Bucks Cricket Board

Inaugural Bucks Girls District Tournament

Friday, July 30, 2010

Last week 50 U13 girls from around Buckinghamshire met to take part in the inaugural Girls Cricket District Festival. 4 teams, playing 16 overs per innings played each other playing 3 matches each. In the opening matches Wycombe District recovered from 1 run for 5 wickets to post a score of 50 which they managed to defend and win their first game against a strong Milton Keynes team. On the adjacent pitch Chiltern were putting together an opening stand of 71 and to run out winners against Aylesbury Vale. Going in to the final match Wycombe played Chiltern with the winner of this match being the Tournament winner. Chiltern posted an average score of 60 but bowled and fielded with conviction. With 4 runs needed off the last over Wycombe got the runs with 1 ball remaining to become the Inaugural District Champions.

20 players from the tournament then made up 2 mixed teams in the 8 aside Inter County Tournament held at Beaconsfield CC. Everyone performed really well with the Bucks Swans coming 2^nd to a good Oxfordshire side and the Bucks Red Kites winning a match to be placed 5^th.

An U13 team was then entered in to the U15 tournament to ensure 6 county teams. They started their day with a good win against Cambridgeshire U15s. This enabled them to reach the semi finals where they played and beat the other group winners Suffolk U15s. This led them to the final where they had to play an inform Hampshire U15 team. They took 7 wickets in their allotted overs, fielding with real conviction and bravery making Hampshire work for every run. They had to chase 58 and couldn’t quite keep up with runs required per over and just fell short.

A really good 10 days for Bucks Girls Cricket showing the great strength in depth that now exists and the excellent standard that the U13s have achieved being able to take on and beat other county U15 teams and only being beaten by Hampshire a really strong county U15 team.

Click on "U13 Tournament" top left to view tournament photos.

Bucks U15 Girls away at Lord Wandsworth

Friday, July 30, 2010

Lord Wandsworth school had splendid sports facilities and a quaint pavilion for cricket . The tea scones and cream sponge provided by Hants were excellent and were taken full advantage of by this correspondent ( I am getting in practice for my BBC commentary cf Johnners)

The cricket was well supported by a variety of flypasts notably a Spitfire and query a Hurricane and in the distance seen only by Craig in delirium - a Lancaster. The spotters would not have served the Battle of Britain well. A Chinook was requested to interupt the game when Hants soared to 250 but refused to drop its tank load on our pitch versus Farnborough ‘s paying customers.

Enough of the interesting bits of the day. The batting was started by Hants who proceeded conservatively to hit fours in the glorious sunshine before the first wicket fell. Fielding stated ominously for us with :- 1 misfield, 2 Beamers, and 3 wides in the first over which presaged the oncoming nature of the game – the bowler was “C” Windmill Larwood.

All was not lost however as Chloe’s bowling with supraorbital “howitzers a la Wishy” to use a tried and tested phrase coming out of the sun like a Spitfire on an ME109 above eye level , succeeded on her second ball to dispatch the opener after 15 mins, with a catch by C and she achieved a wicket maiden over . This was followed at 43 mins later by a clean bowl of the No2 for 17. Things looked hopeful – not the end but the beginning of the beginning of the end. WE HOPED

However the No3 and 4 then entered the fray scoring 195 between them, Ransley 50 off 51 balls and Ingram 145 off 66 balls with 28 fours and six.

This was aided by fielding like the effect of a blight of moths on fresh cotton with many holes joined together by bits of white fluff . Some fielders were so star struck by the planes I assume they forgot to move towards the ball or they remembered it was hard. In a major conspiracy to ruin Pippa McCues bowling figures several fielders clubbed together to let balls roll past them for a total of 12 (3 fours ) including misses by 3 fielders in a row ie a straight line; as the ball ran to the boundary . Old salt that I am, and unaccustomed to PC constructive criticism, there is a point were rubbish must be said to be rubbish. This may get me out of future match reports also – an ulterior motive!

