Oxfordshire Cricket Handbook 2015 #sportofchoice

Oxfordshire Cricket HANDBOOK 2015

1 Oxfordshire Cricket Handbook 2015 #sportofchoice

CONTENTS PAGE

Contents Page Number County Girls Under 17 34 Chairman’s Report 2014 3 2014 Youth Program in Summary 35 Board of Directors 5 Youth Player Pathway changes explained 36 Core Team Structure 5 Rupert Evans steps down from Management Structure of Oxfordshire Cricket 6 role as Head of Cricket 38 Senior Men 7 Club Youth Competitions 39 KFP Academy 12 Oxfordshire Women’s Midweek League 40 Emerging Players Programme 2014-15 13 Senior Mens Club Competition - Senior Women 15 Wilf Bennett and Bernard Tollett Cups 42 County Boys Under 10 17 2014 Winners 42 County Boys Under 11 19 Club Development 43 County Boys Under 12 20 Disability Cricket 44 County Boys Under 13 23 Schools Review 45 County Boys Under 14 25 Oxfordshire 50+ Report for 2014 47 County Boys Under 15 26 OXFORDSHIRE 60+ 47 County Boys Under 16 27 OCBCA Report 2014 48 County Boys Under 17 28 Obituary 49 Jordan Garrett selected for U17 England Tour 30 Oxfordshire Cricket Board 2014 List of Officers 50 County Girls Under 11 31 Membership of the County Girls Under 13 32 Oxfordshire Cricket Board 52 County Girls Under 15 33

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CHAIRMAN’S REPORT 2014 balance sheet and holding our cash reserves. It is assessment, In the summer we have agreed to

worth noting that whilst our cash reserves remain run 2 Development Groups (Wessex and Mercia)

Without resting on our the same, they now only represent ~40% of a who will mirror the County Age Group squads.

laurels, 2014 was probably years outgoings. Hopefully for this cohort of players, the cricket

our most successful year season will last a lot longer.

during my 9 years as On the field there were several highlights, not all

Chairman. A lot of hard associated with silverware. The Boys Under 17s Our partnership with Sussex is growing. Coaching

work from our Directors, won the National ECB One-Day competition, standards have improved and we are getting

employees, casual workers the Boy’s U15s reached their national OD semi- sound advice and support from their commercial

and volunteers came final, the Minor Counties team just failed to win team. The real benefit will materialise when

together to generate a series the MCCA OD Trophy final, the Boys Under 14s Oxfordshire players start to gravitate towards of successes both on and off the field. were promoted to the A league and our Women Hove and remain available for our playing

are competing in a very tough league which programme.

Since January we have completed a recruitment contained the Netherlands and Scotland. 3 of our campaign to build a full time operational team County Age Groups players made their debuts in Club Development has become a high priority

(Rupert Evans, Joe Dale and George Setterfield) the Minor Counties team. Those players being area, but in Oxfordshire it remains in its infancy under the leadership of Luke Ryan. That team is Leo Bethell, Alex Davies and Lloyd Belcher. from a Board perspective. We have started largely funded by ECB and Cricket Foundation Lloyd and Jordan Garratt also represented the by reviewing the established competitions money to deliver a national commitment to South West at the Bunbury Festival, both gave programme. Our plan being to work with the increasing participation in the sport and securing good accounts of themselves. Jordan’s 200 DDG’s to build a service to Clubs which will its future. Focus areas include Schools and Club versus Buck under 17s was one of the champagne help them develop their club and facilities and Development and Inclusivity; plus of course the moments of the season. Overall we successfully attract volunteers. Cricket Pathway programme. In 10 months the completed our County programme and enjoyed team have implemented a significant change three very successful youth presentation evenings In terms of our inclusivity agenda we continue programme. Even after such a relatively short at the Hawkwell House Hotel. (with thanks). With to invest in the development of the Women’s period of time, it is hard to conceive how we regards to the Minor Counties Championship it and Girls’ game. Charlbury CC hosted a very would operate without them. Equally as important was availability which prevented us competing successful finals day and Oxford CC won the the team create all year round capacity which for honours in the 3-day game. South Midlands league. We are exploring the makes use of their coaching qualifications, and possibility of more local three counties league for enables them to displace cost in other areas. Our District teams unfortunately experienced next year. Our Disability programme has made a another wet festival week. In response to this, solid start, we are are working closely with the In the year, we secured all of our funding targets and and to a parents survey, we consulted with the Oxfordshire Sports Partnership on this and we as you will see from the Board’s annual accounts District Development Groups (DDG’s) . As a have introduced Last Man Stands as a means we landed a near perfect break even figure in the result we have designed a new winter coaching to encourage the casual cricketer by offering a year (subject to audit), whilst retaining a healthy programme, which combines coaching with shorter form of the game.

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The quality of our coaches is very important to our Looking ahead we have nearly completed our success. We are looking to invest in our current end of year reviews with the management teams.

Coaches and Managers to upgrade their coaching Winter coaching has already started and we are qualification level. Again we are looking at a three planning for 2015. I see no reason why we cannot counties model to run award courses and coach improve on our 2014 successes. We will be tutoring. sharing our action plan at the members meeting which immediately follows the AGM on Monday The appointment of our additional staff, offers December 8th. several benefits. It allows us to fulfill commitments to the National Governing Body (ECB), service our In the Board room, Michael Geeson-Brown has own local change programme, use their coaching retired as a Director. Michael will continue in skills and to take pressure off the volunteer his role as County Welfare Officer. We should workforce. Club Competition finals and other thank Michael for his contribution as a Board flagship events are a good example of the latter. member, he played a lead role throughout the We have started to see the impact of this at Witney incorporation process. The process for filling the Mills CC, who kindly hosted the Bernard Tollett Board vacancy will be announced at the AGM in Cup and Wilf Bennett Trophy Finals. Expect to December. see more of this at our Youth Competition Finals next year. While Oxfordshire is not a professional county we are trying to be as professional as we possibly The Home Counties Premier League, Cherwell can. Off the the field that is mandatory, we have a League and Oxfordshire Cricket Association commitment to a talented workforce. On the field League are working closely with us. League we will continue to strive to develop excellence and Board partnerships are key to meeting the and increase participation at every opportunity. requirements of the ECB. Despite the challenges of some of these leagues being multi-county, we Thanks to everyone who supported Oxfordshire are making progress and some good ideas are Cricket in 2014, our cricket family is developing, emerging. but not yet complete. We have lots to look forward to, and much more success to enjoy Our Officials Association and Coaches Association together. have provided great support in the year. There is now a much deeper understanding as to how we Chris Clements can work together to deliver our 2014-7 strategy Chairman for cricket in the county. Oxfordshire Cricket Board

