JUNIOR BAND OF BROTHERS CRICKET WEEK 2023

MATCH REPORTS

Junior BB v Sussex Martlets (Stonewall Park) – Wednesday 19 July (2pm), cancelled (player availability).

Junior BB v Hampshire Hoggets (Warnford) – Thursday 20 July (2pm)

Match lost by 10 runs. Hampshire Hoggets 235 all out (34.1), Junior BB 225-9 (35).

In a weather affected week, beautiful Warnford hosted the opening match of this year’s junior calendar and it produced a high scoring, tight finish. Hoggets fielded a strong team including opener Du Plessis (60) and Acheson-Gray (74) who ensured the platform for an imposing 235 total (6.7 per over). Wickets were shared around BB but the stand-out performance was from King’s Canterbury’s Henry Elliott (4-19 in 7 overs). Tom Dyas (2-51 / 7, Sutton Valence) and Will Pollington (2-17 / 3, Eastbourne) also contributed. BB remained in the hunt from the start. Openers Arthur Elliott (35, King’s) and Tom Dyas (44) blunted the Hoggets bowling. But as wickets steadily fell, Will Pollington (30) and the outstanding Jack Dyas (58*, Sutton Valence) managed to maintain sufficient tempo to leave an unlikely 18 needed from the last over. In the end it proved too much but, overall, the freedom of shots and willingness to chase big totals set the tone for batting during the whole week.

Also playing: Archie Brealey (King’s), Aska Kanai-Smith (King’s), Monty Tunnicliff (Sutton Valence), Matthew and Freddie Grierson-Rickford (both Sutton Valence), Felix Elliott (King’s).

Junior BB v Shepway Stragglers (Torry Hill) – Friday 21 July (2pm)

Match won by 3 wickets. Shepway Stragglers 144-9 (35). Junior BB 147-7 (29 overs).

Junior BB won a low-scoring, absorbing match – reversing last year’s result. The victory was set up by a superb opening spell by King’s paceman Henry Elliott (5-7 from 6 overs), among the best figures by a junior player in the history of Junior BB Week. With Tom Dyas (Sutton Valance) also taking 2-12 (in 3 overs) it left Stragglers reeling at 46-6. A patient fifty from guest player (Anderson) and some mid-order striking salvaged a defendable 144. Junior BB negotiated Torry Hill’s uncharacteristically tricky wicket despite losing 7 batsmen. Will Pollington’s measured 56 provided the backbone of its reply but decisive contributions from Harry Heming (17, Eastbourne & Kent Canterbury Academy), Nick Connor (15, King’s Canterbury) and Archie Brealey (10) made sure of things. Also playing: Arthur Elliott (King’s), Ben Sharp (King’s), Monty Tunnicliff (Sutton Valence), Matthew Grierson-Rickford (Sutton Valence). As in previous years, this is a useful fixture for its exposure to adult cricket, in the cradle setting of Torry Hill which looked as good as it has ever been, despite poor recent weather.

Junior BB v Sussex Martlets (Hurst) - Tuesday 26 July (1pm)

Match lost by 137 runs. Sussex Martlets 248-7 (35). Junior BB 111 all out (26.3).

In a revised 35 over format after Hamphire Hoggets withdrew from the planned T20 Triangular, a very strong Martlets side hosted the Junior BB at Hurst. Batting first they ran away at express-pace with Sussex Academy brothers Ben (85*) and Ollie Willsdon (33) putting on a century partnership in the first 13 overs. Despite the high-scoring which included 34 from Martlet’s Johnny Prior (son of former England cricketer Matthew Prior), Junior BB bowlers shared a steady flow of wickets. Ollie Shouksmith (2-30 / 7, Eastbourne) and Stan Weir (2-25 / 3) led the way with other wicket-takers including Freddie Evans (Tonbridge), James Schilder (Bishops Stortford), Matthew Grierson-Rickford (Sutton Valence). Junior BB stumbled early in reply losing 5 of their top six batters cheaply. Only Wilby Wood (23, Hurst) and Archie Brealy (28, King’s) and Freddie Evans (14) offered any real resistance. Also playing: Will Fleming (Eton), Henry and Barney Schilder (both Stowe). The result means that the Chris Snell Trophy is retained by the Martlets for the third successive year; and it is now three wins apiece between the sides since its inauguration in 2018.             

