Blackheath Under 11 Cricket Tour to Devon 2016

Friday 13th of May might have seemed an inauspicious date on which to start our cricket tour, but happily, all 48 tourists enjoyed a fabulous weekend of convivial company, wonderful cricket and an enormously satisfying 100% winning record for the boys. The A303 proved to be relatively kind to our drivers and everybody arrived at Newhouse Cottages in good spirits, ready for refreshments in the form of a delicious chilli (thanks Lesley) and a very tasty spaghetti bolognese, which the boys enjoyed enormously (thanks Caroline). Whilst Chris and the coaching team outlined the structure of the weekend, set expectations and did some team building exercises with the boys, the parents sampled a few more refreshments mostly liquid and generally chewed the fat and got to know each other a little better. Most went to check out the accommodation at a decent hour, although one or two I hear may have spent a little longer in the company of a certain Jack Daniels. Breakfast was cooked, served and enjoyed according to Caroline’s schedule (thanks duty team) After a squad meeting to explain to the boys how to create batting/bowling/fielding plans, everyone set off on time for their respective cricket matches. The boys were split into two teams: Lions and Tigers; the match reports follow. The Tigers v Chulmleigh at Chulmleigh CC Saturday 14th Morning The team went out to field with the sun shining and a glorious backdrop of rolling hills and sheep. Jake Arengo, however, was not distracted by the beauty around him and kept the ball on the stumps and when they missed, he hit...four times in his first two overs. Cuan Arnold kept up the pressure from the other end swinging the ball in and separating the stumps on one occasion as well. Jet

Dyson behind the stumps finished off a fine team run out in those rampant first few overs. Having handed over his gloves following a possible broken thumb, he remarkably came back to finish off the bowling with a lovely caught and bowled. Alfie bowled a couple of fine overs and then took the Ben Stokes award for throwing down the stumps from deep backward point. Not wanting to be out done, Luc G managed to throw down the stumps from short third man to secure a suicide run out. Thomas made a lovely start with the ball as three balls brushed the off stump. Will Stanley had a lovely steady arm for his two overs and was followed by James Freegard, whose languid looping arm made us wonder if we had the great Malinga in disguise. Archie had a couple of fine overs and then manfully took over the gloves. Jonathan Howell came in and hit the deck hard and started peppering the batsman until we realised it was our Alex batting for the other side. James Bolton Mason gave it some air to draw out some shots and was remarkably close to the batsman playing on from a wide delivery outside the leg stump. Will Funnel was also gamefully playing for Chulmleigh and took some runs down the leg side. Overall, a fine fielding performance with consistent application of pressure and ample entertainment for crowd to look up from their endless chatter. Chulmleigh finished on 125 for 10 off 20 overs Tom B and Will S started the batting for BCC and looked confident and comfortable at the crease. Some good running and rotating of the strike before Thomas nailed a memorable cover drive. In their final over, Thomas pulled a full toss and swept another, both for four. Some good calling saw Jet D and James F start well. A strong hit back over the bowler from Jet was soon followed by a thick outside edge at the beginning of the third over which flew to where third slip could have been. Over four brought the first successful ‘forward defensive’ of the match from James F (coach Peter giving a proud nod of appreciation). James BM faced up to Chulmleigh’s first showing of their dangerous looking leg spinner. James BM and Alfie scored well with two confident sweeps from the new bats which went for two runs each. A solid forward defence from James saw the four overs through with bats carried. Luc and Jonathan H took up the challenge and with some Pieterson-esque straight driving from Jonathan Howell. In a rather unfortunate twist of fate, another fine drive was only to find the hands, or should I say knees, of our very own Thomas Bamber put on fielding duty by our own coaches Simon and Peter). Luc kept the scorers busy. A wicket lost but some lovely shots played. Jake AR then leaned in to two nice drives and Cuan pulled another. Cuan then dispatched a four down past square leg with a nicely timed pull shot but the bowler had his revenge with a fine ball that saw Cuan’s middle stump rattle. Archie Jones came in for the final two overs. Some excellent ball striking followed up by a beautifully struck cow corner six at the beginning of the final over got Jones' tail up. The innings and game finished, pretty conclusive stuff in the end. BCC finished on 191 for 3 off 20 overs. Olly Arengo Jones The Lions v Sampford Peverell at Witheridge CC Saturday 14th May Morning Once we’d persuaded Caroline that the wind turbine wasn’t actually moving towards us in an ominous War of the Worlds kind of way, the match began in bright sunshine. The pitch was spongy, possibly squidgy, and the ball stayed low and held up fiendishly on occasion. A memorable highlight, however, was Freddie Fewing’s beautiful batting display; he retired on an unbeaten 30. Plenty of other Blackheath batters chipped in and we set a decent target. BCC finished on 115 for 3.