4 Oxfordshire Cricket Handbook 2015 #sportofchoice BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Chris Clements - Chairman

Roger Berryman -

Director John Patey - Peter O’Neill - Paul Humphreys - Tim Spittles - Dave Brooks - David King - Finance Director Secretary Club Development Player Pathway Advisor to the Director Margaret Stevens - Director Director Board Inclusivity Director CORE TEAM STRUCTURE Luke Ryan - Business Manager -ECB main contact -Overall Development of Cricket in Oxfordshire and the Oxfordshire Cricket Board -Reporting to and working with the Board of Directors -Line Management of the Core Team

Tim Haworth - Finance Darryl Woods - Head of Youth Joe Dale - Cricket Development Administrator Cricket Officer -Bookkeeping, accounts and payroll of -Management of our Youth -Disability Cricket OCB Performance Program -Schools Program, Chance to Shine main -Marketing, communications and -Developing our elite young contact business development support players in County, Development of EPP programs -Cricket Development in ‘Wessex’ (West and Vale Districts)

Menna Murray - Cricket Lesley Pykett - Cricket George Setterfield - Cricket Administrator Administrator Development Officer -Administration support to our Cricket -Administration to our Youth -Women and Girls Cricket Development Officer Team Performance Program -Competition Cricket in Oxfordshire -Fixture and Tours coordination -Nominations and assessment program -Cricket Development in ‘Mercia’ -Central Calender of Events -Winter and summer representative (South, City and Cherwell Districts) squad administration.

5 Oxfordshire Cricket Handbook 2015 #sportofchoice MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE OF OXFORDSHIRE CRICKET Board of Directors

Core Workforce Management Teams Senior Cricket Management Youth Player Pathway Inclusivity Management Club Development Membership Management Team Management Team Management Team Team

Attendees Attendees Attendees Attendees Attendees Chairman - Chris Clements Chairman - TBC Chairman - Margaret Stevens Chairman - TBC Chairman - Julian Lawton-Smith Head of Cricket Head of Youth Cricket Cricket Development Officers Cricket Development Officers Volunteer Chairman Business Manager Business Manager Director Responsible for Business Manager Volunteer Secretary Senior Captains Cricket Administrators Inclusivity Director Responsible for Club Company Secretary Womens Manager Director Responsible for Player Elected individual from Women Development 2nd OCB Director Senior Squad Coaches Pathway and Girls Forum District Group Chairman/ Volunteer(s) MCCA Secretary 4 Elected Coaches from Youth Elected individual from Secretary U17 Boys and Girls Coach MCCA Team Secretary Performance Teams (Boys Disability Forum Elected Club Volunteer from each Parent Representative 50+ Manager and Girls Squad Coach from Individual championing informal Development Area 60+ Manager both County and Development cricket offering Terms of reference Squads) Terms of reference Terms of reference Terms of reference Creating campaigns and events to Terms of reference Delivering the ‘Support and raise the profile of the OCB and Delivering our ‘Performance Delivering the ‘Inclusivity Develop the Oxfordshire Cricket increase the number of individual strategy’ Delivering our ‘Performance Strategy’ Network Strategy’ members. Programme planning and delivery Strategy’ Schools Program County Wide program of Recommend membership fee Registration and availability Planning and improvement Disability Program (Disability development for clubs To make proposals for Budgeting and financial control Budgeting and financial control Forum Input) Sharing of best practice Honorary Membership Senior Coaching programme Coaching and match programme Women and Girls Program Coordination of development Compliance and Welfare Compliance and Welfare (Women and Girls Forum Input) work across county for clubs Correspondence from the MCCA Parent Forum Input Informal Offer of Cricket Proposals of funding allocation to (Men’s) and ECB (Women’s & Coaching Team Input Driving participation and the Board. 50+) innovation Key Groups and Forums Members Forums Youth Pathway Coaches Competitions Administrators Parents Forums Women and Girls Forums District Development Groups Disability Forum

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SENIOR MEN well beaten, the experience that the players got from this fixture and the points learned helped Overall Oxfordshire CCC had a successful the team’s development throughout the season. 2014: we made the final of the Unicorn’s Trophy at Wormsley, narrowly losing to Devon. This Unicorn’s Trophy: was the first time in the competition’s history that we made the final, after reaching four semi- The first competitive fixture was against finals. In the Unicorn’s Championship, we got Berkshire. Batting first, Oxfordshire were more competitive as the summer went on and struggling at 90-6 at one stage, until Chad ultimately were disappointed that we only won Keegan’s 50-ball 58, along with Blanchard (36) our final game against Cheshire. and Ryan (31), which meant we finished on Chad Keegan 224. Liam Manley finished his first competitive Fielding first, their opener scored a very good century, but Manley pulled Oxfordshire back The season started with a fifty over friendly county fixture with 3-34. Berkshire subsided to into the game taking 5-49, backed up by Keegan against Bedfordshire. We came through by two 165 all out, with Karl Penhale taking 5-22. and Penhale, with a couple of wickets each. wickets, Lloyd Sabin (58) and Damian Shirazi Herefordshire were bowled out for 200. In (54). Chris Watling (38*) saw us home, ably We then beat Staffordshire by 153 runs, based reply, an 81 second wicket partnership between supported by captain, Luke Ryan and Ashley on a 158 run third wicket partnership between Kaufman (48) and Sabin (62) set Oxon on their Blanchard. The Bedfordshire innings was held Sabin (118) and Cater (65). Later hitting from way and 45 from Cater saw us home - we won in check primarily by Karl Penhale (4-41). Keegan (39 off 18 balls) and Ryan (40 off 12 six down in the 45th over. balls) saw us to 317-9. Staffordshire made a

