and had the highest average. Although he is keen to score quickly, he was happy blocking out 2 overs against both Grange Park and at home to Wollaston, foregoing scoring opportunities to make sure both games were won. At 8 years of age, he still has three seasons left in the U11s to develop further.
Bowler of the year – Liam Morrissey
This bowler has been the most consistent wicket-taker and is routinely one of the two ‘death’ bowlers, when the batsmen are trying to score quickly. He has taken the most wickets (10) with a strike rate of one wicket every 15.6 balls he has bowled. His dad is quick to point out that the batting and bowling awards are based on the match statistics, so he isn’t accused of nepotism.
Most Improved Player – Keelan Hone
This was a really tough award for the coaches to agree on, as all of the juniors have improved this year. Aidan Garratt’s first year in the U11s has showed potential, especially as he is the youngest in the team, similarly Prasil Chauhan has progressed from the U9s to the U11s at the end of the season. However, the coaches decided that this award should go to a lad who gave up cricket for a year or two, but has come back with a renewed dedication and interest in the game and has secured a County Trial for next season’s U12s. His fielding and bowling have been excellent and he has shown a real desire to improve his batting.
Joe Deer Award – Anya Neal
Another tough decision for the coaching team, but a unanimous verdict was reached. This player has been an absolute pleasure to coach, listening to instructions and carrying them out with a big smile at all times. Having tried a bit of bowling earlier in the season, this player has now become the regular wicket-keeper for the U11s. What makes this award really special as that it embodies what cricket should be about; trying your best, learning, enjoying the game and making everybody proud, and this is what this young lady has done all year.
Young Player of the Year – Josh Bastow
This player has been a real find for the club, both for his contribution during matches, but also for his competitive spirit and willingness to dig in with senior and junior players alike. Having played at the junior age groups, he has now progressed into the Saturday Senior sides and held his own in the 1st Team, often against very spiky and uncompromising opponents (Obelisk & Irthlingborough to name but two). His fielding has often been praised by his peers, for energy, fearlessness and probably a fair bit of innocence. He has also scored the winning runs in a 1st Team game (not everyone can say that!) and he has shown maturity in tight match situations to defend for a draw.