Hants total was again heavily supported by Lady Bye and Miss Wide –Total 59 extras. Of the Hants score of 304 - 239 were scored of the bat. Any mathmatical error difference to be argued with the scorers as nerves took over the Hants scorer as her daughter approached her hundred.

Quote of the day re our fielding “ Q: Do you want a Jelly Baby? A:Can they play cricket? I cannot name the source for legal reasons – he might kill me.

Our fielding did pick did up after a superb throw in to C (Villiers S) – now appearing more like sparkling Vitamin C in the gloomy light achieving the run out of Ingram. This reporter did not get the fielders name to credit it – I think it was Immy - fill in the blank please. C bowled the No 5 with No 6 again run out all for a total of 16 before overs were completed. If only we could have got Ingram earlier. If any of our bowlers could be said to be economical Anna N and Chloe were the best. Fielding effort plaudits to Anna N and C for the run outs.

Our Innings target looked daunting but a recovery in morale was achieved with a good batting performance again by C Villiers-S (49 ) I Brown (25) and P McCue (28 not out) . If we had kept our heads and not bowled at Ingram’s or at least as full for her to hit out we might have batted out the overs to be close. Hants also only gave away 26 extras off 34 overs.

Special mention must go to Pippa for bravery - 3 hits three bruises. Immy for playing on with her strain. Kathleen for her technically great 20:20 French cricket shot

Of our wickets to fall 6 were bowled , 2 caught. A reflective lesson might be if the ball is on the wicket use a straight bat and drive along the ground . If all else fails move your feet and use your pads - the umpire might not give the LBW as he did to Immy.

Several interesting side discussions went on but please reply direct to the Daily Mail

Was it a summer sea breeze on the day ?

Is the groin and hamstring the same muscle group if describing a strain?

Where should runners for injured players park their bat?

Can Jelly Babies bat ?

Well done to Hants two batsman and the Hants “T” Lady’s strawberry teas and also Anna N’s first experience as a runner ( for Immy – see question above) - She may have been confused but not beaten.

Anon

BYCT Annual Dinner 1st Oct

Thursday, July 29, 2010

The Bucks Youth Cricket Trust will be holding their end of season dinner on Friday 1st October. For full details see:

http://www.buckscb.org/assets/Dinner1stOct2010Flyer.pdf

Bucks Cricket on TV

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Bucks TV have kindly produced 3 short films of Bucks Cricket. They covered the Stowe Finals day and the Bucks U14 match at Chesham CC against Herefordshire. The films are online at http://www.buckstv.co.uk/buckstv/sport/cricket.html and DVDs may be purchased from the website.

Bucks U13 Girls back to winning ways against Berkshire

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

On their last game of the league Bucks U13 Girls team dug deep and through contributions from everyone in the team eventually cruised to victory against Berkshire , topping the league having won 7 out of 8 games. They had refound the winning instinct again, showing what a good all-round cricket team they are with strength in depth in batting, an excellent array of bowlers and every team member being an excellent fielder.

Bucks won the toss and decided to bat. This did not seem to be the best decision as 5 for 2 became 27 for 4 and 56 for 6. With Felicity Gates being the only top order batter to offer some resistance being 5^th out for 11 with the team on 56, it gave Caitlin Free the opportunity to further impress on the good batting she had shown in the last couple of games. This she did applying herself to staying at the crease, not playing any extravagant shots and occupying the crease while wides and no balls were bowled and built partnerships of 30, 20 and 40 with Megan Woodward, Catherine Kirby and Ellie Northcutt respectively. Having at one time looking as we might make our lowest score of the season these partnerships enabled us to reach 149 when we were all out in the 30^th over.

