Cricket Wales U17s boys have reached the semi-finals of two national England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) competitions.
In the 50-over one-day ECB Cup, they recorded victories in all their matches against Gloucestershire, Devon, Hampshire and Somerset, and progress to the semi-finals against Essex, at Ebbw Vale CC on Sunday 24 August.
They beat Devon by 109 runs at Sidmouth – posting 250 runs for 9 off their 50 overs before the hosts were all-out for 141 in 45.5 overs. Lukas Carey (West Glamorgan) was top scorer with 84, while Oliver Pike (Cardiff and Vale) took 4-24 and Connor Brown (Cardiff and Vale) 3-14.
Wales beat Hampshire by 88 runs at Ebbw Vale, after scoring 245-9 in 50 overs, and getting Hampshire all-out for 157. Joe Voke (Gwent) was top scorer with 55, while Connor Brown (3-13) and Oliver Pike (3-24) were again the pick of the bowlers.
They also beat Coventry and District Schools by 195 runs. Wales were 356 all-out, with Coventry reaching 161 in reply. Keiran Carlson (Cardiff and Vale) was high scorer with 129, while Jamie Mills (Cardiff and Vale) was leading bowler with 3-26.
A match against British Fire Brigades at Ebbw Vale was abandoned due to rain, after Wales scored 222-9 in 45 overs, before the firefighters reached 7-0 in reply. Jamie Mills was Wales’ top scorer with 61.
The U17s also completed the group stages of the Two Day ECB Championship. After a draw in the opening rain-affected match against Gloucestershire, they gained victories against Devon, Hampshire and Somerset. As in the Cup competition, they progress to the semi-final stage which will be played at Pentrych CC on Tuesday 19 and Wednesday 20 August.
Wales beat Hampshire on the first innings score, thanks to a total of 300-5 against Hampshire’s 207 all-out. Scot Thornton (Gwent) scored 116, while Steffan James (Pembrokeshire) took 2-17.
They also beat Somerset on their first innings score – Wales scoring 217, and Somerset 198. Wales top scorer was Sam Pearce (Mid Glamorgan) (56), while Oliver Pike was top bowler with 4-28.
The U12s beat Worcestershire by three wickets at Panteg. Tegid Phillips (Cardiff and Vale) took 3-21 and Callum Collins-Davies (Carmarthenshire) 3-26, as Wales restricted the visitors to 140 all-out – a total they passed with two wickets to spare, thanks in large part to 59 by Jayden Goodwin (Cardiff and Vale).
They also beat Surrey by 58 runs at Esher – Wales scoring 144-4 in 40 overs, and Surrey reaching 86 all-out in reply. James Archer (Gwent) was Wales’ top batter with 51 not out, while Ben Davies (Gwent) was the star bowler with 4-10.
But they lost by 10 runs to Middlesex at Radley School. The hosts scored 166-7 in their 40 overs, with Ben Davies again the top bowler (5-39). An 81-run partnership between Ryan Scrivens (Gwent) and Efan Davies (West Glamorgan), put Wales in a match winning position at 130-5, with six overs to go. However, the Middlesex opening bowlers returned to the attack, and Wales fell short.
They went on to beat Oxford by 27 runs, despite reaching only 110 all-out. Matt Jones (Eryri) (4-10) and Ben Davies (4-15) helped to skittle the hosts out for 83 in 36 overs.
“Our teams have really produced some excellent performances in recent weeks,” said Cricket Wales performance manager John Derrick. “The U17s in particular deserve huge praise for reaching the semi-finals of two competitions.
“Sponsorship from Gray Nicholls and LV is a tremendous help, and thanks also goes to Pentrych CC, Ebbw Vale CC and Neath CC for their support in providing playing facilities for the boys during the ECB competition matches.”
Cricket Wales is the national governing body for junior and recreational senior cricket in Wales. It works closely with Glamorgan County Cricket Club, which governs the men’s professional game. For information visit www.cricketwales.org.uk
