U15’s Match Reports 2013
24th June – Llandudno vs Northop
Welsh Cup - North Wales Final
Never before has this group of boys reached the zone final of the Welsh Cup, so the expectation was high, however the hosts were a very strong and experienced side. Following a wet week-end, the day and evening were dry and sunny, with the surrounding hills looking on in anticipation.
With the welcoming ceremony complete, Ali tossed with the home captain and lost, finding himself on the receiving end of a decision to set a score. The home openers strode out to be welcomed by Scott’s initially accurate start from the ‘tram I the hill’ end. Josh opened from the ‘tatty fence’ end and continued the accurate start. The first 4 overs conceded just 11 runs and Josh picked up a wicket, courtesy of a fine catch from Will. A double bowling change saw Will and Andy take over with the ball. The outfield was unusually quiet and the aggressive attitude of the home batsmen developed an increase in the run rate as a 50 partnership ensued, until a skied pull to cow corner resulted in young Harry taking the ball in technically good fashion for the second wicket in Will’s third over, and 56 for 2 from 11 was adequate. An acceleration of the scoring followed, with many fielding errors providing opportunities for additional runs. Their opener then retired on 50 and their number 4 batsman hitting a quick fire 36, Andy, Will, Ben and young Jack being the main targets for the late run rally. The highlight of the last couple of overs for the visitors were two run outs, and excellent pick up and direct hit from Owen, followed in the next over by Matty W and young Jack chasing and stopping a ball before the latter fired in a direct hit from near the ‘tatty fence’ end boundary. At the close of the innings the score raced to 131 for 5 and a chance to see if we could chase a good total.
George and Ali opened the response to 7 and over and a steady start against some accurate bowling saw the run rate climb further into the ongoing evening. George played a solid anchor role as Ali became the first wicket down at 16 in the 5th over. Scott, Ben and Andy were all in and out, giving their wickets away with little resistance as the result was now being daubed on the wall of the clubhouse. Josh and George put together the best partnership of the defence as ‘little and large’ took the score to 56 before George fell to a fine catch. Josh perished soon after in a run out that really should have been referred upstairs. Matty and Jack were skittled soon after in an attempt to collect some quick runs and a late cameo from Will left Harry and Owen undefeated at the end of a tortuous 20 overs, with the visitors 61 runs short.
A defeat for Northop and lessons learned in the field, for which the next training session will see some focus, however a good run in this competition sets the scene for the league run in and plenty more cricket to come.
RESULT: Llandudno win by 61 runs.
Llandudno innings: Evans 50no, Sabri 36no and Ijaz 18 scoring the bulk of the runs. Josh and Will being the only wicket takers as 2 run outs contributed to the home casualties.
Northop innings: George 19, Josh 14, Ali 12 and Will 10 the only double figure scores. Evans (2), Sissons jnr (2), Morgan, Sissons snr, Ijaz, Hill and a run out accounting for the wickets.