When we had played Berkshire earlier in the season they relied heavily on one batter. Having discussed how we could keep her impact to the minimium we set about bowling and fielding. Opening with pace and spin Bershire raced away to 33 off 3 overs. A break was put to this by 2 wickets in 2 balls (no hat trick) by Felicity Gates while Chloe Hill bowled a very effective 6 overs and as captain manipulating the field to give Izzy Collis a single to get her off strike. The match was effectively won when first change bowler Hannah Fisher came on and bowled her 5 overs for 5 runs which took the required run rate from 5 an over to 8 an over. She was complemented by Martha Manktelow who added to her seasons haul of wickets claiming 2 in 2 balls (no hat trick), 2 for 18 off 6 overs.

Having anchored the batting Caitlin came on to bowl and took the 6^th wicket when the score was 86. She took the important wicket of Izzy having scored 53. Eleanor then came in to take 2 wickets to bowl Berkshire out for 102. Special mention must be made of the fielders who had acres to cover and with the running in and out for different batters they were excellent with special mention to Ellie Northcut, Catherine Kirby and Anna Harris. Not only did they cover but their ground fielding was exemplary which really showed up the difference between the teams. The other telling difference was the excellent field placings and manipulation of fielders by captain Chloe Hill. A convincing 47 run win which returned the team to winning ways and a confidence boast which sets them up beautifully for a national quarter final.

Bucks U15 Girls win convincingly against Isle of Wight

Monday, July 19, 2010

Arriving at the peaceful and idyllic Twyford Cricket Club we should have known the wind would be strong as the sight screens were already lying horizontally on the ground, thank goodness for some strong dad’s to put them upright. The pitch showed little bounce despite being dry and firm.

I.O.W won the toss and opted to bat. Laura and Kathleen opened the bowling, with Laura taking the first wicket with the first ball of the match and Kathleen following suit by taking the 2^nd and 3^rd wickets in the 2^nd and 4^th overs, a really good start.

The Bucks fielding was tight and I.O.W struggled to make runs. The superb bowling continued with C. taking both the 4^th and 5^th wickets and Lil taking the 6^th wicket in the 10^th over, and Vicky taking the 7^th and 8^th wickets. I.O.W were able to steady themselves during the next 4 overs however, this really was a day for the bowlers as by the 17^th over I.O.W were 40 for 8.

After the drinks break, Jess bowled two overs clearly frustrated at struggling to find her form. Laura bowled the 19^th over at an incredible pace, and how she didn’t take a wicket I don’t know!

There was no need to panic as Lil took the 9^th wicket with an athletic catch, diving forward to catch the ball just before it hit the ground from Kathleen’s bowling and Vicky caught the 10^th from C’s ball. I.O.W finished 68 all out in 22 overs.

The girls had a super lunch again provided by the Bucks parents, and made a pretty picture sat lined up in the club house. Things looked hopeful for the Bucks innings, but we would have to see how the wicket was playing, we would need to wait and see.

Hannah and Lil opened the batting with a steady stream of runs including many 4’s. Hannah hit a ball early on that was nearly caught but dropped - a lucky escape. Unfortunately, Lil was bowled out in the 6^th over, having scored loads(????) of runs. Pippa came in to face the bowler and the Bucks batting continued to be measured and steady with a high run-rate resulting in a Bucks victory in the 10^th over. Bucks 69 for 1 in 10 overs.

Bucks U13 Girls too relaxed against a fired up Oxfordshire

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Having won all 6 matches this season, Bucks U13 Girls knew that the return match against Oxford would be a real test. Bucks won the toss and decided to bat. An opening partnership of 27 was a good start and with team getting to 80 before the next wicket a really good score looked on the cards. Their very good bowler Carla Wood came back for a 2^nd spell and bowled 3 brilliant balls that got her a hat trick. Reeling at 80 for 4 Eleanor steadied the team with Anna Nichols and took the score onto 105 before the next wicket went down. Anna had meanwhile been playing an innings of real authority scoring 61, playing straight but the tight fielding and good field placings stopped her getting the score she deserved. The 6^th wicket fell at 123 and we only added 5 more before we were all out.