Junior BB v Armadillos (Sheffield Park) – Wednesday 26 July (2pm)

Match lost by 8 wickets.  Junior BB 226-8 (35 overs). Armadillos 228-2 (22.5). 

Once again the result reversed last year’s equivalent fixture at Sheffield Park, this time with a thrilling Armadillos batting display which won the match by 8 wickets in the end. Junior BB themselves produced a pulsating run rate of 6.4 per over in setting a competitive 226-8. It was founded on Wilby Wood (Hurst) with a cleanly struck 44; and especially on superb debutant Felix Horsham-Holt (81, Eastbourne) whose imposing innings was one of the highlights of the week. Together they took the initiative in first stabilising things after a couple of early wickets; and then assaulting a succession of Armadillos bowlers with boundaries to all parts of the field. But it was the rapid response by Armadillos front four batsman who proved decisive, chasing at more than 10 runs per over to the target with each contributing evenly. Junior BB bowlers, who included another excellent debutant Jimmy Hall (Eastbourne), were unable to stem the flow of runs and it took just 22 overs to conclude. Also playing: Nick Connor (King’s), Will Pollington (Eastbourne), Archie Brealy (King’s), James Schilder (Bishops Stortford), Henry and Barney Schilder (Stowe), Matthew Grierson-Rickford (Sutton Valence), Will Fleming (Eton).

Junior BB v Chief’s XI (Marden) – Thursday 27 July (1130am), cancelled (rain).

Junior BB v Chief’s XI (Marden) – Thursday 29 July (1130am)

Match lost by 4 wickets.

Junior BB 241-8 (Mordaunt 53*).

Chief’s XI 244-6 (Jayatissa 102*, Hulbert 68*).

Culminating the Junior BB week, a comparatively high-scoring match saw Junior BB establish a competitive total (53 overs) based around several watchful middle-order innings (Barney Hall 32, Cameron Cummings 28 and Sam Holden-Craufurd 22) - and a strong flourish towards the declaration as Ollie Mordaunt (53*) and Arthur Butt (34*) exploited a tiring bowling attack with a 88-run 7th wicket partnership in just 7 overs. With around 40 overs available to chase, Chief’s XI started briskly with openers Tom Pollington (23) and Brough Cooper (29) making 52 for the first wicket in just 7 overs. Junior BB reined things in with a penetrative bowling spell reducing the senior side to 92-6 after 21 overs. An unlikely Junior BB win seemed on the cards with the imposing pace of James Felton (2-36) and Arthur Butt (2-18) supported by Sam Holden-Craufurd (1-9) and Tom Pedley (1-22) doing the damage. But with Captain Finn Hulbert (68*) and a masterful century from Sri Lanka A guest-player Roshi Jayatissa (102*) in 69 balls (his second fifty scored off just 20 balls), Chief’s XI averted the danger, completing the win inside 36 overs. The match saw Nicholas Heroys Award caps given to stand-out players of this year’s Junior week (presented by his widow Sue): Arthur Butt (Eton) and Ollie Mordaunt (Radley).

Junior BB v Hampshire Hoggets Under 16 (Sheffield Park) – Wednesday 28 July (2pm)

Junior BB v Hampshire Hoggets Under 16 (Sheffield Park) – Wednesday 28 July (2pm)

Match won by 74 runs. 

Junior BB 215-8 (35 overs).

Hoggets 141. 