As part of the Oxfordshire Cricket Board’s mere 164 all out: Penhale (3-29) and Keegan, For the Quarter Final, we hosted Cumberland. agreement with Sussex CCC, we played a T20 Manley and Ryan each with a couple of wickets. Batting first on a difficult pitch, we struggled to at Sussex’s County Ground at Hove. Sussex make 178. That score was indebted to Nathan rattled up 245-6 and in reply Oxfordshire were Next, we hosted Buckinghamshire, knowing Hawkes: 47 off just 37. In reply, Keegan’s 5-20 well short, finishing 119-5. Although we were a win would guarantee a Quarter Final place. Batting first, Cater (68) and Sabin (38) set up a set up the 49 run win, supported by Ryan who good platform. It was Keegan (53*), Ryan (36) took 3-28. and Blanchard (20*) who take the game away from Buckinghamshire with 117 runs coming In the Semi-Final we faced Wiltshire. Batting from the last ten overs. Ryan (3-47) and Penhale first, a brilliant unbeaten 101 by Cater was the (2-37) made sure that Bucks fell short of the 257 mainstay of Oxfordshire’s 263-8, backed up by target, finishing on 217-7. Hugo Darby (45), Hawkes (33) and Jamie Perkin (32) . In reply, the Wiltshire 100 came in just 13 The final group game was against Herefordshire; overs, but the introduction of the spinners turned a win would guarantee a home Quarter-Final. the game. Ryan (3-12), West (3-22) and Francios Richard West 7 Oxfordshire Cricket Handbook 2015 #sportofchoice

Vainker (2-9 off 6.4 overs) saw that Wiltshire Unicorn’s Championship: collapsed to 158 all out. We struggled with availability for the first two Oxfordshire faced a strong Devon side in the games of the championship season, so the teams Final at Wormsley. Devon opted to bat first in included a number of young players with limited overcast conditions. After a couple of early or no experience at this level. At the first game wickets, Devon regrouped with a 70 run stand against Wiltshire at Banbury, we only managed a and at one stage were 112-2, but West picked up score of 228: Cater (92) and Blanchard (37). In two wickets in successive balls, dismissing both reply, Wiltshire were bowled out for 377. Ryan no), Kaufman (55), Jamie Perkin and Cook (27 Thompson and the Devon captain. Tight bowling took 4-78 off 30 overs, supported by Michael each). Oxon then restricted Dorset to 280-8 off from all of the Oxfordshire bowlers had Devon Beard (3-40). Unfortunately, Oxfordshire were their 90 overs, led by Ryan (7-78 off 32 overs). tottering at 179-9 in the 45th over. A nuisance then bowled out for 162 and Wiltshire completed a Oxfordshire declared at 329-8 and set Dorset 312 unbeaten last wicket stand of 24 saw Devon over comprehensive ten wicket win. off 76 overs: Cater (55), Darby (48), Keegan (46), 200 and they finished on 203-9. A 48 run opening Kaufman (34) and Cook (34). Good bowling stand between Sabin and Darby set a reasonable For the second game, we entertained Devon. from Keegan (3-67), Phillips (3-45) and Ryan (3- platform for Oxfordshire, but this was followed Oxfordshire batted first and got a total of 245. 95), who picked up ten wickets in the match, gave by a collapse as Oxfordshire fell to 90-6. Keegan In reply Devon hit 380-8, Phillips toiling for Oxfordshire a chance, but the Dorset last wicket somehow dragged Oxfordshire back into the a five wicket haul, taking 5-130 off 29 overs. pair held out for the final three overs to draw the match with a 37 ball 47. West then took up the Unfortunately, in the third innings, Oxfordshire game at 281-9. mantle, but Barlow made sure that there was not were bowled out for only 129 and Devon cruised another lower order Oxfordshire recovery. West to their target of 13 for a nine wicket win. The last home game was against Berkshire. Batting finished unbeaten on 38 as Oxfordshire finished first, Oxfordshire only made 221, Kaufman only seven runs from victory. So away to Shropshire at Bridgnorth, where (76), Watling (45) and Cater (32). Oxfordshire captain Ryan was declared injured and 15 year old then bowled Berkshire out for 206, followed by Lloyd Belcher became the youngest player to play Chris Watling (107 no) completing his maiden for the county. Shropshire batted first and made Championship century and Vainker his maiden 284: Vainker impressing with 3-42 and Belcher, Championship fifty. Setting Berkshire 371 to win Keegan and Rooney all picking up a couple of in two sessions, Keegan took an early wicket, but wickets. Darby, in his first game for the County, an unbeaten second wicket partnership of 108 made 99 and Cater finished unbeaten on 117. from Berkshire and a couple of rain breaks made Shropshire gave Oxfordshire a target of 221 in just sure that the game was drawn. over two sessions. Oxfordshire were bowled out for only 54. The last game of the season was against Cheshire. Cheshire reached 153-3, but Shabaz Alam took a For the fourth game it was away to Dorset. couple of quick wickets, followed by Keegan (5- Lloyd Sabin Batting first, Oxfordshire made 262, Keegan (91 8 Oxfordshire Cricket Handbook 2015 #sportofchoice

