As is often the way with the British Summer, all our senior matches were called off or abandoned on Saturday 25th July due to heavy rain, but our busy junior teams were blessed with a lovely morning the next day and took advantage in being able to fulfil a host of fixtures.
As the lower age groups were finishing their matches, our T20 side travelled to Stanford-Le-Hope for an organised 20-over special. Read about that one in our seperate article.
First a quick mention to our Under-7 side, many of whom graduated from last year's AllStars initiative. It was a lovely sight seeing them play an intra-club game after nets last Friday 24th July in readiness for their first match against Hornchurch Athletic this week. GOOD LUCK ALL!
Our Under-9 team, of mixed experience had a terrific start to their season. In a game played to the highest sportsmanship levels and with great on-site coaching for both teams, Park (captained by debutante Imogen) managed 275 for 2 (Terriers net score 265) against Upminister's 316 for 14 (terriers net score 246). As always, the important factor was getting the kids to play the sport in the right manner and both coaches were very happy after their three hours. Let's hope the player's continue to want to come back, learn from every game, and go on from here.
The large Under-11 side followed last week's intra-club game with an entry into the tough MET Under-11 Midweek League. Although beaten, they gained huge experience from playing at a neutral venue against one of the strongest clubs in the region and that will surely do them good going forward.
Indeed, just four days later, the selected Under-11 team put up a terrific show against Upminister in an away match.These tight games can go either way and the visiting team can be proud of their effort despite a small loss. Top efforts by Sam at 19 not out with the bat and Daniel (-5 runs for his two over) with the ball, whilst both Simeon and Callum showed prowess in the field under a good effort by skipper Amar. We look forward to seeing them in action again at Fairlop tomorrow Wednesday.
Our Under-15 side were in action away at Goresbrook and played a great team effort landed their first victory for a while by 22 runs. This should give them huge confidence going into Thursday's evening match and we wish them well.
Park's busiest team this week were the large squad in Under-13 age group.
A slightly strange match at Harold Wood (lost but with some good individual performances) was followed by their own first foray this year into the MET Jeff Rodriguez Trophy, a league event played under pairs rules.
Despite giving away a few wickets mainly in run-outs, Aryan (one 6, three 4s) and Yash (two 4s) contributed double-figure scores not-out to final total of 303 for 8 (nett 239). By experience, this looked a tough one to defend but the entire team worked hard to restrict Frenford to 282 for 7 (nett 226). Those that didn't get wickets were still able to produce bowling that kept their run loss to single figures with Dylan the highlight bowler taking 2 for 11. Great wicket-keeping from Cam and Yash and quality fielding, often the standard at Park, contributed to a fine win.
Two Under-13 teams took to the pitch on Sunday, both away at Ardleigh Green and Upminister.
We sent a side comprising our more experienced players to Campion for their match against local rivals Upminister. Played on a rough astro surface, players were not at their best but the day was set up beautifully with a wicket for the away side from Huzaifa's first bowl - a beauty and Park restricted their rivals to 80 for 3 by the time the 20th over ended.
In a match designed to get everyone batting and bowling, retirements were made before any '20' target and Park managed to reach the target of 81 by the end of the 17th over, 18 balls to spare. A pleasing result played in lovely weather!
Over at Central Park, under an agreed mixture of rules designed to get everyone batting and bowling, a team mainly consisting of our younger players managed a terrific total of 106 for 2. Given that half of them were retired not-out, individual scores are hard to quantify but mention must be made of Jack, who scored his second successive 20 not-out with four boundaries. Had they played a full game I've no doubt we could have added a couple more to that, though the defensive side of batting was pleasingly on show too.
In reply, the development team were up against it from the fourth over when losing their first wicket for 5. All games are designed to gain experience and, from Park's point of view, the bowling and fielding again looked solid. Eventually stopping the 20 overs at 53 for 6, every bowler should take pride in their effort. Given there were 20 runs given away as wides, there was not one player that gave away double-figure runs - Olli led the way with 2-7 whilst Cayden, Jack and George T contributed one wicket each. Aaron's 0-1 (one bye) was extremely unlucky not to have been two maidens but nothing much to complain about. Hopefully, the entire team can use these wins to boost confidence as the season progresses and we look forward to them playing Wanstead at Fairlop on Wednesday.
An excellent weekend - well done boys and girls!