We had defended lower scores than this and our attacking field yielded 3 quick wickets, Oxford 15 for 3. Our fielding and missing an extra person in the field resulted in leaked runs and some run out opportunities going begging. Oxford pressed on and despite loosing 2 more wickets scored the required runs in 22 overs.

Although we had lost our first match there was some personal positives to take from the match. Things to learn as a team is sometimes a bowler will bowl some unplayable balls and hatricks may occur. A duck does not turn a good player in to a bad player. Also collectively our fielding has slipped from the excellent standards of the beginning of the season and needs to return to that level for the remainder of the season. There will be opportunity for all against Berkshire soon.

Bucks U17 Girls 165 against Berks not enough

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Yes, it was Bucks U17's 3rd defeat of the season, but once again it did not seem like it. We were able to take many positives from the game. We were at Gt Hampden CC again, with another perfet day for cricket.

Berkshire batted first having won the toss. A mixed start for our openers, but Laura took a wicket in her first over, a catch by Hannah. With consistency hard to find, we had a early bowling change. This was rewarded with Cesca and Saskia both taking a wicket. Cesca took 2 further wickets and Saskia 1, ably assisted with catches by again Hannah and then Harriet.

Our openers Lorna and Laura returned to the arena. With blistering pace Lorna took 4 wickets, none more rewarding than Berkshire's top bat of the day; and Laura finished her spell with a maiden over. We had bowled Berkshire all out with them scoring 241 from 33 overs

Lorna and Louise opener the batting for Bucks, going well together with the score on 37, however Louise was caught . This brought Cesca together with Lorna, but last week was last week and Cesca was caught off an edge for 15. Harriet then joined Lorna, and with familiarity they batted well, the best Bucks partnership of the day with 40.

Lorna's wicket fell with the score on 99-3. This brought Hannah into the game, but she was quickly dismissed ,allowing Laura a slice of the action. A quick 14 from Laura, loosing Harriet to a run out for 10 along the way. This found Daisy in and then out, bringing Pippa and then Saskia into play. Pippa run out for 9 and Naomi and Immy, now injured, 4 apiece, left Saskia not out for 5. We too had been bowled out. 165 from 36 overs.

Bucks U17 Girls score 183 against Devon

Friday, July 09, 2010

Another glorious day found Bucks U17s at Gt Hampden Cricket Club for only their second fixture of the season verses Devon. We welcomed Laura and Hannah from the U15's and Anna from U13's for their first taste of U17 cricket. Winning the toss Bucks elected to bat.

Opening with Louise and Lorna, we started sensibly and with control, but this was not to last and at the first wicket down Cesca came to the crease. Cesca lived dangerously at times but rode her luck well and scored a hard hit 85. Helped in no small part by, first Lorna, then Lil, with a partnership of 49, then Ruth. By now the score was 126 for 5 and everyone wanted a piece of the batting action. No one was disappointed with all getting runs on the board. Bucks finished 183 for 9 after 45 overs. 183 was an all time top score for Bucks U17. Cesca's 85 was her maiden 50 too.

After an a excellent tea we took the field with confidence and a real bounce. We hoped the day may have cooled for our fielding innings, but if anything it was hotter and very dusty. Lorna opened the bowling and with only her second ball took out the Devon opener!

Laura then took the next 3, moving the score from 0-1 to 7-2 then 43-3 and 56-4. Devon were reeling and really up against it. Bucks had the upper hand. Not a situation Devon are use to and finding it difficult to deal with.

So, with 4 wickets down, Devon brought on Frances Lausen and with Becca Donahue they dug in, Bucks were unable to break their partnership of 96, despite some close calls. The partnership was finally broken by Anna, but Devon we by now too close and pushed on to take the winning runs, finishing 184 for 5 from 30.5 overs.

