17 May 2012
The Under 15s are up and running now, and entertained Christchurch last week in their first League game (we’ll ignore the cup defeat to Sudbrook).
“Winning” the toss, Tom Ryan elected to bat and he and Ashley Thomas made the most of the opportunity, by building an opening stand of 82. After Ashley fell for 35, including a nonchalant clipped 6 over deep square leg and into the river, Tom started to bully the bowling bringing up his 50 with a towering straight 6, and eventually fell for 71, two sixes and eight fours. Some quick scoring at the end of the innings Miskin finish on 133-5.
Christchurch stuck to their task well despite the onslaught from the Miskin openers, a number of players donning whites for the first time. Codd bowled well at the start, Davis chipped in with 3 wickets, and a wicket apiece for Lewis and Woodford.
Needing a rest after his exertions, Tom delegated the bowling opportunities to the rest of the team, and Andrew Chau, Alex Hickman and Tom Llewellyn helped themselves to two wickets each, and took full advantage as Christchurch were dismissed for 40 runs, Joe Vellam, Ashley Thomas and Owain Ellis picking up a wicket each. For Christchurch, J Davies and P Costa batted well, and to follow up his bowling, S Codd batting XI scored a spirited 12 not out including two well taken boundaries.
A good game played in an excellent spirit, a number of the Christchurch boys playing for the first time but always with a smile on their faces.
Thursday sees Miskin travelling to Brecon for what is likely to be a far stiffer test of their league ambitions.
9 August 2011
Miskin Under 15s took on their Aberdare counterparts at Glyn Park on Tuesday afternoon in a 30 over friendly. On a flat wicket with a hint of green, Miskin batted first, openers Matthew Jacka and Tom Ryan getting the home team off to a solid start, Jacka falling for 17 in the 6th over with the score on 28.
Ashley Thomas joined Tom Ryan at the wicket and the pair put on 58 for the second wicket giving Miskin a solid base from which they could launch an attack in the final overs. Tom Ryan eventually departed with the score on 97 for an excellent 48 just falling short of what would have been a well-earned half century.
Scott Meredith, Alex Hickman and Tom Llewellyn all perished in the search for runs, Lewys Ryan adding an invaluable 15 runs before being run out in the final over, the innings closing on 133 for 7.
Following tea provided with thanks to Aldi, spend a little, live a lot, Miskin continued the recent craze sweeping the senior teams (well the firsts anyway) of opening with a spinner. The tactic paid immediate dividends with leg-spinner Ashley Thomas removing Rees and Evans for ducks in his second over and at one stage having figures of 3 overs, 5-2. However, Miskin’s optimism was short-lived as the match became the Jared (hope I’ve spelt that correctly!) Davies show.
Davies, having reached 50 off just 39 balls, went on to complete a magnificent century finishing 100 not out, Aberdare reaching their victory target with 11 overs to spare.
A mercifully sunny afternoon in a summer of seemingly non-stop rainfall, and a match played in an excellent spirit with a quite brilliant individual performance. For Miskin, Jacka and Tom and Lewys Ryan with the bat, Thomas, Hickman, Chau, Skelton, Llewellyn and Kamar with the ball, and an excellent effort in the field especially Kai Hurford who found himself in Tin Pan Alley when Davies was kicking off, and a tidy performance behind the sticks from Scott Meredith.
A thank you to all the parents who helped out yesterday with teas, washing up, flags and covers, and who have given up their time this season to support the boys, ferry players to and from nets and games, buy kit, etc, to Ike Hurford for helping with the scoreboard, Keiran Newberry for umpiring most of the season, Gabe, Cyril and John Painter for the ground, and most of all to each and every one of the players themselves for their commitment and enthusiasm this season. With only a couple of players moving out of the age group, next season is already looking promising.
We will be looking to organise some skills sessions and possibly some nets during the winter, details will be posted on the website. In the meantime, senior nets will continue on Wednesday nights but after this evening, there will be no more formal Under 15 nets. However, all under 15s are more than welcome to continue attending Wednesday nets and if numbers allow, we will continue to run a separate junior net.
Will and Glenn
4 August 2011
Llantwit shell-shocked by dominant Miskin Display
In a dramatic evening at Central Park, Llantwit Fardre, Miskin Under 15s produced a devastating display of bowling and fielding against top of the table Llantwit.
Having lost the toss and been asked to field, skipper Tom Ryan went with the controversial decision to open the bowling with spinner Ashley Thomas. The tactic played instant dividends as Llantwit lost the dangerous James Bull, stumped, on the first ball of the game thanks to a great piece of ‘keeping from Mathew Jacka.