66). A tenth wicket stand of 57 helped Cheshire to Oxfordshire Matches 2014 Summary Phillips 5-130) and 15-1. finish on 247, followed by an Oxfordshire collapse Lost by 9 wickets. Oxfordshire 5 pts, Devon at 18-5. A rally after a couple of rain breaks left Minor Counties Championship 24pts. Oxfordshire still in trouble at 60-5 at the close of day one, with Keegan and Alam at the crease. June 8, 9,10 v Wiltshire at Banbury: Oxfordshire July 6,7,8 v Shropshire at Bridgnorth: Shropshire Rain delayed play on day two and Oxfordshire lost 228 (JA Cater 92, Tahir Afridi 4-58) and 177 (MA 284 (R Lockley 74, GS Randhawa 72, FW Alam early, but Keegan’s 97 ball 84 counter attack Beard 55), Wiltshire 377 (JR Levitt 152, MS Vainker 3-42) and 259 (R Lockley 57, A Evans gave hope to Oxfordshire, who were still only 142- Coles 55, LC Ryan 4-78, MA Beard 3-40) and 52, CB Keegan 3-25, LAD Belcher 3-60, FW 8 and over a hundred runs in arrears. A 55 run 29-0. Lost by 10 wickets. Oxfordshire 6 pts, Vainker 3-65), Oxfordshire 323-6 dec (JA Cater ninth wicket stand between Ryan and Penhale at Wiltshire 24 pts. 117*, HRH Darby 99, CB Keegan 40) and 54 least got Oxfordshire up to 200. When Cheshire (GS Randhawa 4-15). batted again, Keegan’s fairytale game continued, June 22, 23 V Devon at Banbury: Oxfordshire 252 Lost by 166 runs. Shropshire 22 pts, Oxfordshire 5-38 (10-104 in the match), dovetailing with (JA Cater 65) and 140 (RLW Cook 51), Devon 7 pts. Penhale, who matched those innings figures and 380-8 dec (LJ Lewis 123, RJ Holman 109, JAB took his first Championship five-fer. Sabin (59) and Kaufman (36) put on an unbeaten 94 to see Oxfordshire to an eight wicket win to finish the season.

To conclude, to reach the final of the Unicorn’s Trophy was a huge achievement of which all of those involved can be suitably proud. In the Championship, the performances in the last four games show that we can more than compete with all of the sides in the Division. The first two Championship games also prove that availability for these games (in the school term) is something that needs to be seriously addressed. Oxfordshire Cricket would like to thank the clubs for hosting our games this summer (Aston Rowant, Banbury, Bicester & North Oxford and Challow & Childrey cricket clubs) and for the players, umpires and scorers for their continued support and co- operation for this season. Chad Keegan recieving his Man of the Match award in Paul White the Unicorns Trophy Final vs Devon at Wormsley

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July 20,21,22 v Dorset at Bournemouth: June 15 v Cumberland at BNOCC, Chesterton: Oxfordshire 262 (CB Keegan 91*, RI Kaufman Won by 153 runs. Staffordshire 0 pts, Oxfordshire Oxfordshire 178 (NP Hawkes 47, JA Lowe 5-31), 55) and 329-8 dec (JA Cater 55, HRH Darby 2 pts. Cumberland 129 (CB Keegan 5-20, LC Ryan 48, CB Keegan 46), Dorset 280-8 dec (Mansoor 3-28). Won by 49 runs. Khan 102, MJ Porter 96, LC Ryan 7-78) and 281- May 11 v Buckinghamshire at Challow: 9 (Mansoor Khan 66, CB Keegan 3-67, LC Ryan Oxfordshire 256-7 (JA Cater 68, CB Keegan 53*), July 13 v Wiltshire at BNOCC, Chesterton: 3-95, JAB Phillips 3-45). Buckinghamshire 217-7 (H Taj 52, LC Ryan 3-47). Oxfordshire 263-8 (JA Cater 101*, HRH Darby Match drawn. Dorset 11 pts, Oxfordshire 9 pts. Won by 39 runs. Oxfordshire 2 pts, 45), Wiltshire 158 (JCR West 3-22, LC Ryan Buckinghamshire 0 pts. 3-12). August 3,4,5 v Berkshire at Great Tew: Oxfordshire Won by 105 runs. 227 (RI Kaufman 76, CP Watling 45, MT Carter 5- May 18 v Herefordshire at Eastnor: Herefordshire 52) and 349-6 dec (CP Watling 107*, JA Cater 200 (L Gwynne 106, LA Manley 5-49), Oxfordshire August 27 vs Devon at Wormsley. Devon 203-9 70, FW Vainker 58*, CB Keegan 42), Berkshire 202-6 (LM Sabin 62, RI Kaufman 48, JA Cater (JE Burke 55, CB Keegan 4-20), Oxfordshire 196 206 (HC Stephens 69) and 108-1 (SJ Macey 61*). 45). -9 (Keegan 47, S Barlow 4-25). Match drawn. Oxfordshire 10 pts, Berkshire 9 pts. Won by 4 wickets. Herefordshire 0 pts, Oxfordshire Lost by 7 runs 2 pts. August 17,18,19 v Cheshire at Nantwich: Cheshire 247(RAL Moore 74, C Rowe 53*, CB Keegan 5-66) and 92 (CB Keegan 5-38, KW Penhale 5-38), Oxfordshire 200 (CB Keegan 84, AJ Syddall 4-50) and 140-2 (LM Sabin 59*). Won by 8 wickets. Cheshire 6 pts, Oxfordshire 21 pts.

Unicorns Knockout Trophy

April 27 v Berkshire at BNOCC, Chesterton: Oxfordshire 224 (CB Keegan 58, TM Nugent 4-43), Berkshire 165 (KW Penhale 5-22, LA Manley 3-34). Won by 59 runs. Oxfordshire 2 pts, Berkshire 0

May 4 v Staffordshire at Stone: Oxfordshire 317-9 (LM Sabin 118, JA Cater 65, LC Ryan 40, MJ Hill 4-59), Staffordshire 164 (KW Penhale 3-29). Team Photo at Wormsley - Unicorns Trophy Final 2014 vs Devon

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Wormsley OXFORD HANDBOOK A4 LANDSCAPE 0315 25/03/2015 13:49 Page 1

THE WORMSLEY CLUB

Launched in 2015 The Wormsley Club offers individual and corporate members access to all of the finest aspects of The Wormsley Estate.

This includes the Library, Island Pavilion,

Home Farm Barn and the Walled Gardens.

There is also hospitality available at four classic “Cricket Garden Parties” featuring The John Paul Getty XI.

