The progress of our Under 13s

This festival for U13 and U15s used to be played on a regional basis, but due to the unequal distribution of clubs, this year there was an attempt to pick 4 teams for each age group that would be of an equal standard - the aim being to have good competition and also ensure that all those selected would play in at least 2 games. The format of the festival is a round robin, with nothing for the victors, but with the chance for those involved to get an opportunity to play a longer form of the game (40 overs a side) and to show off their skills.

Ian Cooper and Joe Barker were both selected for the second and third games to be played by the U13 Team 1. In their first game on a poor track at Edmonton, the game was over quickly as Team 3 failed to set a decent target (thanks in part to tight bowling by our pair), which was then quickly knocked off, including 17 from Ian who was then unlucky to be adjudged leg before, given that the ball hit the bat!

That same day saw Michael Levy's first game for Team 4 at Winchmore Hill, and this had an even more one sided feel to it as Team 2 were bowled out for just 56 on a difficult pitch, which kept rather low due to the unseasonal weather. Team 4 won by 10 wickets thanks in large part though to Michael who made an assured 20 not out.

This brought us to the final game at Eastcote for a much more competitive match up between Teams 1 and 4, and a chance to see all of the selected 'Fosters colts at the same venue.

Team 4 batted first and posted a reasonable total of 120 for 9 from their 40 overs, although this looked about 20 runs short of par given that they had been 97 for 4 after 32 overs. Michael only contributed 3, but again looked composed before calling for a suicidal run, with inevitable results! Joe and Ian gave little away with the ball but struggled somewhat to find their length on a very slopy pitch.

Team 1 were always up with the rate and apart from a small hiccup when 2 wickets fell in quick succession with 10 overs to go, posted 121 for 5 in 36 overs. Joe was unlucky to be bowled off bat and pad for one, and Ian was even more unfortunate as he didn't get a bat! Michael increased in confidence behind the stumps (he kept in both of his games) and took away some useful tips from the coaching staff.

A great experience then for our lads, who all made some useful contributions to the success of their teams. Hopefully this will all be put to good use come the next U13 league game.