Junior BB comfortably won this limited overs match reversing the week’s earlier T20 loss. Captain Freddie Ferro won the toss and elected to bat on the lush Sheffield Park ground which offered plenty of opportunity for younger (U16) members of both sides. Junior BB posted 215-8 around strong contributions from Ferro (41), Cameron Cummings (40), Tom Pedley (40) and Will Pollington (32). In reply, Hoggets never recovered from losing early wickets (13-3) and despite a gritty 51 from Hoggets No3 (Ben Foster); the pace and economy of Harry Wingfield-Digby (3-14 from 7 overs), Arthur Butt (2-20 (6.3)), Ollie Mordaunt (2-26 (6)) combined with an all-round fielding performance to strangle any chance of keeping up with the required run-rate (6.14 per over). 

Junior BB v Hampshire Hoggets (Hurst) – Monday 26 July (1.45pm)

Junior BB v Hampshire Hoggets (Hurst) – Monday 26 July (1.45pm)

Match lost by 46 runs.

Hoggets 164-7 (20 overs).

Junior BB 118-8 (20). 

The second T20 match saw a strong Hoggets side comfortably win on a rapidly drying pitch. Setting a formidable total, built around a magnificent 84 (63 balls) from Surrey junior opening bat George Aitcheson-Gray, Hoggets held the cards. Josh Ansell (3-13) gave one of the best T20 returns by a Junior BB since it’s inauguration; with Ollie Mordaunt (2-27) and the pace of Harry Wingfield-Digby (1-18) both significant performances. In reply BB set off at a gallop with a high-scoring rate (9 per over in the first 8 overs) being maintained by opener Tom Frost (42) despite wickets falling around him. BB Captain Tom Pedley’s combative 24 (17 balls) and Ollie Mordaunt’s 23 (17 balls) both threatened to produce an unlikely win but it was Hogget’s captain Rollo Harrap’s amazing hat-trick which eventually took the game away from BB.

Junior BB v Sussex Martlets v (Hurst) – Monday 26 July (10am)

Junior BB v Sussex Martlets v (Hurst) – Monday 26 July (10am)

Match lost by 7 runs.

Martlets 137-7 (20 overs).

Junior BB 130-8 (Pollington 51) 20 0vers.

First of two T20 matches in the three-way tournament (also with Hampshire Hoggets) resulted in a thriller which Junior BB lost by a narrow margin. Batting first the Martlets posted a respectable total around several contributions with BB bowlers Ollie Mordaunt (2-22) and Arthur Butt (2-23) the pick of the bunch. In reply for BB, Harvey Park (29) and James Pollington (51) set up a platform for a successful chase. Needing 12 from the last over proved too much in the final analysis and, were it not for one strong over in the first innings from which Martlets profited 20 runs, it might have been a different outcome.

Junior BB v Sussex Martlets – Thursday 22 July (2pm)

Junior BB v Sussex Martlets (Hurst) – Thursday 22 July (2pm)

Match lost by 34 runs.

Martlets 199-5 decl.

Junior BB 165 (Ferro 59).

Cricket week 2021 opened with a warm Hurst day and a well-contested match ending in defeat for BB after they came close to chasing a strong target. Martlets won the toss and batted, taking just 29 overs to set 200 to win. Their innings, built around a massive 122 by Sussex junior Joe Willis, watched by former England player Matt Prior, was a tough ask. Wickets fell at the other end with Will Pollington (2-31), Freddie Ferro (1-31); and 2 outstanding run outs including from Rupert Plumptre (captaining in his final match as a Junior).  In reply, BB built a steady position from which to put the target within reach. An opening stand of 37 (Arthur Butt 21, Will Pollington 18) set the base for Freddie Ferro (59) and Freddie Evans (29) to take the BB to 152-4 with 9 overs to go. The win needed a final push and, were it not for a rash of late BB wickets, might have been there for the taking. In the end, a deserved win for Martlets which happily brought the sides back together after 2020 season disruption.

Junior BB V Chief’s XI

Chief’s XI 274-7 dec, Junior BB 212-5.

Match drawn

Once again, we played the highlight of the Junior BB season at the Nevill Ground in Tunbridge Wells, and it looked splendid in the sunshine. Tom Nicholls, Junior BB captain won the toss and elected to field, which was perhaps a wise decision as the strength of the younger side was perhaps more with the ball.