For more details on The Wormsley Club and the Wormsley public events calendar please visit www.wormsleycricket.co.uk. email: [email protected] call: 01283 260068 web: www.wormsleyestate.com

The Oxfordshire Cricket Board would like to thank Wormsley Cricket for their support in hosting our Senior Men’s Unicorns Trophy Fixture vs Herefordshire on 26th April 2015

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KFP ACADEMY at Kidlington, but were out-played by Dorset these games. who won by 5 wickets chasing the Oxfordshire The first scheduled game of the season against score of 189. Overall the results have been disappointing, MCC Young Cricketers on 27th and 28th May mainly due to poor availability because of fell victim to the weather without a ball bowled. This was followed by a heavy defeat in the 2-day players away at University and others with work game against a strong Free Foresters team, which commitments which prevented us from having a In the next game against a strong Berkshire included Oxfordshire players David Smith and settled side. Academy side at Aston Rowant CC on Hugo Darby. Wednesday 18th June, the Oxfordshire Academy In spite of some disappointing results, the side which included two debutants: U15 left Next came a two-day game against Academy continues to develop players for the arm spinner Lloyd Belcher and U16 left arm Buckinghamshire Academy at Bicester & North Minor Counties side with the players listed seamer Graham Beer, produced an outstanding Oxford CC. Bucks managed to win on first below getting selected for the senior side in team performance to record a 46-runs victory. innings, despite a much improved performance 2014: Shabaz Alam, Lloyd Belcher, Liam Batting first, Oxon Academy posted 270-6 by Oxfordshire. Manley, Will Rooney and Curtley Slatter from 50 overs, with Richard Cook scoring 77 and Jasper Davies adding 48 not out. In reply In the return two-day game against Bucks I would like to thank Aston Rowant Cricket Berkshire soon lost opener Hussain, but a good Academy, Oxon Academy could not build on a Club, Bicester & North Oxford Cricket Club and third wicket partnership of 74 between Morris promising first day. Oxfordshire batted first and Kidlington Cricket Club for hosting Academy (36) and Avas (49) got them back on track. The were dismissed for 193, Ashley Hubbert top- games. Thanks also to Nobby Clarke, Peter dangerous Morris was removed by Will Rooney, scored with 34. In reply, Bucks were 55-7 at the Coleman, Steve Harris and Sally Muttitt for before good bowling by Belcher, who took close on day one. On day two, Bucks recovered scoring. 4-23, enabled Oxon to dismiss Berkshire for 224 to reach 126 all out, Andy Harris was the pick of all out in 43.5 overs. the bowlers with 4-8. Trying to score quick runs Finally, I would like to thank the OCB Academy in the second innings, Oxon were bowled out sponsor ‘KFP Total IT Solutions’ for their The team then took on Dorset in a one-day game for 140 with useful contributions from Curtly generous sponsorship and continuing support. Slatter (37) and Joe White (32), to set Bucks 208 to win. Good bowling and fielding by Oxon Kieren Bushnell reduced Bucks to 145-6 at the close, and a first innings win to Oxon. Chris Leaney took 3-28 in Bucks’ second innings.

Although we lost the final three 1-days games against Club Cricket Conference at BNOCC, Sussex Academy and Guernsey at Blackstone, the team performed well in patches in each of

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deliver the EPP programme. EMERGING PLAYERS PROGRAMME 2014-15 •To provide guidance on Talent Identification, Selection, Confirmation and Development The creation of the Emerging Players Programme (EPP) within each County Cricket Board has given •To provide clearer communication and us the opportunity to enhance the development develop better relationships between all relevant of those 'talented' male or female players who stakeholders. have been selected as having greater athleticism, It is important to understand that there will be unique attitude and aptitude between the ages of 13-16. demands on the development of players within Oxfordshire and Sussex take the view here that if the Emerging Players Programme i.e. maturation they are older or younger than this age range, but and adolescent growth spurt variations. Therefore have the capabilities, then they will be included. it is vital that the appropriate programmes are

developed specific to needs of each player as they The EPP revolves around a player-centred progress through this stage in their life and that approach and requires us to consider how we can these are linked to long term principles. best support the development of selected young Current EPP Player cricketers with elite performance potential, on •To provide an enhanced ‘talented’ player pool every step of the pathway. Therefore the purpose with the appropriate skills and knowledge to of the EPP is to further develop talented players for progress to the First Class Academies. the future through creating a support structure that integrates with the individual needs of the identified •To develop the appropriate Talent Development talented players. This is aided by applying long Environment for the 13-16 age group. term principles in all key development areas, to help create a consistent framework. •To use the three year time frame as a Talent Confirmation Period, which allows counties to By building on your existing system, creating invest in their players before potentially selecting enhancements or developing new programmes the them on the respective 1st Class Academies. aims of the EPP would be; •To run the EPP nationally across all 39 counties. •To underpin and support the First Class County To create an integrated player centred development Academy programme. pathway.

•To link the player pathway between County age •To share knowledge amongst all stakeholders. group cricket and the County Academies. To develop, educate and support coaches with the specialist skills and expertise to manage and Current EPP Player

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EPP Phase 1 2014/15 Testing, S&C support, cricket skills training and development.. The following players were selected to attend The coaches supporting the squad are Alan Phase 1 of the Emerging Player Programme during Duncan, Rupert Evans, Darryl Woods, Ian November and December Hawtin and Ed Dupree (S&C Coach). Start Today. Hendrick Robyns Our final squad in 2015 - Star Tomorrow. George Reid Harvey Eltham Will Hawtin Cricket Evoluuon are working with local Cricket organisaaons to obtain funding and permissions to build a brand new indoor Cricket facility, located Ellie Noble Hendrick Robyns in Oxfordshire and dedicated to the development of young cricket talent. David White George Reid The Indoor cricket centre, available to Ross Packham Harvey Eltham Cricket Clubs and Coaches, will offer all year Tyron Eyles Ross Packham round training facilites. Leo Bethell Leo Bethell • Nets and bowling machines • 10 cricket lanes on an hourly basis Alex Davies Sammy Lion-Cachet • Meeeng rooms with mull–media faciliies Graham Beer Gus Miller • Cricket shop • Video analysis to improve baang Sammy Lion- Cachet Jake Taylor • Block bookings for regular training • Conveniently located Gus Miller Carla Wood • Ample parking Sam Powell Ollie Clarke • Addiional offices to offer club adm inistraaon centre Charley Noble Luke Maslen For latest updates visit www.cricketevoluuon.co.uk Jake Taylor James Fitzjohn Lend your support... Will Hawtin [email protected] Dan Hall @CriketEvoluuon Carla Wood facebook.com/CrickeengEvoluuon Ollie Clarke We are pleased to welcome Cricket Evolution EPP Phase 2 as our Senior Cricket Sponsor for 2015-16 Following a hard selection process, the following players are now training twice a week in Phase 2 of Team Picture of our the EPP programme. EPP Final Squad The programme will again be based at Magdalen College School and will be delivered on Tuesday and Thursday nights from 7pm to 9pm. The sessions will continue to include Fitness

