Like our adults section, our juniors were in plenty of action over the past few days.
We started with a great initiative in developing our 2019 AllStars into an Under-7 side. Inviting the same age group from Hornchurch Athletic to join us, all players were divided into three teams and learned much about the game in a series of cricket-style activities that improved their skills batting and in the field. These are the future and they looked to have enormous fun by the end of a tiring couple of hours. I know that our Head of Youth Cricket certainly felt it by the end but it is hoped that we can develop this further into the winter and beyond.
One age group above, the Under-9 team took on Frenford at the Jack Carter Pavilion in a friendly match to ensure we get action for all our younger groups. In a spirited team effort the home team scored 316 for 6 in a terrier format that meant their nett score was 286. In reply Park recorded a decent 317 for 3 (nett 302) - well done and keep improving as you are!
Our Under-11 had a blank weekend just gone but took advantage to arrange an intra-club match to hone their skills on Sunday. Before that, they took in their second match in the MET Under-11 Midweek League against Aztecs and were thrilled to get their first victory in a competition that Park rarely enter and is new for both our managers in that age group.
The Under-13 side is a squad of 22 players and they took in two matches this week.
Firstly, they returned to Fairlop for a tricky tie against Wanstead and Snaresbrook in the Jeff Rodrigues Trophy. In an excellent overall effort all batsmen contributed to a score of 333 for 2, nett 317, a score that was always going to be hard to beat as long as the bowlers performed.
Keeping the extras to a minimum, Park's bowlers took an impressive nine wickets in the 20 overs which included four in the opening 24 balls. Wickets were split between four of the side with Dev, Aryan and Zak taking a couple apiece, the latter with consecutive bowls in the final over. They were asked to play as a team and they did just that. Remaining unbeaten and on a run of five victories, Park face a tough tie this Thursday but we are confident they are up to it.
Just a couple of the midweek team joined nine others for an away friendly at Hornchurch's Harrow Lodge on Sunday.
Winning the toss and electing to bat on a beautiful Essex morning, Park were assured throughout their batting and managed to retire six players during an agreed 22 overs. Not out retirees included Teddy (24), Zak (24), Olli (11), Aaron (17), Cayden (6) and Cameron (12) all contributing to an impressive 160 for 3.
If the batting was of a good standard, the bowling was equal if not better.
A mixture of fast and spin bowling restricted the home side to just 44 off the bat, a figure that can only suggest how good the fielding was. All impressed with their game and team sportsmanship, highlights being Jack with two maidens from two overs, Teddy with a wicket maiden and the loss of just one run overall, whilst five others kept their runs lost to single figures.
The Under-15 side had a couple of fixtures in the last week to try and follow up on the opening win against Goresbrook.
Unfortunately they were not quite able to add to that first week victory but their game is coming together and we wish them better fortune in their game against Rainham on Wednesday 5th August.
The game looks in good hands at Main Road and we wish all our colts the best of luck over the next week or so!