Accurate, varied bowling from all our players meant that our boys weren’t really troubled by our opponents’ batting. Harry Sutton, Theo Currie and Charlie Thompson impressed with the ball and The Lions worked together effectively in the field. A particular highlight for me was the unity and positivity shown on the field, with the boys congratulating teammates when successful or encouraging when someone needed a lift. Sampford Peverell finished on 84 for 5 and the Lions enjoyed a convincing win. Lunch was enjoyed by all at Witheridge CC.

In the afternoon The Lions and The Tigers once again parted company for another round of cricket matches. The Tigers stayed at Witheridge and enjoyed some tournament style games. I gather we have some star cricket mums who have a fine eye for the ball, Alex Jones who thumped the ball around the pitch much to the dismay of the boys. The Lions drove to Chulmleigh to take on North Devon District U12s. The Lions v North Devon District U12s at Chulmleigh CC Afternoon

North Devon District got off to a decent start and, uncharacteristically, the Lions put down a couple of chances. Charlie RS then came on to bowl some lovely spin and the runs dried up. Seb Cathrew took a high, difficult catch and The Lions began to put some pressure on the batsmen. Edward Eves was deadly accurate in his bowling and knocked out leg stump. His bowling was consistent in line and length, hitting the corridor of uncertainty with impressive regularity. James Curtis bowled a maiden, followed by a wicket maiden and a

then a final double wicket over, giving away one miserly run; coach Peter commented on his ‘decent’ bowling figures: 3 overs, 3 wickets, 1 run. Ben Bushell bowled out the sixth batsman and North Devon were struggling with 63 for 6 off 22. Increasing the pressure, Charlie Thompson entered the attack, offering up some pacy and accurate balls before Freddie Fewings struck again with a beauty. North Devon finished on 96 for 7 off 30 overs.

The afternoon warmed up, the sun cream was cracked open and a flash of pale flesh was occasionally glimpsed. Batting with confidence and class, Seb Cathrew and Ollie Stiles both retired on 25, victory seemed certain and the number of Lions watching thinned out rather alarmingly. Peter was heard asking, ‘Where’s RS? He’s in next!’, whilst trying in vain to hide the incipient panic in his voice. Eventually a voice replied, ‘He’s in the field feeding the cows.’ The Lions cruised past North Devon’s total with 14 overs to spare. Play continued to give all the players much needed practice and

BCC finished on 152 for 4 off 25 overs.

Chulmleigh cricket ground is one of the most picturesque I have visited.

Back at Newhouse Cottages there was time for a quick swim and a play before our fish and chip supper arrived. After eating, a seemingly chaotic but apparently well organised mega football match developed. Dads tried, mostly in vain, to impress the boys with their Messi-like skills. Caroline, Lesley and several other mums enjoyed a serendipitous few moments watching the sun go down, overwhelmed by the beauty of the evening or was that the wine? A later highlight was the fortuitous timing of the Eurovision Song Contest which was ridiculed and enjoyed in equal measure. In the morning another delicious breakfast appeared, thanks in no small part to Olly the Egg Man and the rest of the team. After another squad meeting to discuss critical moments in games, we packed up and, just a little sad, we left Newhouse Cottages for our final tour matches. Here’s the match report for The Tigers. The Tigers v Heathcoat at Heathcoat Sunday 15th May Morning After a long convoy through Tiverton, we loyally followed our sat navs around the town and out along lanes that just got narrower. Clearly heading in the wrong direction, a bemused walker explained the cricket club was just over the hill but you're the wrong side of the hill! Finally, we arrived at a stunning location, cricket pitch and pavilion to a rather nervous Kevin whose first words were, ‘Where the hell is everyone?’ All started on time, however, with Blackheath fielding first. Ben B opened the bowling at a cracking pace and took the first wicket in the second over with a well-pitched ball middle stump. And they started to fall with Will S taking the second wicket with a great catch from Charlie RS. On came Charlie RS, whose opening first and second ball took the third and fourth wicket in succession, with a spin ball arm over the wicket, and Heathcoat were really feeling

