The juniors have managed to take advantage of the relatively dry start to this season with only one game having to be rearranged due to weather so far. We are benefiting from the hard work many of the juniors did over the winter at the Kings School nets – setting them up to hit the ground running when the season started. The winter coaching at Trent Bridge with Andy Pick (Notts CCC Bowling Coach) and with Paul Johnson (Notts CCC Batting Coach) has made a real difference too in how the players approach the game.
The U11s have got off to a winning start in their league with plenty of fixtures coming in the next few weeks. Paul Sanders (U11 coach) is working hard on Friday nights improving the younger members as each week seems to bring more new players to the BCG.
The U12s have had an encouraging couple of fixtures in a new format for the Newark League at this age group (pairs cricket – the same as U11 cricket). Again Chris Bealby (U12 coach) has been developing the players’ skills in training which they can all take into the upcoming games.
The U13s are 100% from their 2 matches with all the players chipping in with runs and wickets. The fielding especially has been very pleasing to watch – again it must be down to Ryan Lewis’s Friday coaching sessions!
The U15s have won 1 / lost 1 with good contributions from many of the players with bat and ball.
A number of our juniors are continuing to play County and Sub-County representative cricket which Belvoir are glad to support as it further develops players in those county set ups.
From U13 the juniors can start to play adult cricket and U15s Aled King, Oscar Brady, Joe De’Ath and Kellan Poole have all continued to develop their cricket in the adult sides along with U14 Alex McNulty. With Belvoir playing Saturday (3 teams), Sunday and Tuesday League cricket there are plenty of opportunities for the teenagers to supplement their junior cricket with some adult cricket. Great experience.
A number of the U13s have made their senior debuts already this summer – Tommy Bealby, Olivia Gilbertson, Jonathan Hedley and Oliver Poole making valuable contributions. There are still more teenagers that have not played senior cricket yet this summer (due to weather, availability and injury) which leaves the club in a very healthy position as these youngsters are the future of the club.
Let’s hope the good weather continues, the players and coaches keep working hard and we all enjoy a great summer of junior cricket.
Up The (Junior) Belvoir!
Simon Poole