Rufus Pullen took the new ball from the far end and bowled with pace and aggression. His reward came when he produced a cracker to bowl Tom Page for 7 – a good start at 19-1. At the other end, Tom Nicholls bowled his leg spin in a tactic that he also used to good effect the previous day at the Armadillos. Both ended up with remarkable similar figures (Rufus 9-0-48-2, Tom 9-1-46-0), with the odd stray ball being punished by the more experienced batsmen.

Arthur Butt came on as 1st change with Harry Sherwin bowling his leg breaks to replace Tom. Arthur (0-44) has had a fine first Junior BB season and has 3 more years to play (with any luck) and is a fine prospect. Harry took 3-11 against the Armadillos and also did well against the adults with 2-41 off his 7 overs. It was good to see him not afraid to pitch the ball up, despite some aggressive hitting.

For the BB, Brough Cooper punished anything short and leg side in his 51, before he was well caught by Ollie Streets for the first of his 3 catches. Nico Bryan (18) played some eye catching off drives before he succumbed to the lethal ‘first ball after drinks’ when Sam Holden-Craufurd pitched one up and beat his off drive. This made it 81-3, and when BB captain Mike Churchill was caught by his opposite number Tom off Harry Sherwin for 5, the BB were 91-4. The rebuilding came thanks to a sensible partnership of 57 between Alex Norwood-Hill (43) and Tom Pollington (47).

Ben Falcon bowled with real vigour and energy without reward, while Isaac was by his own admission not bowling as he had in previous games, however he picked up the vital wicket of Alex N-H, smartly caught at short extra cover by Ollie Streets again. Will Pollington had a good spell after lunch trying to remove his elder brother, but the impetus at the end of the innings came from Finn Hulbert (84*) and Tom P in their excellent partnership of 122 for the 6th wicket. It was left to the returning Rufus to finish the innings when he bowled Sam Huggett.

A competitive total of 274-7 was achieved off 43 overs, which left plenty of time to bat. If there was something to improve for the Junior BB bowlers, it would be to try and achieve a more consistent line & length. We only managed to bowl 1 maiden over in the innings, and too many balls were too short and wide, something that the older batsmen relished.

The Junior BB opened up with Ed Dix-Perkin and Ollie Streets, who batted beautifully and reached tea undefeated after 18 overs. It was a great demonstration of sensible shot selection and patience in repelling the canny seam and spin combo of Alex Cornwallis (0-18) and Sam Huggett (0-49). They continued after tea to reach an opening partnership of exactly 100 before Ed was LBW to the eclectic bowling of Tom Page (2-22) for a fine 52. Inigo Pullen came in, hit his first ball cleanly for 6 and then perished to the good old full toss and was caught second ball at mid off for 6. Tom Nicholls (captain) joined Ollie and they accumulated nicely to take the score to 139 when Tom was yorked by his leg spin comrade from last year, Hugo Pettman for 13.

In an effort to winkle out the Junior BB batsmen, skipper Mike Churchill turned to the veteran wizard Alex Norwood-Hill (1-18), who deceived Rupert Plumptre (3) and set off on an Imran Tahir style celebration with arms wheeling. Rufus Pullen played some aggressive shots to push the score towards 200 but was snared by Churchill (1-12) for 13, caught by Finn Hulbert.

All this time, Ollie Streets, had continued on his technically excellent and fluent way to a magnificent unbeaten 100. Centuries are rare beasts in the Chief’s match and in Junior BB cricket generally, but this was a virtually chanceless innings by a 16 year old player who has a highly promising future. He couldn’t play in the games the previous week as he was selected to play in a 3 day game for Kent U17, and his ability shone through. I hope Ollie will want to play much more Junior & adult BB cricket. He finished on 116* and deserved the applause as he left the field as the game ended in a draw.

It was especially pleasing to see the excellent team spirit and camaraderie amongst the youngsters, which was the result of i) the strong captaincy and leadership of Tom Nicholls, and ii) playing the games in a short time window, so that the boys get to know each other so well. I hope the lads enjoyed the games, as that is most important thing.

