The Third XI’s 2019 league season was all about bringing the juniors through into senior cricket, giving them the opportunity to show their skills and gain confidence on the field.
With a shorter season this year availability was very good, with a ratio of five senior players to six juniors for most games.
This gave the youngsters great support and opportunities to play a big part in each of the matches. It allowed them to gain maturity and build confidence.
The team finished fourth in the Worcestershire County League Division Twelve (South/East)
Luke Plane, Tolly Wilson and Cole Notley carried out most of the bowling through out the season, taking 26 wickets between them.
It was an outstanding performance for such young lads. They learned more in each game they played, encountering different conditions and match scenarios.
There were also first wickets in senior cricket from Harry Buckley (Under 14s) and Euan Styles (Under 13s).
Luke Plane opened the batting this season, and was very impressive.
He scored his maiden 50 against one of the stronger third team opponents, batting sensibly and waiting for the bad ball to score off.
Cole Notley took the most wickets for division 12 S/E with 11 his best being 4 for 15.
Cole did a great job at first-change bowler, learning to keep the ball up to the batsmen, staying cool and eventually getting wickets and building the pressure. It was an amazing achievement for him this season to finish on top of the Division 12 leaderboard.
Tolly opened the bowling with Luke each week, bowling as a pair and keeping the pressure on both ends, which was very encouraging to see.
Luke finished on nine wickets and Tolly on six for the season.
It was a top performance all round by all juniors this season. Well done to them all for their support and commitment.
Mark Notley