Man of the match went to Cesca. Devon had plenty to think about on their very long hot journey home. I hope they had a day to remember and maybe learnt some valuable lessons. As for Bucks, we had a fantastic game, real credit to the coach, captain and all the squad members for taking the game to Devon.

Bucks U13 Girls book place in National Quarter Finals

Monday, July 05, 2010

Having played and won all 6 of their games, Bucks U13 Girls have booked their position in the quarter finals as winner of the South League. They collect 10 points for each win plus 23 of 24 bowling points available and 20 of 24 batting points.

They guaranteed their position this weekend by a comprehensive defeat of the Isle of Wight. Isle of Wight won the toss and decided to bat. Runs were very slow to come and soon the pressure was turned in to wickets as they were bowled out for 60 with the pick of the bowlers being Eliza with 3 wickets for 3 off 2.1 overs with Chloe taking 2 for 19 off 6.

Buckinghamshire knocked off the runs in 8.1 overs for the loss of 2 wickets. Top scorers were Chloe with 18 not out and Caitlin who had been promoted up the order with 17.

The team know they have got stiffer challenges ahead and with Oxford and Berkshire in the next 2 weeks know that they will have to be more focused, alert and at their best if they are to beat both of these teams again.

Stowe Finals Day 18th July

Friday, July 02, 2010

The schedule for the Stowe Finals Day this year, will be the same as last year, namely:

U10, U12 & U14 will be start at 11.00 am

U11, U13 & U15 will start at 2.30 pm.

A free lunch will be provided to participants but not too spectators although there will be food to purchase.

COACHING DURING MATCHES

Thursday, July 01, 2010

Following a couple of "disagreements" between coaches in Board run Leagues, this note sets out the common sense approach that should apply.

Firstly we would request that upwards from, and including, U13 we would ask that there be NO coaching, or surrogate captaincy, from Managers or Coaches who are umpiring the match. There should also be NO coaching from the boundary. Coaching should be restricted to before the match and the interval between innings.

Secondly, at ages below U13 (where boys & girls are still learning the game), we strongly suggest the coaches liaise and agree before the game how much coaching should take place. Some inter-over guidance should be agreed to but NO coaching or field adjustments should be agreed on a ball by ball basis. Let the game flow and let the lads/lasses learn from their mistakes.

At these age groups winning is not the be all and end all. Above all else, please let THE SPIRIT OF CRICKET (and teaching this to the children) be the main criteria.

The Board will look to incorporate a guideline along these lines in the 2011 Regulations.

Bucks U15 Girls get back to winning ways

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

On a very hot and sultry afternoon at the picturesque setting of Ley Hill C/C Bucks won the toss and wisely chose to bat . Lil and Hannah opened and demonstrated real resilience in weathering the early Berkshire attack providing a firm foundation on which the middle order could build on.

With a placid wicket and flagging Berkshire attack. Bucks could sense an opportunity to post a big score .With the scoreboard ticking along at over 5 an over Imogen took her opportunity to build an innings of 65 ably supported on the way by Lil (29), Chloe (24) and Anna (25) .

Bucks posted a stratospheric 185 for 6 off the allocated 35 overs.

Tea was a lively affair. Notable for a number of England supporters who had taken up residency at Ley Hill to cheer on the national football team efforts in South Africa- did they not realise that Bucks U15 cricketing history was unfolding on the cricket pitch in front of them ?

Bucks bowling and fielding has always been its strength and it was to prove to be so again, with a controlled and disciplined display of line and length coupled with bright fielding displays by Elise and Hannah. Laura took the bowling lead and though not rewarded with any wickets, she set out her stall with a controlled maiden over. Tight bowling throughout from the rest of team particularly from Anna , Chloe, Vicky, Lil all contributed to Berkshire run rate continuing to fall far behind the required rate. Wickets fell at key intervals to Vicky, Wishwara , Chloe and Lil thus further disrupting any attempts by Berkshire to build momentum.