So the end of the 2019 Junior BB games, which had 3 wins, 1 draw and 2 losses (both to the Junior Sussex Martlets). At tea, the Chief introduced the new Nicholas Heroys Memorial Awards with the presentation of a BB cap to 2 Junior BB who had performed well during the games. These were awarded to Rufus Pullen and Ollie Streets for 2019, and Tom Nicholls & James Pollington for 2018. We were especially pleased to have Sue Heroys (Nick’s widow) on hand to make the presentation.

A major vote of thanks to all the parents of the Juniors for their magnificent support and commitment to get the boys to the matches, and also to the Chief and the Club for supporting the Juniors with this wonderful game played at a special venue.

Mark Pettman

Junior BB vs Armadillos

Junior B.B. 111 all out
Armadillos 112-4 won by 4 wickets

What a difference a year makes. In 2017, this game was abandoned due to torrential rain, and the Chief’s match at the Nevill was almost waterlogged the following day. This year we played at Sheffield Park in glorious sunshine at their lovely ground. 

This was the first match that the Junior Armadillos had ever played, and it was a terrific game played in a wonderful spirit. Many of the boys knew each other from various connections including school, and the variety of academic establishments represented include Eastbourne, Ardingly, Hurst, Eton, St Edward’s, Tonbridge, Cranbrook, Rugby, St Lawrence Ramsgate and Kings Canterbury - what a great spread. 

The Armadillos won the toss and asked us to bat first, which was a pleasant surprise. The opening pair of James P and Alex R were going nicely with a partnership of 21 before James was caught behind off Ollie Nolan for 14. He has had a good season for the B.B. so far and still has 2 more years.

 

The original plan was to open with Rupert, but the logistical difficulties of finding the ground meant he was a little late, so he came in at number three. Unfortunately did this didn’t last very long as he was bowled by a good ball from the other Armadillo opener.

Alex (7) continued to defend well on a tricky pitch, showing plenty of application and put on 20 with Tom N (20). There followed a middle order collapse as Alex, Tom (bowled by a snorter that nipped back a long way through the gate), Felix and Rory were all out in a short space of time for just 4 runs. 46-6. 

Rufus P consolidated well with Hugo, despatching the bad ball brutally as they put on 27 in seven overs. Unfortunately after he was bowled, we were running short of support for the Captain, who was stranded on 39 not out. We closed on 111 all out with 6 overs left to bat. 

After a memorable tea, which was as comprehensive as one could wish for, we opened the bowling with Rufus and Rory. They both very economical but without initial success. Oli made an immediate impact with his third ball to remove Ellis (bowled) with the score on 23. This brought Alex Crickmore to the crease, who had not played for a while. Unfortunately we were not able to capitalise on his rusty batting, and he somehow got through a difficult patch against Oli, Harry, Tom and Isaac eventually getting to 50* at the very end.

Our fielding was mixed, with some catches going down, yet a very smart pair taken by Rory in the deep and Tom at mid wicket. Isaac picked up the important wicket of Will Hanley LBW, but unfortunately despite swapping the bowling regularly, the captain did not have enough runs to play with. I think another 30 or 40 could have made this a really interesting game.

The Armadillos won with 10 overs to spare by 6 wickets - they played the better cricket and were stronger than us on the day. However it was a great day for them on their inaugural match, and I sincerely hope this will become a regular fixture in our calendar. We have already pencilled in July 31, 2019 for the next instalment at Sheffield Park. Please do put that in your diaries.

Batting mentions to Hugo, Tom, Rufus and James, who all made double figures. 

Bowling mentions to everyone who bowled - we just didn’t have a big enough total to defend. 

Thanks as always to everyone who came to support and we move onto our final game against the adults at the Nevill. 

Mark

Junior BB V Junior Marlets

Junior Martlets 203 all out

Junior BB 204-4. Won by 6 wickets. 

Scorecard here

Designed as a triangular day with Sussex and Hampshire, but ended up being a really enjoyable all day game just against the Martlets. We were able to play an old style 'declaration game' which produced a genuine result and some terrific cricket. Well done to all the boys.

