A mid table place in the Lincoln Youth League was just about right for a team which combined many age groups during the season. Luke Wells was an inspiration for the team with bat and ball and was given support from James lngamells, Simon Farmery, James Smith and Andrew Christian on a regular basis. Peter Tonge bowled well and the hitting of Gareth Watson and Ian Goodin was evident. Carl Wetherill demonstrated aggression with the bat and in the field. Marcus Marritt can bowl his leg breaks well but needs a regular and longer game to develop. Tom Wallis and Luke Hollingworth showed their class on a regular basis and have years ahead of them at this level, as do David Gollop and David Spearman. These young players have superb techniques and the stature to cope with senior cricket in the very near future.
Many of the above have already experienced senior club cricket and this is the way ahead for the club in future years. I look forward to seeing many more from this age group in senior ranks. My thanks to Andrew Wilkinson for working with the team on a regular basis and Colin Davies for helping out.
The Under 15 team had a solid season bit did rely on some of the younger players for consistency.
Tom Wallis and Luke Hollingworth showed real all round talent with the bat and ball and encouraged the rest of the team well. They learned to battle hard and had some very close games. David Cobb, with bat and ball, and Andrew Wilson, a left-handed bat, continue to mature, whilst Chris Morley and William Puttergill showed great enthusiasm in all aspects of the game. Adam Maslin and Glen Ablard show promise with the ball and have the approach which will bring success in the end. Sean Brown displays the determination whilst Tom Harrison and Paul Hogarth Blood can, with attention to detail, make good senior players. So many of this group will make their way to senior cricket but they must be patient and develop a sound technique before going on to higher grades. Adam and Aran Bartlett joined the squad and will enhance the teams in the future.
I would like to thank Stuart Wotton for his time and effort given to this squad and I look forward to seeing these boys develop next season.
Both the Under 17 and Under 15 group need to learn how to play the longer game and I know that the club is working hard on this for the 2000 season, It may mean the demise of the Under 1 7 colts team but it can only benefit the players in their development as cricketers.
The Under 13 team had a fine season indeed, coming third in the league and losing the KO Cup Final off the last ball. All the players who played this season showed great application, effort and determination which suggests much for the future.
In David Gollop, David Spearman and Jonathan Miles the team has three genuine all round players whose contribution cannot be overstated in terms of the results and also helping the younger and more inexperienced players around them. All Lincolnshire players with a very bright future if they continue along the same lines in the years ahead. They all played well for the Under 15 and Under 17s and can aim for senior club places at an early age.
These were so well supported by many, but especially the emerging James Robinson, whose batting and wicket keeping developed so well during the year. James must aim for county honours in the future. Sean Morris and Stuart Cope bowled really well showing excellent line, length and swing also scoring runs at vital times. Craig Machin and David Carson scored important runs and will further improve with more cricket. Andrew Birchall worked really hard in the field and his bowling will be very sound with greater confidence.
Ashley Jarvis, Richard Clarricoates and Ben Bulmer continue to progress and once again all took vital wickets during the season. Sean Popple timed the ball well and started to complete innings whilst Tom Robinson was resolute at all times. Adam Burrows showed greatly natural flair and will do even better in his remaining years at this age group.
Playing on a Sunday morning, at Sleaford, it was a pleasure to see the parents involved and I thank them all for their help and support. Very many of this young team will become very fine club cricketers and some may well get higher. I wish them all the very best in the seasons ahead.
My thanks to Gemma for scoring for the season and the parents who organised the 'bash' at the end of the season. It was much appreciated. I look forward to seeing so many of this squad are Under 13 level once again next year.
The Future
Colts cricket is a vital part of the life of the club and has a very solid platform at Sleaford. I would like to get an even younger age group under way, not necessarily playing regular competitive matches, but playing at the club and gaining enjoyment from playing. If anyone is interested in helping with this younger age group please do have a word with me so that we can find the best time for it. Perhaps on a Sunday morning, whilst the Under 13 team is playing or on a Monday evening whilst the Under 15 team is at home.
Scorers or Umpires
If anyone can help with just one game, please offer, thanks.
Girls Cricket
It was pleasing to see girls involved at the club and with the aid of Challenge Funding we were able to host a girls competition last year after coaching paid for from the funding. This will be a regular feature with the two senior schools taking part. However, many of the young girls enjoy Kwik cricket at the end of the senior matches and it would be nice if they could find someone to organise them a little more. Interested, then get in touch and lets see if we can build a girls section along side the colts. No great need for coaching skills at this stage, just let them enjoy playing.
Colin White
Colts Organiser