At drinks Bucks were 30 runs to the good. Craig could smell a victory – but could the team? Maybe some of the national mood of deflation experienced by the football fans had rubbed off on them. Disbelief was etched in their faces – As the final ball came someone remarked – ‘They think its all over -it is now’. Bucks had won ! National pride had been salvaged.

ECB: Vetting and Barring Scheme

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

ECB Vetting and Barring Scheme

Bucks U13 Girls strength in depth defeat Oxfordshire.

Monday, June 21, 2010

Buckinghamshire traveled to Kidlington for their first match against Oxfordshire who won the toss and decided to field. Bucks did not start the match very convincingly loosing a wicket in the first over. 2 for 1 soon became 21 for 4 then 31 for 5 with only Anna Harris of the top order batters showing any real commitment and fight, scoring 6 having faced 22 balls.

The early fall in wickets brought a move up in the batting for Caitlin Free whose cricketing ability and defensive batting would be given a real test. She responded to the challenge and set out to stay in the middle for as long as she could. She was joined by Georgina Whittaker who usually scores freely. She had to rein in her natural game and playing some very delicate dabs to 3^rd man and helping the ball on down legside off her hips kept the scoreboard ticking over. The score crept past 40 then 50 and Georgina with increasing authority started increasing the pace of scoring. Drinks came and went until eventually Georgina was out for 34 off 44 deliveries having had a partnership of 58. Caitlin was eventually out with the score on 95 having scored 10 off 47 balls. Caitlin had been in the middle while 74 of the eventual 98 runs had been scored, a fantastic achievement.

98 runs would be a challenging score to defend. With the first wicket down at 6, hopes rose. There was a good partnership however and the next wicket didn’t go down until the score was 32, taken by birthday girl Hannah Fisher. Hannah was joined in the attack by Martha Manktelow whose off spin soon had Oxford in all sorts of trouble with an early wicket. Hannah claimed her 2^nd and there was now a faint ray of hope that 98 would be defended with the score at 46 for 5. Martha continued to entice the batters into rash shots and the wickets continued to tumble. Having completed her allotted 6 overs Martha had taken her first 5 for, a great rarity in age group cricket, 5 for 26 off 6 overs; reducing Oxford from 36 for 3 at the start of her spell to 64 for 9 when she had finished. The last wicket was taken for the addition of 2 runs.

A win by 32 runs, thanks to the real strength in depth of the current squad. Each game at least 2 different players putting in real potential match winning contributions.

Another hot afternoon in the field for Bucks U15 girls

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Bucks under 15 v Oxfordshire U15 - Sunday 6^th June

On a beautiful summers day in Bucks with access to suitable anesthesia ie 2 pubs across the road plus the clubhouse all was set for a fairytale match where Bucks U15 would overcome all adversity and score !

However the high temperature! (relatively to recent weeks), the sun, the boundary and the fact that God supports Oxfordshire all conspired against us so it was not to be.

To have a game we put Oxford in to bat. They scored consistently and easily off the short boundary to the road. Especially as before worrying about fielding the ball the girls had to do the Green X code for cars, horses and golf balls.

Several catching opportunities were missed due to “Spitfire coming out of the sun” syndrome, the large yellow orb being such a rare phenomenon recently that no one had sunglasses.

Equally some very good throw-in’s hit the wicket directly but to no avail as Oxford ran sharply between wickets or the bails didn’t drop. They finished 167 for 7 with the main contributors from their two openers at 56 and 29 ably supported a Miss Wide at 25 and Lady Bye at 10 both not out.

If we could have caught their No. 1 batsman - Agi - early we might have been in with a chance.

Our breakthrough was long awaited with the first wicket at 44 minutes and 60 runs. Our best bowling and fielding efforts were from Laura and Lil at 2 for 13 and 2 for 18 respectively with Pippa contributing 1 for 17. Lil and Laura were also the bowlers of the run outs and Lil caught the No 2 – well done!.