At the other end, Jo Vellam strangled the batters with accurate bowling, whilst Ashley took a wicket in each of his first three overs. Llantwit were reduced to 5-3 off 6 overs and the Ryan brothers came into the attack, with Lewys taking a wicket with his first ball and two in his first over.
The fielding was similarly special, with every catch taken, an excellent run out courtesy of Jo Vellam, not a spare run given away and two sharp stumpings.
With the score on 23-7 from 10 overs, Ashley was brought back into the attack and mopped up the tail with three wickets in five balls to finish with the figures 3.5 overs, 2 maidens, 6 wickets for 3 runs as Llantwit were bowled out for 26. Dominic Rossett top-scored for the hosts.
With the storm clouds gathering and rain looking a distinct possibility, Tom Ryan decided not to take any risks and opened the innings with Matt Jacka. With three boundaries in the first two overs, the competition was effectively over, and although Tom was bowled for 11, Matt and Ashley Thomas saw Miskin home in 5 overs.
Thanks to all the boys, especially those who made the effort to get to Llantwit but didn’t get a chance to bat or bowl: Cai and Ike Hurford, Tom Llewellyn, Andrew Chau and Matthew “Melon”.
14 July 2011
Miskin Manor Under 15s 101-7 beat Christchurch Under 15s 83 all out, by 18 runs
Bouncing back from last week’s defeat, and captained for the first time by Ashley Thomas, a completely Ryan-less Miskin Under 15s defeated their Christchurch counterparts in a closely contested league match at Glyn Park on Thursday evening.
Batting first, openers Thomas (22) and Alex Hickman (16) got the home side off to a solid start and with Scott Meredith (17) and Joe Vellam (12) working the field effectively, Miskin were able to post a solid total of 101-7 from their 20 overs on a wicket showing a tinge of green. For Christchurch, E Lewis and J Rowlands bowled with control and accuracy, each returning figures of 1-10 from their respective 4 over spells.
In reply Christchurch got off to a flying start, 23-0 from 4 overs, L Winder scoring 11 rapid runs, but the introduction of Ashley Thomas and Joe Vellam to the attack slowed the pace of the innings, the next 6 overs costing just 9 runs. J Davies for Christchurch added some impetus to the run chase with a quick fire 20, C Griffiths scoring 10 including 2 boundaries, but with the rate creeping up, wickets started to tumble, the final wicket falling off the last ball of the innings.
Ashley Thomas finished with 4 overs, 2 for 6 and Joe Vellam 4 overs, 3 for 10 to round off fine all round performances, Vellam also pouching a spectacular diving catch off the bowling of Scott Pryor who helped himself to 4 wickets, James Wilkins, Tom Llewellyn and Ike Hurford sharing out the remaining overs.
Mention must also go to debutants, Matthew Kamal and young Dylan Nash who both fielded excellently especially during the late innings onslaught, both are genuine finds for the future.
7 July 2011
Brecon Under 15s 115-2, Miskin Under 15s 89-6
The boys met at Miskin Square amidst incredulity that the game at Brecon would be on. But on it was, and the team, gratefully assisted by an array of parents, made their way up the A470 to Powys. Once again, Ike Hurford stepped up to the mark with a late call up after another last minute withdrawal.
On arrival at a sunny but breezy Brecon, Tom Ryan won the toss and decided to let the hosts have the honour of batting first. Brecon promptly threw the hospitality back in Miskin’s face by starting with an opening partnership of 50. Star of the show was Australian Will (Jack) Frost who went on to make a fine 50 before being bowled by Ashley Thomas. Ashley also bowled Connor (Chuck) Norris who supported the Ice-Man with a patient 11, but not even AT could dislodge Jack (John) Derrick who made 32 not out.
Brecon finished up on 115-2, but the Miskin boys stuck at it, helped by some economical bowling from Jo Vellam and Dafydd Skelton.
The Miskin innings started with optimism, but that soon crumbled with AT (schwing), Scott Meredith (run out) and Sam Pryor (playing with a cursed bat) failing to trouble the scorers. Tom Ryan tried to push the score along, hitting 23 off 22 balls, with Alex Hickman steadying the ship at the other end.
For a while it looked as though Miskin could pull off a stunning victory, but once Tom and then Jo Vellam (12 from 18 balls) were out, the odds were stacked against them. Alex (who finished on 15 not out) and Lewys Ryan were supremely confident of hitting 34 from the final over, but despite their best efforts, they just fell short.