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SENIOR WOMEN of the season. Derby looked set to comfortably in the 12th over without a loss of wicket. pass our total of 160, however their continual loss Over the past season, our second in division 3 of of wickets and the extremely tight bowling of the We also struggled against Northamptonshire. the Women’s Royal London One Day Cup, we Oxon bowlers towards the end of their innings, We were all out for 127, of which Ellie Bath have continued to improve and develop our game. especially Carla Wood and Emilia Bartram, lead contributed 53, which Northants made for the loss We have welcomed a few new faces into the squad, to an exciting situation where Derby needed 11 of only two wickets (Ellie Norton 1-24 and Ellie most notably Ellie Bath and Ellie Noble, both of runs to win and we needed two wickets. Eight Porter 1-30). whom have made outstanding contributions over overs, ten runs and no wickets later the scores the summer. were level and a wicket fell – a catch taken by Our penultimate match of the season was against Juliet Gardner off Carla Wood’s bowling. The the Netherlands, and it seemed like we were on Our excellent winter nets really set the scene for Derby number 11 didn’t last long, being bowled course for a close match. The Netherlands ended the 2014 season, at the end of which we ended up by Carla on her third ball, and we had tied! There on 112 all out from 43.4 overs, during which Carla placed sixth out of nine teams, having won two was screaming. Notable performances came from Wood, Sam Moore, Ellie Porter, Ellie Noble and and tied one of our matches. all of the bowlers, with Ellie Porter taking 4-46, Lucy Gladdy shared the wickets equally between The season started and ended with wins, against and Carla Wood, Emilia Bartram and Lucy Gladdy them and finished with two each. Unfortunately Hertfordshire and Leicestershire respectively. taking 2 a-piece. our excellent bowling performance couldn’t be Herts were all out for 159 from 47.2 overs, with matched with the bat and we were all out for 90 in Carla Wood taking 3-32. Oxon achieved our target Our next opponents were Scotland, the final 36 overs, with Caitie Burton making 40 runs and in 48.3 overs with Genny Porter scoring 64 and winners of the division. We battled to 69 all out Carla Wood 23. Abi Currie 34. from 45 overs, and the Scots sailed past the target

Next followed a couple of disappointing games against Gloucestershire and Hampshire, both of which should have been a lot closer. The Gloucs match was 14-year-old Ellie Noble’s first senior match, during which she took a stylish 3-23. Unfortunately Oxon were not quite able to reach our target of 171, and despite our best efforts fell short at 145. The Hampshire match was hampered by poor availability. Ellie Bath put in an exceptional performance to make 73no within our final total of 159. Hants made this with 10 overs to go, with Carla Wood taking 3-29.

The Derbyshire match was by far the most exciting

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The 50 over competition came to an end with Our season has overall been incredibly positive. a match against Leicestershire. The day was Our continued improvement and development definitely made more interesting by the country as a side has resulted in great excitement and fair on the other side of the field, which joined us in anticipation for next season. Our thanks go to the morning for a minute’s silence for Felix Byam- Darryl Woods, Denise Todd, Fiona Currie and Shaw, and then provided ongoing entertainment Martin Norton for all of their hard work over the during and after the match. Our knowledge of past year, and also to Bicester and North Oxford vintage tractors has now definitely improved… CC who have been superb hosts. The match itself could not have got off to a better start. Carla Wood took a wicket on the very first Gemma Muttitt and Genny Porter ball, which set the tone for the rest of the match. We put in an all-round excellent bowling and fielding display to keep Leics to 89 all out. Ellie Noble once again starred with the ball, finishing on 3-23, Sam Moore was also impressive with figures of 3-31, and Ellie Porter, Carla Wood, Emilia Bartram and Lucy Gladdy also put in fantastic bowling performances. Leicestershire’s low total was passed in the 28th over, with Genny Porter finishing on 49no and Abi Currie 14no.

Leicestershire were also our opponents in the final stage of the T20 competition. The first round had resulted in us being placed in the bottom three teams, two of which would be relegated following a three way play-off. Hertfordshire pulled out of the competition and therefore were automatically relegated, and we were left to fight it out with Leics. It was an incredibly exciting match. We batted first and made 113, of which Rhian Todd contributed 42 from 39 balls. Leics looked like they were going to make the target, before the wicket of their key player. They finished on 109, during which Lucy Gladdy took 3-23.