When we batted the desert conditions had dried the slick skidding grass (hyperbole ) and stimulated it so much it had grown at least 5mm so what had run away for 4 to Oxford rolled gently to but not quite over the rope . So some good strokes were not rewarded. Lil, Immy , Chloe who was stroking well and Pippa managed to last 5 and 6 overs each, scoring 7, 9, 7, 7 respectively.

Immy top scorer with 9 would have had more as she seemed to manage the bowlers.

The reason for her run out needs some reflection rather than Death Wish3. I would let those involved fight it out at the OK Corral as to who was at fault but more thought next time. Anna on her debut for the U15s contributed a good short spell of 4 overs for 6

Our major difficulty was Oxford, the cheeky monkeys, would insist on bowling straight at the wicket, the nerve of them and we insisted in swishing at them – result ball hit stump – unsporting. 7 wkts bowled went to 3 different bowlers – consistency and strength in depth. They had 4 extras off 14 overs versus our 42 of 35 overs.

My apologies if this does not do credit to all the girls who battled bravely – I was in the pub the sun was too much for me. – Signed :A supporter / sandwich carrier

Bucks U13 Girls Win 4 On The Trot

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Bucks U13 Girls went in to their match against Hampshire knowing that a good result would put them in a fantastic position for the rest of the season. They won the toss and decided to bat. Some sensible batting saw Anna Nichols and Anna Harris to 45 for the loss of no wickets after 10 overs. Anna Harris was out with the partnership making 50. There was a succession of wickets with Anna Nichols making 35 Chloe Hill 12 and Hannah Fisher 2. Alice Hassel held down one end while a succession of big hitters came in and kept the run rate going at over 4 an over. Georgina Whitaker and Annie Burns were out for quick 9 and 14 respectively. Caitlin Free then joined Alice and played very sensible with Alice out for 25 trying to get some quick runs at the end. 145 for 7 off 30 overs would be a score to test the Hampshire batters.

Hampshire came in to bat with Anna Nichols and Georgina Whitaker opening the bowling. Within 4 overs Hampshire were reduced to 13 for 4 with Georgina taking all 4 wickets with her very pacy pitched up deliveries. This was an opening spell that Hampshire were never really to recover from. There was a steady fall of wickets with Martha Manktelow picking up another 3 wickets with her great spin bowling. This would take her to the top of the national U13 bowling stats having taken 10 wickets in 4 games. Hampshire were skittled out in 17.4 overs for 45 runs. A very convincing and enjoyable victory that helps makes up for some of the beatings handed out by Hampshire in the past.

This whole team victory really shows the real strength in depth of the squad. Each match there has been a different recipient of Swanny the player of the match trophy. Anna Nichols and Chloe Hill have won it for scores of 90 and 57 respectively against Berkshire and Hampshire with Eleanor Waite winning it for her 4 wicket haul against the Isle of Wight and Georgina Whitaker for her 4 for 13 off 4 overs.

Coach Roger Webster says that when you are training the team in the winter you think of how you would like to start the season. This has been the perfect start with each player having their day and contributing in a way that you hoped for. Long may it continue.

Manager Karen Fisher says Fantastic result yesterday! The players should all be very proud of your performances. Well done. Plus a big thanks to all the patents – it has meant a lot to have your support at the matches.

The U13s are now looking forward to their next match with Oxfordshire providing a big test on Saturday.

SQUAD. Anna Nichols, Hannah Fisher, Annie Burns, Alice Hassel, Caitlin Free, Eleanor Waite, Eliza Tottman, Megan Woodward, Chloe Hill, Catherine Kirby, Anna Harris, Ellie Northcott, Martha Manktelow, Georgina Whitaker,

Bucks U13 Girls win again against strong Hampshire team

Friday, June 04, 2010

Having travelled to Southampton and warmed up the team were in positive mood knowing if they played as well as they can they would be able to make it 3 wins in a row by beating Hampshire, traditionally one of the very strong teams. Bucks won the toss and decided to bat.