This was a real team performance, with everybody contributing in some way. Even James Pollington, who was unfortunately due in next, took a vital catch at deep mid wicket to make the initial breakthrough when they have made a really good start at 49-0. 

Captain Hugo Pettman lost the toss and they elected to bat. The new ball bowling of Luke Berry (5.3-0-26-1) and Ellis Winsper (6-0-24-0) was a little wayward, and we were guilty of not bowling to our off side field as much as we would like. Tom Pollington (3-1-12-0) also tried some seam bowling before Hugo turned to his spin quartet.

First up was Tom Nicholls and Felix Fleming. Felix bowled a great economical spell (6-0-11-0) and was extremely unlucky with two or three chances missed in the field (including one of his own bowling). He was brave enough to pitch the ball up and did not get his just rewards and will have luckier days. 

Tom (15-0-55-4) got the initial wicket of Ed Fairfax (27) well caught by James Pollington, and then proceeded to take regular wickets, including the dangerous no 3 Harry Moorat bowled off an edge. This was an excellent spell of bowling and he could not quite get his 5-for. 

Isaac (5-1-30-3) replaced Felix with his left arm bowling, and benefited from some wonderful catching for two of his wickets. Hugo plucked a stinger out of the sky for a brilliant grab at short mid wicket, and Jonathan Shepherdson dived to his right at extra cover for a cracking catch. 

Hugo (8-1-31-2) himself bowled ether side of lunch and importantly removed the young and highly talented Toby Shepperson (54) immediately after lunch, well caught above his head by Luke Berry. 

So 9 consecutive wickets for the spinners, and at 167-9, we were well and truly in the driving seat. However a spirited last wicket stand of 36 with some strong hitting tipped the balance more to an even game. Luke finally removed their no 11 Harry Drew for a fine 21, and they were all out for 203. We had been really quick in the field and bowled 50 overs in just over 2 1/2 hours - good to see and meant that we would get enough overs to chase the target. 

We opened up with Tom Pollington (25) and Nico Bryan (57), who got off to an excellent start. Tom hit some lovely boundaries, especially on the legside, whilst Nico played second fiddle in their partnership of 39. 

After Tom got a top edge to square leg, Jonathan Shepherdson joined Nico up to tea. He played really well, solid in defence and producing a glorious cover drive which had the veterans in the pavilion purring. They put on 40 together before Jonathan was out soon after tea for 17.

Young Ollie Streets joined Nico, having kept well again in their innings, and showed a really good technique in defence, as well as some lovely attacking shot too. He was unfortunate to be stumped off the leg spinner for 10, however his innings was important as we did not lose quick wickets.

All this time, Nico had progressed serenely to his well earned 50, with 10 fours and some fabulous on drives. When he was out after 27 overs, we still needed 90 to win and left 2 new batsmen at the crease in Hugo P and Ellis W. The game was in the balance. 

However the school friends showed great composure and maturity to play themselves in steadily - at one stage they scored just 4 runs in 5 overs - but once they broke the shackles they batted beautifully together. 

Hugo (44*) was especially severe on the leg side, whilst Ellis (37*) played shots all round the ground. They also ran really well between the wickets to put pressure on the fielders. 

They put on 90* together and saw us over the line with about 7 overs to spare. Terrific batting and a splendid result to win by 6 wickets. 

Champagne moment - that is probably a tie between the catches of Hugo and Jonathan off Isaac's bowling. 

Man of the match - a number of excellent individual performances from Tom, Isaac, Hugo, Ellis and Nico, this was really a great team win so I would like to share it between everyone.

We move on to Belmont and the final game of the (rain affected) 2017 Junior BB season against the adults. Thanks as always to the boys, and those who came to support and drive them. It is much appreciated.

Mark Pettman

Junior BB V Shepway Stragglers

Junior BB (203/6) v Shepway Stragglers - Match abandoned. 

