Devon Cricket Board - 2013 U13 v Wales report

2013 U13 v Wales report

DEVON U13's V WALES U13's

WALES WELL BEATEN

The scoreboard tells the story

An interesting trip up the M5 and across the Severn Bridge for the management team, with scorer Neil Lochead especially riveting. Unusually coach Callum Whittaker stayed awake throughout the journey. On arrival at Newport it was clear the wicket and outfield were in immaculate condition and there was a fine opportunity for the Devon side to display their skills. The Sri Lankan team had been practicing for the Champions Trophy on the ground, and they had been impressed, as we were. The boys seemed energized by the exceptional facilities and Callum conducted an excellent warm up - marred only by the late arrival of two players. Give your parents a telling off!!

It was agreed we would play under ECB regulations with fielding circles and only two players allowed outside for the first 10 overs, 2 catchers and after that at least 4 players ( plus wicket keeper and bowler inside the circles). A new and positive challenge for the boys. Ash Causey, as vice captain, was put in charge of monitoring this for Devon.

Winning the toss (again! ) Sam had no hesitation in batting. The first 10 overs would be interesting. What was a good score? How would the fielding side set their field? In the event Devon were mightily pleased to get to 52 for no loss. Every time the bowler missed their length they were punished with a boundary - 7 in the first 10 overs. This was the 3rd time in a row that Tom Williams and Mikey Cooper had put on 50 for the first wicket... and the second time they then proceeded to get out close together shortly after wards!!! So good and could be so much better. Williams was the first to go, holing out to square leg. Cooper then ran himself out, as the manager said "that's a good run....if he makes it" He didn't!

Ash Causey and Tom Lammonby then put on a further 38 runs, facing the best spinners we have seen this season (apart from our own). Leggie Ilyas was superb in control and produced significant turn at pace, bowling 7 overs taking 1-13, bowling Causey around his legs. Lammonby batted to the end of the innings, perishing unselfishly for 46 trying to batter a few extra. In between Jamie Khan and Sam Maunder went cheaply attempting to up the run rate. Monty Crowe played an intelligent (!) innings of 17 to keep the score ticking over.

The final total of 165-7 was good, but on reflection was probably 30 short of where we would have liked to have been. During the end of game analysis the boys identified the period when the spinners bowled with a ring field as the time when we might have tried to hit over the top to drive the field back, so we could then work the ball around for singles. It's good to hear they are beginning to learn game craft, and appreciate the options.

A great effort at tea time by the boys, saw them out and warming up properly for the bowling and fielding to come. You've set the standard now. The work done was reflected on the field, as the first 10 overs from Jack Gibbs and Callum Worth yielded only 26 runs and a wicket. The bowlers deserved a wicket, but it came from a run out due to the pressure built up by the accuracy of the bowlers and the tight fielding. Mr Wide had not turned up and the fielders had. This spell was crucial in the context of the game. Wales were always behind the scoring rate.

The game was then handed over to the spinners to keep the lid on. As usual Chris Yabsley found bowling a pleasure (8-1-17-1) and Leon Horn found his length with a good second spell. Dan Bullock got 2-32 and the star was Tom Williams with 4-24 from his 8 overs. A classy performance in the field from Devon. Wales were eventually dismissed for 124.

This was the most complete performance so far from this talented group. A pleasure to see and there is still plenty more to come.....

All the top order batters are getting 30's,40's and 50's. Be selfish get 100's!!

We ran a run short again - one day that will cost us.

We had the opposition 82-8 and they got another 42 runs.

All of these are small criticisms, but important if we really want to as good as we can be.

Next week Dorset, then Somerset and Hampshire. More challenges, and ones we should look forward to with great anticipation.

We are also going back to Newport in July, which will be a pleasure for everyone - we might even get back the balls we hit in to the football ground during the warm up!

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