Brecon were well worthy of the victory, the game clincher being the 8 overs that Frost and Derrick bowled for just 15 runs.
Next week the boys are at home to Christchurch and with a few boys unavailable will be keen to get back on winning ways with just a few games left.
30 June 2011
Abercynon U15s 88-6, Miskin U15s 89-4
In warm conditions at Glyn Parc, Miskin Under15s beat Abercynon thanks to a solid bowling performance.
Having won the toss, Abercynon elected to bat first but were in trouble early on after losing two quick wickets. The visiting team rallied thanks to Josh Savage (31) and Alec Hughes (22) to post a total of 88 from their 20 overs. Once again, Ashley Thomas starred with the ball taking 3-17, whilst Cai Hurford and Alex Hickman each conceded just three runs from their spells.
In reply, Miskin were grateful to Tom Ryan (28) and Scott Meredith (16) for hitting the bulk of the runs, aided by a large number of extras. Josh Savage was also Abercynon’s star man with the ball as he took 3-21, before Meredith and James Wilkins got Miskin home with 6 overs to spare.
An excellent performance from the team and a welcome relief for Co-Coach Glenn Newberry whose absence from their previous victory had led to calls for him to be banned from coming to watch. As it was, he was not allowed to umpire or score, or do anything important!
16 June 2011
Miskin Manor Under 15s beat Tonyrefail/Coed Ely Under 15s, by 5 wickets.
In difficult conditions in Tonyrefail, Miskin Under 15s registered their first win of the season. After a showery day, credit must go to Tonyrefail/Coedely CC for getting the game underway on time.
Batting first, Tonyrefail made a good start (aided by quite a few extras it has to be said) before Tom Ryan took two wickets in two balls. Most interesting bowling performance of the day came from Ashley Thomas who switched from leg spin (2 overs, 0-13) to seam (2 overs 1-3) mid spell. Only his good figures saved him from being hoiked off the field. For Tonyrefail, Evan Turner batted well for a patient 21 supported by Daniel Leader (15 not out) to finish on 82-6.
The rain came at the turn round. Openers Ashley Thomas and Alex Hickman went out in gentle rain and batted in torrential conditions, before Hicky was given LBW. Conditions eased slightly for Tom Ryan to smack 21 from 19 balls before being caught at backward point with a spectacular catch. Ashley held the innings together with an excellent knock of 32 from 42 balls with wickets and rain falling all around him.
When he fell, 15 runs short of the target, nerves were a-jingling and a-jangling. It was left to James Wilkins and Lewys Ryan to get Miskin over the line in monsoon-like conditions.
Speaking after the game, Lewys Ryan said “When I walked out to the middle umpire Keiran Newberry gave me lots of advice. I decided to ignore him and played my own game.”
Many thanks to ALL of the players who played, to Keiran for umpiring and Ike Hurford for scoring/making tea. Also many thanks to Keith and all parents/grandparents for braving the lashing rain to support the boys.
Will
9 June 2011
Miskin Under 15s 88 for 6 lost to Pontypridd Under 15s 92 for 5.
Thursday night saw Miskin entertain Pontypridd at Glyn Parc for a keenly contested under 15 match. Batting first, Miskin started briskly with Mathew Jacka and Tom Ryan but after Jacka fell for 21 (off an even number of balls) the scoring rate slowed up dramatically. It has to be said that one or two of the boys were guilty of trying to slap the ball rather than finding the gaps in the field.
Wickets fell at regular intervals, with excellent bowling from all of the Pontypridd bowlers, particularly Keiron Parish and James Edwards. Joe Vellam increased the scoring rate late on with a quick fire 13 and Miskin finished on 88 for 6.
In reply, Pontypridd timed their innings perfectly. The visitor’s keeper Gregor McCain (19 runs) and Rhys Cutts (28 off 23 balls) batted with authority to get Pontypridd to within sight of the finishing line in the face of some tight bowling from Tom Ryan and Owain Ellis (two wickets each) and James Wilkins, who also took an outstanding diving catch at mid-on. Despite a late flurry of wickets, Keiron Parrish hit the winning runs for Pontypridd with just three balls to spare.
It was a disappointing result for the Miskin boys who gave it everything and bowled and fielded well. Most disappointingly once again we struggled to get a team and huge thanks must go to Ike Hurford and Lewys Ryan from the Under 11s who were drafted in at the last minute and were a great advertisement for junior cricket.
