Whilst it has been tricky to dodge the downpours and wet outfields, there has been plenty of county age group cricket played in June, with lots more to come over the next two months.
Our junior age groups play three rounds of internal matches prior to the season proper starting, and by and large, these were seen as excellent preparation for the season and unaffected by rain.
Our youngest boys age, the U10’s, made their Bears debut’s against Somerset with a resounding six wicket victory, but were on the receiving end against Yorkshire, losing in a close rain affected game by three wickets. William Tarrant starred in the Somerset victory with a mature 38* chasing down the first innings total of 80.
The U11 lads have also played twice, losing to Cheshire and unfortunately having the Worcestershire match abandoned when in a strong position. Well done to George Baines who was unbeaten in both matches on 46 and 94 respectively.
A similar story for the U12’s, with one victory over Gloucestershire and an abandonment against Northants when in a very strong position. Oliver Davidson should be congratulated on 3/19 from 9 overs on debut vs Gloucestershire and Sachin Dubb for 84 against Northants.
Two matches and two wins for the U13 boys, against Staffordshire and Nottinghamshire. The spin of Ben Jones and Ibrahim Afzal took three wickets apiece vs Staffs and Callum Herron contributed 56 in an accomplished run chase. Afzal took another three wickets against Notts, whilst it was wicket-keeper Daniel Bevan’s turn for a half century (52*).
A frustrating month for the U14 boys, as three matches have been affected by the weather, although the match vs an England Women’s XI at The National Academy started promisingly, but alas, did not get completed. In the matches completed, both in the ECB County Championship Division 2, one win vs Leicestershire and one loss to Staffordshire. Charlie Grice (1/22 from 10) and Kiefer Woods (3/26 from 10) did their best to restrict Staffs but not enough runs were on the board in a six wicket loss. Jeevan Barhey led the way with 78 against Leicestershire and on a rainy day enough overs were bowled to force a positive result – Leicestershire finishing on 97 for 5 chasing 250.
The U15’s have been involved in some really tight cricket so far in the ECB U15 County competition – Division 2A. Daniel Mousley took 4/15 from 10 overs in Wales’ 159 all out. In a pulsating finish, the match was tied off the very last ball; Kieran Holland hitting 28* very valuable runs to secure the share of the game. In a rain reduced 30 over match vs Leicestershire, an equally tense finish, with Warwickshire hitting the winning run off the last ball of the match; David Burnell with an important 42 run contribution. Most recently a poor team performance against a tidy Staffordshire outfit, has meant that it is all to play for in the remaining group matches before the National knock-out rounds. Staffordshire ran out comfortable winners by 79 runs. Mousley once again bowled his off spin tightly, with good back up from seamer Sahal Malvernkar.
In their first one day matches of the season, the U17 boys have won one (Gloucs), lost one (Staffs) and were in an excellent position in the other (Northants) before rain won the day once again. In a tight six run loss against Staffs, the spin of Moh Ahmed and Tom Pyke kept the opposition to 163, but the Warwickshire batsmen succumbed to scoreboard pressure with some ‘loose’ shots in reply. A pleasing four wicket victory (on first innings) this week against Leicestershire in a two day match at Leamington Cricket Club. Moh Ahmed featured once again with both bat and ball – four Leicestershire wickets with his wrist spin in a total of 225. In response Ahmed (66) enjoyed a 143 run partnership with Henry Brookes (93) to pass the Leicestershire total.
The U19 lads have kicked off their season with closely fought losses to a Staffordshire U23 Development XI (one day) and Northants U19’s (two day). In the latter, the conditions did not favour the Bears throughout, losing the toss on a damp pitch and having to bowl with a wet ball throughout day two, negating the two spinners in the side. Nonetheless, Joe Ludlow (64) and Moh Ahmed (44) put up strong resistance to ensure a competitive total of 231. The Brookes brothers new ball partnership (Ben and Henry) took five wickets between them in a four wicket defeat, and a match that could have gone either way with an hour or so of play to go on the second day. The U19’s start their Northern Counties Champiosnhip campaign this week against Derbyshire at Walmley CC.
Details of all county age group upcoming fixtures and results can be found on our play-cricket website – www.warwickshirecb.play-cricket.com . County age group fixture books are also available from the Edgbaston Shop and Indoor Cricket Centre, priced at £1.