Scorecard here

Well it seems that the weather is doing its best to thwart us this week. We lost the game on Monday to rain against the Hoggets, and Wednesday's match against the Chief was curtailed. On Friday, rain was forecast to arrive late afternoon, however it never really left us and despite trying to squeeze a game in, we only managed four overs of their innings before it became too heavy to continue. 

However there were some very promising aspects to our batting. Having lost the toss and been asked to bat first, we opened up with the Tonbridge pairing of Alex Moen and Charlie Oster. This could well be a first, as Charlie normally bats at 10 or 11, however he showed for too much skill to remain that low down the order in the future. 

His timing was terrific and he hit some lovely boundaries before he was caught for 13 at second slip off the accurate Nick Wright. There was quite some considerable doubt about whether this was in fact a bunk ball - the umpire at the bowlers end was not sure at all - however Charlie took the catcher's word and walked off. 

Rory Pritchard was looking to improve on his innings against Leeds, but was caught on the back foot by a quick single from Alex and was never likely to get home. He was run out for 1. 

Captain George Wooldridge (21) had his father keeping behind him but didn't let this distract him. He hit 5 lovely 4s before unfortunately he was again attracted to spin and was bowled by Nick Healy trying to come down the wicket. 

Freddie Falcon was also looking to hit over the top and was caught at mid on off Nick for 9. This brought Hugo P to the crease to join his old chum Alex. After a scratchy start, where he survived thanks to some streaky edges, Hugo played a terrific knock in difficult conditions, visibly growing in confidence. 

He and Alex put on 49 before Alex was caught at mid wicket for 47 looking to accelerate. It was was a another lovely innings looked extremely solid and in good form. This brought in Will Falcon, just as the rain was getting heavier. After an initial break and delay, when tea was taken, we decided to shorten the game which left us five overs to complete our innings.

Will came out on fire and smashed 32 off 14 balls with some clean hitting - the partnership was 53 off 26 balls. With Hugo's acceleration (54*) and Benny Smallwood's wonderful improvisation (14*) with scoops over the keeper, we were able to finish on 203-6 off 32 overs, which the Stragglers were chasing off 25 overs. 

Alas the rain was getting heavier and heavier, and after just four overs from Will and Sean, during which we created more than one chance, it was too wet to continue. We shook hands and headed home. 

I am really sorry that couple of the team did not have the chance to do very much, notably Oli, Rufus and Sean, but thanks for your support and understanding. 

So we move onto the last few games this week, and thanks again to all who came to support and watch. Special thanks to Seb Pollington for sharing the umpiring duties with me on a pretty grim day.

Mark

Junior BB V Leeds & Broomfield

Junior BB (138/7) beat Leeds & Broomfield (84 all out) by 54 runs. 

T20 Match played at Leeds & Broomfield, Tuesday July 25th, 2017

Scorecard available here 

After the frustration of the match against the Hampshire Hoggets being abandoned by rain, the Junior BB got off to a winning start in the 20 match at Leeds.
 

At this beautiful and picturesque ground overlooking Leeds Castle, we lost the toss and were asked to bat first on a green and sporty wicket, which had been freshened up by the overnight rain.

We didn't get off to the best start, as Captain Rory Prichard was LBW to a swinging delivery after only three balls, closely followed by a frustrating run out for Freddie Falcon. Felix Fleming hit a lovely boundary to backward point, however he was undone by an excellent yorker, which left us 14-3. 

However we consolidated well with Benny Smallwood (28) and Tom Nicholls (37) pouncing on some short bowling from the seamers and spinners, to put on a crucial partnership of 64 in eight overs. They hit 11 fours and a six between them and got us back on track. 

This momentum was continued at the end of the innings with some fine hitting and aggressive running by James Pollington (16), Albert Courage (15*) and Isaac Wallace (15*), with Isaac hitting 2 lovely maximums to the leg side in the closing overs. 

We closed on 138/7, which was considerably more promising than it looked at one stage.

Just as last year, Leeds & Broomfield had 4 really strong players, and their wickets would be the key to the game. They included Harry Houillon who was playing in the U15 Bunbury Festival recently. He is a fine (although talkative) keeper, who times the ball really well.