rattled at 33 for 4. Jonathan H came onto bowl with length and pace and held Heathcoat to 4 more. With some agile fielding by all and a magnificent setting and a great outfield, Blackheath remained all on their toes. On comes Jet D with length and accuracy and takes the first maiden. James BM onto bowl with a tremendous run up holding Heathcoat to 67 for 5 off 17 overs. Ollie DG onto bowl with a well-pitched second ball and continues to bowl well and on sixth ball off the over takes the sixth wicket middle stump. Jet D back onto bowl and loud team appeal for lbw, denied by Kevin C. scorers and coach thought it was plumb from where they sitting! And another maiden over for Jet D 67 for 6. James BM onto bowl arm round the wicket at pace and Heathcoat closed their innings 72 for 6. Charlie RS and Ollie DG open the batting to a pacey Heathcoat attack and a maiden opening over. The scoreboard began to tick over with a leg side pull for four from Charlie RS his preferred shot, followed by a cut for another 4. Ollie DG takes a leg side single which was dropped. 20 for 0 off 4 overs. The chatter and commentary coming from The Two Petes (RS & S) over my shoulder is legendary and definitely test match standard! A great shot from Ollie DG straight over the bowler's head for 4 and a cut for another 4 taking us to 50 for no wicket, and Ollie DG retires for 26 and in goes Ben B. Charlie RS scores a leg side 4 and retires for 24. In goes Theo C batting his first over aggressively. Ben B knocks a full toss for 4 and we are 69 for 0 off 13 overs. Ben B given LBW and Heathcoat have their first wicket and in goes Seb C who confidently takes a single to put us on 72 for 1 off 15 overs. Theo C knocks a cut for 4 and Blackheath win the match! Play continues and in goes Will F and Thomas B and Heathcoat bowl Will F. In goes James BM who plays confidently with singles well taken. James BM and Thomas B retire and in go Jet D and Alfie HJ. Jet D makes a great on side drive for 4. Alfie HJ opens hit batting with a leg side shot for 4. They retire and in go Jonathan H and Will S for the last over. Will S sends a great leg side 4. Jonathan H faces the last ball of the match and makes the single! Julian Howell The Lions v Hatherleigh at Witheridge Cricket Club Sunday 15th May Morning The Lions opened the batting and Freddie Fewings was extremely unlucky in losing his wicket to a ball which kept ridiculously low on a soft wicket. Ollie Stiles and Edward Eves smashed the ball around in a satisfying succession of fours. Ollie retired on a majestic 25 and shortly afterwards Edward retired on an impressive 25. James Curtis came in to bat and, in a very similar vein, also retired on a lovely 25. BCC finished on 115 for 2 off 20 overs.

Charlie Thompson captained the side with the maturity and thought that we have become accustomed to and The Lions put in another accomplished bowling and fielding performance. Jake Arengo and Harry Sutton bowled quite beautifully, with maidens and wickets stifling Hatherleigh’s batsmen. The pick of the bowlers, however, was Archie Jones who picked up two wickets in his first over. Luc G who very kindly

played for Hatherleigh, was undefeated at the end of the innings after showing some true Blackheathen spirit! Hatherleigh finished on 58 for 6 off 20 overs A third convincing win by the Blackheath Lions rounded off and enormously successful tour.

We would all like to record our huge thanks to Chris Poil for his incredible effort and commitment both in setting up the tour and guiding the boys with such care and dedication; it is such a pleasure to sit and watch our boys play with increasing skill, maturity and understanding of this great game. Chris is ably supported by Peter, Simon and Kevin whose patience, enthusiasm and knowledge complement and support Chris so well.

Caroline, our very own Blackheath Tour Operator, once again excelled. Thank you so much for superb organisation and the smooth running of so many aspects of the tour. We all had such fun and many happy memories will stay with us. Congratulations if you’ve read this far; mine’s a gin and tonic. Helen Curtis