While still trying to work out the bounce of the pitch Felicity was bowled for 5. This brought Chloe to the wicket who looked as though she was there to make amends for getting out cheaply in the last match. Chloe and Anna batted sensible taking the score to 32 for 1 off 10 overs, setting themselves a target of getting the score to 80 after 20. Anna was bowled for 25 which brought Alice to the crease. She immediately increased the tempo of scoring, running well, between the wickets but was caught on 8. Hannah arrived and continued the increased rate of scoring and was with Chloe when then passed 80 in 19 overs. They looked to continue to score at 5 an over with Hannah being next out for 20 having had a partnership of 66. Chloe looked in great form and cruised past her maiden 50 to great applause from her team mates. She was bowled for 57 which left Annie and Caitlin to get as many runs as they could off the last few overs. We were 135 for 6 off our 30 overs. There was some thought that this might not be enough although the score could have been over 160 if we had played to our usual boundary sizes

Bucks took to the field and the opening bowlers, Anna and Hannah, tightened up their bowling after a couple of expensive overs. Hannah took a wickets with a great inswinger and Hants were 35 for 1 off their first 10, very tight and even. Our first change bowlers took advantage of Hampshire need to accelerate with 2 wickets apiece from Eleanor and Martha. This brought in their lower order batters. Wickets continued to fall with Eliza getting 1 and Chloe carrying on her good day with 2. The steady fall of wickets ensured that the run rate steadily increased and Hampshire were only able to score 116 for 8 in their allotted 30 overs.

A really good win for the U13s with Chloe starting to fulfil the promise she has always shown thoroughly deserving the award of Swanny this week. Hopefully the team can really build on this confidence boosting win and do the same again when Hampshire visit us in 10 days time.

Season opener proves a difficult one for Bucks U17 Girls

Friday, June 04, 2010

We were blessed with the most gorgeous summers day for our first fixture of the season; not a cloud in the sky and a pleasant breeze blowing across the ground. We were in Little Kingshill, just a typical small Bucks village but with a well kept secret of the most beautiful little cricket club. Not the easiest to find for most, but once there we were very well looked after, by their caring and devoted grounds man.

Hampshire had arrived at the crack of dawn, their manager got the time wrong, so they were itching to get going. For Bucks, we went about our preparation, methodically and unrushed, looking very smart in our new kit. Awaited the arrival of our umpires, eventually getting the match underway 15 minutes early.

Hampshire had won the toss, and decided to put Bucks into bat. Opening for Bucks was Louise and Lorna and the first over went for 8, not a bad start. However Hampshire's Alex Barton took out 4 of our top 5 batsman leaving us with the score on only 31. Despite Ruth holding things together we were unable to hold off the Hampshire bowlers, with Susie not out, we ended 60 from 17.5 overs.

Having given Hampshire an achievable target, they soon set about making runs. But Bucks Captain Louise lead from the front, and opened the bowling with Lorna. Her efforts were rewarded with an LBW taking out Hampshire's opening bat, 39 for 1. The Bucks fielding was sharp, and rewarded with Lil's agile pick up and throw in for Susie to take off the bails, a run out for Bucks, but the score was 56. Hampshire soon knocked off the last few needed runs, chasing them down in 10.2 overs to reach 61 for 2 wickets.

Bucks took some positives from the match. We can take wickets and we looked confident in the field. Susie took man of the match for her wicket keeping.

Club Managers - BCB Competitions

Wednesday, June 02, 2010

There has been some confusion about entering results on the website. Please refer to the 2010 Regulations for full details. In summary:

The date listed in the fixtures is the week commencing date (Sunday). You may play a fixture at any time before the w/c date but it must be played and the result entered on the web site by midnight of the Monday 8 days after the w/c date. Any result not entered before T+8 will be considered to be an abandoned match and the points will be shared between the teams.

Results will not affect the league tables until they have been approved by the results coordinator.