Wales’ cricket teams have continued their successful summer with teams across various age groups enjoying wins.
Wales U11 beat a formidable Kent side with Frank MacDonald, from North East Wales, picking up 3-5, which proved to be the difference between the two sides.
They followed that up with three more victories. Firstly against Essex, where Wales bowled astutely and won easily by 38 runs. And when they faced London Schools, Ben Kellaway from Gwent (2-18 and 34) starred with both bat and ball to secure a two-wicket win. Ben Mulcahy (3-9) from Cardiff & Vale secured the Wales U11’s third win of the month against a strong Worcestershire XI.
But losses then followed against Lancashire and Yorkshire, despite excellent performances by Alex Horton, from Gwent, in both games. He top scored with 43 not out against Lancashire and 62 against Yorkshire.
Wales U11 were then dealt two further defeats against Cheshire and Somerset. Nevertheless their barren run was finally brought to an end against Warwickshire with Horton’s magnificent 81 the difference. Horton’s form continued in the next game in a losing cause against Yorkshire with a record breaking 113 not out before hitting 167 not out to lead Wales to a convincing win over Staffordshire. He ended his month against Gloucestershire, hitting 51 not out in a winning cause.
The Wales U12 team also enjoyed a good set of results. Playing against Worcestershire, they were bowled out for just 117 but in response, Joe Westwood from Gwent (4-14) and Luc Rees from West Glamorgan (4-18) bowled Wales to a 43 run win. Wales U12 then followed this up with a convincing win over Oxfordshire who they dismissed for just 69.
Two defeats then came Wales U12’s way, the first against Middlesex after the Welsh batting line-up struggled against spin and the second against Surrey in a low scoring game.
The Wales U13 side started their month with a low scoring defeat against Hampshire. Bowling first, Wales worked hard to limit the visitors to 133, but in response, Wales were dismissed for just 96.
They returned to winning ways however with a victory against Lancashire. Morgan Bevans (64) from Gwent and Ryan Scrivens (31) also from Gwent led Wales to a match winning total of 192.
Wales U17s scored three victories. The first was against the British Fire Brigade with opener Joe Voke from Gwent hitting 72 in Wales’s 235. Then in a high scoring game, Wales managed to get the better of Gloucester with Sam Pearce from Mid Glamorgan (69) and Voke (52) leading Wales to a 5 wicket victory. The third win came against Devon, with a brilliant 164 not out from Steffan Roberts from Mid Glamorgan leading Wales U17s to 302 and ultimately a win.
In the longer form of the game, Wales U17’s drew with Gloucester, but lost to Hampshire on their first innings score and against Devon.
“We have had some very positive results over the past month,” said Cricket Wales performance manager, John Derrick. “Some of the individual performances have been really outstanding.”
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