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COUNTY BOYS UNDER 10 facilitating an early finish, as Zach Lion-Cachet shredded the Devon batting line-up, taking record- With the two most senior players, James Coles breaking figures of 6/10 as the hosts crumbled to and Zach Lion-Cachet, absent on Under 11 duties, just 29 all out and a 116-run defeat. Ferreira (29), the opening game of the season against the Best Coles (18) and Orders (22). of Districts U11 produced a close finish. Batting first, we started well, with Max Ferreira’s maiden A week later, the team welcomed Gloucestershire. Oxfordshire fifty and Alex Orders (38), but when Alfie Turner and Max Ferreira returned the identical the two fell in quick succession the middle order figures of 3-2-1-2, but improved application from stumbled to 136/8 from their allotted overs. In the middle order saw 45/6 recover to 84/7, until the reply, only the BoD’s McGee (42) scored well and reintroduction of Will Price brought about a rapid the last pair of Clarke and Heyring needed 40 for end to proceedings. The visitors were bowled out an unlikely victory… for 88. Turner (24) and Ferreira (49) knocked off the With two needed from two balls, the batsman target without losing a wicket to seal a ten-wicket County Under 10 Batter hit Ferreira over midwicket for what he thought win. 71 no the highlight, as the innings closed on 239/3. would be the match-winning runs. Heyring, The hosts were quickly in deep trouble at 27/6, but however, was inches short with his turn; Ferreira Buckinghamshire were next on the fixture list. Oxfordshire couldn’t close the deal, but in truth hit the stumps, tying the game in the most dramatic Ferreira and Turner both fell early and Oxfordshire Oxfordshire barely left second gear. fashion possible. slipped to 8/2, until the arrival of James Coles. With Lion-Cachet and Alex Orders providing After heavy rain, Dorset opted to bat first in our Next up, the Oxfordshire U11 side on a wet, but sound support, 8/2 became 158/3 before Freddy next fixture. From 41/1, the visitors’ innings playable Dragon pitch. Batting first, only Zach Fayers brought his side back into the game. Will disintegrated after a Will Price run out, then Charlie Lion-Cachet, with an outstanding 47, came to Laird joined Coles to push the team total beyond Turner’s bowling. Dorset were dismissed for just terms with the conditions, as the Under 10s posted 200 before Coles finally fell, caught for 132 from 66, and though Oxfordshire rotated their batting a final total of 111/8. It might not have looked just 119 balls, before the tail subsided and we order in reply and lost a cluster of quick wickets, imposing on paper, but within overs the task finished on 222 all out. The visitors only managed with Coles at the crease the result was never in seemed enormous: Charlie “The Terror” Turner 90 all out, a victory margin of 132 runs: a new doubt and the captain saw his side through to a hit a perfect length and cut through the older record. comfortable six-wicket win, with Jamie Rawal batting order, as the Under 11s were staring down unbeaten at his side. the barrel at 25/6. Resistance from the lower order The following week’s trip to Condover to take saw the scoreboard finish on 89/8. on Shropshire rewrote the history books once Away next to Wiltshire, who chose to bat first. again. Batting first, the opening pair of Ferreira Lion-Cachet clean bowled the dangerous Sam Away to Devon, the weather was once again and Turner passed three figures for the first wicket Giddings, before running out Stuart MacDougall. against us, but both sides were keen to complete and set a superb platform for the middle order. The third-wicket pair set about rebuilding the the fixture. One bowler had the biggest say in Oxfordshire’s top five all passed 20, with Coles’s Wildcats’ innings, adding 99 runs to precarious

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25/2 and helped their team to a final total of 166/4. Coles’s finest innings of the summer. With Zach stepped up to open the batting in the middle of the Thanks to Coles (84), Alfie Turner (38*), and Lion-Cachet and then Alex Orders providing the season, and never looked back. finished by Lion-Cachet to complete the run-chase supporting role, Coles motored to 75 not out from with almost ten overs to spare. just 45 balls. Oxfordshire had moved to 115/3 until Player of the Year was less of a close call. Watching heavy rain ended play. The Duckworth/Lewis par James Coles bat this summer has been nothing like The final game of the regular season was a rematch score at the interruption was 91/3 – readers are anything I’ve ever seen at this age group before. I against the Best of Districts side, designed to offer invited to draw their own conclusions. am very much looking forward to following his time at the middle for the middle and lower order progress in the seasons to come. James is far from batting, and ensure the change bowlers had the Rain also prevented our fixture against Wiltshire, the only boy in the squad with the potential to go a opportunity to deliver longer spells. Zach Lion- but indoor games against our festival opponents long way in this game. Cachet made the most of some mediocre fielding providing a much-needed outlet for the boys’ to post a run-a-ball 70. The District players worked energy. Warwickshire turned the tables from the An unbeaten season was never the be-all and end- hard to bring the game back, but Will Price (23), previous day’s game and both Wiltshire and Cardiff all of 2014, but as a statistical footnote it’s fine followed by Coles and Rawal whose ninth-wicket and the Vale of Glamorgan U11 were beaten. memorial to the boys’ sustained efforts. pair added 27 from just 15 balls, provided a final acceleration to 158/8. Oxfordshire’s Sacha The weather improved enough to play the outdoor Finally, it’s impossible to look back on a season Sandelson opened the bowling and he struck in the fixture against Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan like 2014 without a vote of thanks: to parents, very first over, thanks to an excellent catch from U11. We looked shaky on 76/5 and only Max siblings and grandparents who have followed my Jamie Rawal. The Districts rebuilt their innings, Ferreira (29) had gone past the mid-teens. Jamie usually-accurate directions around the country, until a middle order collapse which led to them Rawal and Will Laird rose to the challenge – first helped out with umpiring during the friendly finishing well short of their target on 128/8, (Will consolidating and then accelerating before they games, and fed me on the boundary edge when Guthrie (2/9)). An unbeaten of sixteen games since fell in quick succession as the scoreboard slipped required. Thanks must also go to the schools and June 2013. to 106/7. Carrick Dunbar then helped Oxfordshire clubs who have hosted us over the course of the take 32 from the last three overs, quickly summer – Dragon School, Aston Rowant CC, So to the Malvern College Festival, where the transforming 113/7 to 145/8. With Cardiff set at Chadlington CC, Thame Town CC and Tetsworth opening game would see us take on the challenge 46/2, things were finely poised, until Lion-Cachet CC and the University of Oxford: it wouldn’t of playing Warwickshire. With the threat of rain rearranged the furniture of two of the Welsh have been possible without their support. Nor ever-present, we bowled first and Warwickshire batsmen and the Cardiff lower order collapsed could we have achieved everything that we have quickly moved to 75/1. Spin changed the course under the onslaught of Orders, Dunbar, Rawal and accomplished without the help of our coaches – of their innings as Sacha Sandelson and Will Price Turner. Cardiff were 99 all out. Alan Maule over the winter, and the unflappable (2/17) struck in quick succession to reduce the Mike Eeley throughout the season (even if some batting side to 112/5, but Aman Hussain struck an The Players’ Player of Year vote might have been of his own strokeplay was more reminiscent of unbeaten 58 to bring his side back into contention, heading for an unprecedented 14-way tie, but Castle Greyskull than Arundel Castle). finishing on 210/7 - Charlie Turner (2/18). In reply the boys picked out Alfie Turner – who not only both Oxon openers fell early, until maybe James took regular wickets throughout the summer, but Neil Pickup