I thoroughly enjoy watching Ed Shepherdson open the bowling for first time (3-1-4-1) and had the best view as the umpire. He generated excellent pace and bounce and when he dismissed the other opener for 0, the score was already 22–1. At the other end Rufus Pullen (3-0-26-0) had little luck with the new ball but caused numerous problems. 

Captain Rory Pritchard bravely turned to the leg spin of Tom Nicholls (2-0-11-1), who came round the wicket to produce a cracker to bowl Harry for 23. This was crucial. Thereafter Louis Moen took 3-10 showing the virtues of building straight, as 2 were LBW and the other bowled. 

Louis was replaced by the left arm spin of Isaac Wallace. Again, this was the first time I had seen his bowling, and in his very first over he produced a remarkable hat trick - caught at cover, bowled and then stumped by Benny Smallwood to much joy. 

Albert Courage, another debutant, finished off the innings and we had won with 22 balls to spare.

So a really pleasing win and an excellent all-round team performance with everybody making a contribution.

Man of the Match must go to Tom Nicholls for his powerful batting to top score with 37, and the key wicket of Harry Houillon. Honourable mentions to Benny Smallwood, Louis Moen and Ed Shepherdson. 

Champagne moment has to go to Isaac Wallace for his hat trick delivery. This is a rare feat and something to celebrate.

The scorecard can be found online via Cric HQ at www.crichq.com/#matches/548664

Junior BB V Junior Sussex Martlets

Junior Sussex Martlets -  219 - 7 wickets - 40.0 overs

Junior BB - 156 - 10 wickets - 35.0 overs

Scorecard can be found here

The first match of the 2017 Junior BB season was against the Junior Martlets. Last year we had a convincing win at Hurstpierpoint, but this year they bought a decidedly older and stronger team. Unfortunately we were not able to match them and lost by 63 runs. 

The Martlets batted first at the picturesque Stonewall Park ground, which was kindly made available to us by the Fleming family. Sean Menary was extremely unlucky not to take a wicket in his opening spell (5-1-15-0) and it was Will Falcon made the opening breakthrough by producing a great Yorker to remove the blonde haired Margarson for 2. 

There followed a match winning 2nd wicket partnership of 121 between the bearded Futcher (73) and Moorat (50). They hit 23 boundaries between them and were especially ruthless on anything loose. 

Captain Alex Moen turned to spin, which was a brave decision given the short boundaries and big hitting. His faith was rewarded by wickets for Felix Fleming (2-54) and Hugo Pettman (3-35), aided by some fine catching from the skipper, who pouched 4 at mid wicket. Felix is only 15 and deserves real credit for keeping the ball pitched up and getting his success.

The Martlets had power hitters down to no 7 and we did really well to restrict them to 219-7 in 40 overs, having been 134-1 in the 25th over. We began our chase with the experience of Tom Pollington and Alex Moen, who saw off the pacey but erratic openers with an excellent stand of 49. 

All seemed to be proceeding well, however Tom was out in the 13th over, and despite a fine 42 from captain Moen and a promising first appearance for 14 year old Ollie Streets, we were falling behind the rate. 

Only Will Falcon (20) and Sam Huggett (24) provided any real resistance in the middle or lower order by hitting boundaries, and we fell short with 5 overs to spare. 

So we will be hoping for better things next week in our matches against the Hoggets, Leeds & Broomfield, Chief's XI and Shepway Stragglers, but an enjoyable game played great spirit.

Champagne moment today would have to go to the Captain for his wonderful reflex catch off Felix to break the second wicket partnership at short mid wicket from a fierce drive. 

Man of the Match? Probably spread around the team with several good performances with the ball - Hugo's 3-35 with his leg breaks, Will Falcon's 2-25 and Felix Fleming's 2-53. Then Alex Moen (42), Tom Pollington (25), Will (20) and Sam (24). 

Thanks to everyone for their effort and support and look forward to seeing you in the next two weeks.

Mark Pettman

Junior BB Manager