Page 48 - West Pennant Hills Cherrybrook Cricket Club Yearbook 2017-18

UNDER 16 - TEAM REPORTS Under 16 Age Coordinator’s Report
The U16’s fielded 3 teams in 2017/18 in a strong 7 team competition. Each of the teams improved on their positions from last year with solid team performances and many individual highlights.
The Blue Team ended as minor Premiers but was unable to get the job done losing their Semi-Final.
The Gold Team made the finals for the 3rd Year running, finishing 4th before finding their groove in the finals and taking out the U16 premiership. The white team whilst finishing just outside the finals in 5th had some close results and defeated the premiers during the course of the season.
We had 3 Centurions, and two 5 for Wicket performances. Many of our players made the top 10 in batting and bowling stats across the Association and we were well represented in Representative Teams.
Thanks to all the team Coaches, Managers, Umpires, Scorers and weekend support staff on behalf of WPHCCC. I wish all the best for players transitioning to seniors,
Andrew Morris - U16 Co-ordinator Under 16 Blue
11 of the 12 Under 15 Blue team returned for their final season of junior cricket together. Disappointingly, Eshaan Kohli did not after being a member of the Blue family since the Under 9’s. However, Ed Corby, who was keen to secure a transfer, was embraced by the Blue family for the season.
This being the boys’ last season of junior cricket, not only was it important to continue to enhance the skills each boy had developed over previous seasons, but to do so within an environment that would give every player the opportunity to showcase their skills and facilitate their transition to the senior ranks. With this in mind, a top six batting order was selected, 3 quicks, 2 spinners and the team’s all-rounder were given the responsibility to do the bulk of the bowling and the two nominated keepers given the keeping duties for the season. Connor Hindmarch (C) and Dylan Bish (VC) were allowed a free rein over the on field tactics. There was also a “Never Give Up” (NGU) prize on offer at the conclusion of each match, awarded to the player who had displayed steely determination, be it with bat or ball, or in the field. Each player embraced this structure and it allowed them to understand their responsibilities within the team. So how did this all go?
Game 1 Vs Normanhurst
A couple of unavailable players for the first game saw the Blues play short, but despite this, after winning the toss and electing to bat, there was a quiet confidence within team. Unfortunately, after a solid start, the Blues were rolled for just 74 with Nick (19) the only batsman to make a decent contribution. The boys took to the field and displayed some of the NGU attitude expected but just fell short of victory (Normanhurst 6/77). Areeb was magnificent with the new ball (4/6 from 6 overs) and Ed showed what he could do with his well flighted off spinners, chipping in with 2/5 from 4 overs.
Game 2 Vs Berowra Glenorie
The Blues bowled first and although the openers bowled well they could not get the early break through. Xander (2/8) and John (2/28) replaced them and bowled superbly and suddenly the opposition were 4/29.
A very good batting partnership followed but our opening bowlers were too much to handle in their 2nd and 3rd spells with Areeb (2/19) and Andrew (4/19) ensuring the team would only require 147 for victory. With the coaches’ ”words of encouragement” still ringing in their ears from the previous match, the top six batters came out and were absolutely phenomenal. The Blues amassed 3/315 before declaring. Zac notched up his maiden ton with a magnificent 100no and all the batsmen got among the runs (Sam 56no, Connor 32, Xander 25, Nick 21no, Riley 17).
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