With the Indian test series just around the corner and the T20 season in full flow, there is a lot of cricket occurring away from Strayfield Road. But what about us?
Well our U15's have been busy and entered the Middlesex Youth Cup for the first time. Here is Andy Mac Team Manager and Coach (together with Andy Pearson), for a full run down......
This year saw NECC U15's enter the Middlesex Youth Cup U17's competition for the first time. The format is adult rules 20/20 white ball cricket, also known as "Pyjama cricket". As the club has no full junior coloured kit, polo shirts in club colours were purchased especially for the games. Next year, we will be looking for a kind sponsor to contribute/purchase a full set of coloured kit for all junior teams to use.
The first game we were drawn against Highgate CC, NECC won the toss and chose to bat. With some fairly decent bowling, our top order was blown away at 36 for 6. A determined and steady lower order of Freddie (12), Hannah (10 N/O) and Aran (14 N/O) pushed the total to 84 from 20 overs. Highgate then came into bat with the ball flying to all parts and at one stage were 66 for 2 off 8 overs. Then came the turnaround, an inspired piece of bowling from Abbie jones (4 for 9) and Ishan (2-14) won the game for NECC as Highgate were bowled out for 76, to give NECC the win by 8 runs, quite an amazing performance by a determined U15's team!!
Now into the quarter finals, NECC were paired with North Middlesex.
North Middlesex won the toss and chose to bat on a very dry and hot evening at the second home of Cricket (Strayfield Rd). North Middx got off to a flying start with some big hitting from the openers before Jameson and Ishan took wickets slowing things down for them a little. Even more inspired bowling from Abbie (2 for 32) and with others chipping in with wickets including Ishan (1-26), Tom Hide (1-19) and Tom Munt (1-12), North Middlesex posted a very impressive 154-6 from 20 overs.
NECC came to the crease with Calum and Sam opening, a swift 13 from Sam got NECC off to a quick start with Calum (31) pushing the score along after the wicket of Sam. Ishan carried on the big hitting with a decent 29 but both fell in quick succession and NECC never really got going again. Even so, we finished on a more than respectable 126 all out, thus losing by 28 runs.
An absolutely sterling effort by everyone who took part in the 2 games!
Well done to all concerned! We were approached by Middlesex to play in the tournament and were a bit nervous going into it as a club, as we did not know what to expect. However, the performances and the experience was brilliant for all of us! As mentioned earlier, NECC will be looking for a kit sponsor for next season, the kit will be used by various age groups for several years. If you are interested in sponsoring the juniors please contact Andy Mac.
I say it in every mail because it is true; NECC is as much your club as it is mine and all of us on Management. If you have any ideas, suggestions, observations or thoughts about anything re. our club then please let me know.
Many thanks for reading my mails and with very best wishes
James
James Scott
Chairman, North Enfield Cricket Club