Thongsbridge U/11 Cricket Team – Mid Season 2007 Review

A few of the current under 11 players had the benefit of some pre-season nets in Holmfirth High School between January to April and it was therefore a relief to be able to start outdoor nets in relatively fine weather in late April.

Only a handful of players remained from the 2006 season who had had experience of cricket at this level, the majority had moved up a year to the under 13’s. Although we were short of experience we had numbers in the mid 20’s expressing an interest in playing.

After 2 outdoor nets we open our season at home to Golcar. Alex James, captain this year, won the toss and elected to bat first. Against a young Golcar team we amassed an impressive 260 for the loss of no wickets in 16 overs. Alex with 13 not out and Gabriel Cullaigh (vice-captain) 11 not out, were our top scorers with the aid of 28 extras. Making their debuts in this game at this level were Fabian Cullaigh and Heather Crossley. Impressive fielding restricted Golcar to 267-6 (less 8 runs for each wicket lost = 219). Jack Wilson with 2-1 and Alex with 1-2 from 3 overs kept Golcar in check as we eased to a comfortable win.

In the preliminary round of the cup we were drawn at home to Upperthong. John Hodgson made his debut for Thongsbridge in this game. Batting first we scored 248-6, Alex James top scored with an impressive 16. Upperthong looked a strong all round team as they scored 275-0 in their 16 overs.

Due to commitments at our own ground we handed ground advantage to Broad Oak and played them on a Friday evening on 25 May. This would be a tough examination against one of the fancied teams in the league. Batting first Thongsbridge scored 264-3. There were contributions from all members of the team but nobody scored more than 9 runs. Chasing our score on a small ground the team performed really well, the undoubted highlight being Andrew Cuthill’s 4 wickets for 1 run in 3 overs. The game was in the balance right up to the last over when on Broad Oak’s representative players saw them home with a well crafted 28. There was disappointment all round as we lost by 6 runs, however overall this was a terrific performance against a really strong team.

Next up were Thurstonland who were new to the league this year. Emmeline Myall made her debut in this game. Batting first Thurstonland scored 240-6 (192). Alex James took the bowling honours with 4-2, ably backed up by Andrew Cuthill with 2-2. Gabriel Cullaigh also took a smart catch. Thongsbridge scored 254-2 with a well controlled batting display. Alex scored 13 not out and Andrew Cuthill 9 not out. Brothers Gabriel and Fabian Cullaigh opened the batting; how many other brothers have opened the batting? …answers please on a postcard. Special mention to Heather Crossley our wicket keeper who has been improving her keeping every game, in this match she conceded no byes which is no mean feat at this level.

After heavy rain next up were Meltham ‘A’ at home. Andrew Atkinson made his debut in this game. Batting first Thongsbridge scored 258-6 (210). Gabriel Cullaigh played very well for 14 not out, supported by Alex James with 12 not out. On a low slow wicket this was a good effort by the team who batted sensibly all down the order. Meltham never quite got to grips with our bowling and fielding, continually looking to play big shots we took wickets at regular intervals. Andrew Atkinson held a really good catch, scored 6 runs and took1-4 off 2 overs for an impressive first game. All the bowlers took a wicket except Andrew Cuthill who was as tight as ever with 0-5 from 3 overs, Jack Wilson took 2-6 with another lively performance.

Following (more) heavy rain we were at home to Armitage Bridge on 17 June. Armitage Bridge had exactly the same record as ourselves at this stage so a tight game was in prospect. Armitage Bridge scored 247-5 (207),Tommy Woodhead back after his holidays took 1-0 in 2 overs and Andrew Cuthill 1-1 in his 2 overs. Fabian Cullaigh after several near misses got his first wicket – well done. Against some tight bowling and good catching Thongsbridge struggled to score runs. A good stand between Alex James 17 not out and Fabian Cullaigh 1 not out put us in a winning position, however late wickets and terrific cut for 4 by Jack Wilson meant we finished at 237-3 (205), defeat by just 2 runs! Although we lost this game, because over 50% of the fixtures that weekend were cancelled, in accordance with league rules, all the fixtures have to be replayed later in the season. Tough on Armitage Bridge but good news for us as we get the chance to, redress the balance later in the season.

Dodging the poor weather again we travelled to Scholes on Friday 22 June. Top of the table and unbeaten Scholes was always going to be a tough game and we were proved right. Scholes racked up a huge 280-3, the biggest score against the team so far this season. Gabriel was the best bowler with 0-6 from 3 overs and Jack Wilson produced an outstanding piece of fielding to run a Scholes batsman out with a direct throw from cover point. Against wicket to wicket bowling we struggled to score runs and managed only 232-3 in our 16 overs. Although a heavy defeat the team vowed to bounce back.

After even more atrocious weather we played second in the table Almondbury Wes at home, another tough game after the Scholes match. William Garlick made his debut in this game. Winning the toss Alex elected to field first. Before a good crowd in increasingly better conditions the team restricted Almondbury to 226-3 (202) from 16 overs. Exceptional bowling and fielding, possibly the best so far this year was, was credit to the team after they had worked hard in the nets the previous Friday. Alex James weighed in wit 2-6 from 3 overs, Andrew Cuthill conceded no runs in his 3 excellent overs and William Garlick had one of the Almondury batsmen smartly caught behind by Heather Crossley from a bouncer!! Special mention also to Tommy Woodhead for his smart catch in the covers. Everybody though contributed to a great effort. After a flying start by Alex and Jasper Donlon in the face of some very quick pace bowling we stood on 220-0. However really good bowling and fielding meant we finished on 227-4 (195) and another really close defeat. There was great disappointment throughout the team however they can all be proud of their individual and collective effort.

Six league game remain:

Away

Holmbridge

Delph and Dobcross

Slaithwaite

Home

Upperthong

Paddock

Armitage Bridge

These will be a real test for the boys and girls as looming school holidays means that we will inevitably lose some experienced players from time to time, however as we continue to develop everybody’s skills, so this will provide opportunities for people to step-up. Hopefully we will be able to produce some more positive results along the way however the fruits of our labours may not be evident until next year.

Special mention to Andrew James and Matthew Wagstaff. Matthew regularly helps out on a Friday night with the nets and is a real unsung asset to everyone. Andrew spends part of his time coaching the under 9’s who are also coming along well as well as coaching the under 11’s, and he also meticulously scores all our games. And finally…to Phil the groundsman without whom during this terrible weather we would not have practised/played at all without his many hours tending the ground.

Thanks to all parents for your continued support, making teas, running the shop and supporting the team etc etc.