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COUNTY BOYS UNDER 11 Coles taking the final wicket off the last ball of Bedfordshire was next, where we displayed poor the match. We had a new County Record for the What a mixed season we have had this year: from bowling: Beds extras top scoring 48, out of a total 7th wicket of 81 between James Coles, 78 n.o. finding ways to lose matches when in winning of 131. Luke Charlesworth scored 54 and Freddie and Dee Jarvis, 24 n.o. Last match of the Festival positions, to playing some breathtaking cricket. Smith 46 n.o in an opening partnership of 115 and was against Jersey U12s. They set a challenging we went on to win the match inside 20 overs. total of 155, pick of the bowlers Charlie 4-10 - We started by losing to Wiltshire by 14 runs, after just missing out on a hat-trick. Luke and Freddie, fielding and bowling fantastically: restricting Against Shropshire, both Luke Charlesworth and 51, just missed out on another century opening them to 89 all out, with Tom Stacey and Dee Jarvis Freddie Smith just carried on from the last match, partnership by 5 runs. We won by 8 wickets and taking three wickets each. At 41-1 and coasting putting on a County U11s record opening stand of finished second in the overall competition. towards victory, we lost the last 9 wickets for 35 194. Luke was out for a fantastic 112, Freddie was runs and lost the match. out for 88: another great inning. What a season: 3 century opening partnerships (and there could have been another), a County We batted first against Dorset and posted 200, We set Shropshire 228 to win. This was never on Record 7th wicket partnership of 81, three totals with Luke Charlesworth 62 n.o and James Coles the cards, with Henry Pretorius 4-10, blowing away of over 200 and two 4 wicket hauls, and finally, 34. We went on to lose the match off the last ball the top order and Oxon winning by 115 runs. the first County U11 individual century in all the of the match. Sam Chown was the pick of the time I have been a Manager of the U11 team. bowlers with his three wickets. Unfortunately, in our next match we lost by 22 runs, to a strong Surrey inner District team, which Well done to you all and good luck for next We then went on to lose to Buckinghamshire by 2 boasted 6 Surrey County players. season. wickets after being in control of the match. We then beat Essex by 54 runs: James Cole’s 69 Martyn Cross n.o., Freddie Smith 44.

We visited the Bryanston Festival in August, where we beat Dorset by 22 runs: Luke and Charlie Ing- Chambers with 3 wickets each. Against Guernsey U12s, the opposition reached a 177 total, but with another opening partnership of 100 (by Luke 49 and Freddie 43), we won by 42 runs. Next up was Sussex, which was a nail-biting match! Sussex batted first and set a target of 120. Despite the boys giving everything, we came up short, losing the match by just 5 runs. With no nails left to bite, it was Wiltshire next. We tied the match 144 each, James Boys County Under 11 Team Photo

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COUNTY BOYS UNDER 12 Against Dragon School 1st X1 (U13) we lost Maslen, Harry Startin) and we also had three run three Dragon players to the opposition (David outs from Phillip Barnett. Sadly our batting was We began the season with a match against Ardingly White, Harry Startin, Ed Beale) and, as it was a very disappointing, with wickets falling cheaply School U13, the first game any of the boys had Saturday, a number of other players had to play and players batting too slowly, leaving more and played, as the club and school season were yet to school matches. So we used some guest players more to do in the later overs. Luke Maslen and start. Batting first, we scored 142-6, (Ben Porter, from County and District U13s (Ben Coldicott, Dan Hall coming in 8 and 10, did their best to 49). We looked very much in control for most of Jamie Revell, Joe Chown). We bowled well and up the tempo and get some runs (23 and 17) but the match, but towards the end of the Ardingly restricted the Dragon to 114-9, our guest players there was too much to do. We fell well short of the innings, the run rate gathered pace alarmingly. We taking 5 wickets. Best bowling performance of target, losing by 32 runs. won by just four runs, with Ardingly finishing 138 an U12 county player was Gus Miller (5-9-2). for 8. Best bowlers were David White (4 overs, 8 This was an exciting match, with Oxfordshire There followed another disappointing match runs, 2 wickets) and Luke Maslen (3-11-2). making the required total in the final over with against Best of Districts U13. We batted first, with the loss of 7 wickets. Outstanding performances some good batting from Ben Porter (22) and Gus Next up was Gloucestershire U12, a disappointing came from Gus Miller (63) and Dan Hall (23), Miller (26) who both scored at a good rate. Caspar match in cold, windy conditions. Our batting was who both batted at a superb pace. Mason (28) and Will Woodley (23) got respectable poor; Ed Beale, the opener, scored 19 but took 22 looking totals but the run rate was too slow, and overs to do so. No other player got into double Our first county win came against Wiltshire U12. we effectively drifted through at least ten overs figures and we finished on 88-9. Glos eased to 89 We fielded first and bowled them out for 109 in with too little to show for it, finishing on 143-5. for 4 in just 30 overs. Most of the bowlers were the 32nd over, Caspar Mason (7-22-2), Harry Best of Districts needed therefore less than four an relatively tight, but the target was only 2.2 an over. Startin (5-9-2) and David White (3.3-11-2). Our over. Our bowlers couldn’t get them out, although Harry Startin had the best bowling figures (5-11- batting innings looked shaky when our openers we had some tight spells from Caspar Mason (5- 2). and number 4 batsman got out for very few runs, 10-0) and Ben Porter (7-17-1), and Gus Miller but Phillip Barnett (39 not out) aided by Will picked up two wickets (5.1-15-2). BoD won in Woodley (26) and Luke Maslen (10) held the the 38th over. innings together, running extremely well between the wickets to keep the scoring pace up, and we The match against Buckinghamshire U12 felt like got to 110 comfortably in the 38th over with 4 a turning point in the season. We fielded first and wickets to spare. Bucks were comfortably ticking along when we had a huge change of tactic from Luke Maslen, Then to Shropshire, who scored 146-8. Oxon the captain. He decided to force the batsmen bowling was relatively good, but one of their out of their comfort zone and to switch to a very batsmen amassed 83 runs. Half our overs were aggressive field. Fielding was excellent with bowled by the spinners, but with only Luke no mistakes and everyone alert. Bucks, having Higgins taking wickets (8-24-2). The other amassed 50 without loss, were then bowled out wickets went to the seamers (David White, Luke for 131, with Luke Higgins’ outstanding leg spin County Boys Under 12 Squad

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producing four wickets for nine runs off eight 15 over match in the evening. It was stressed to impressive 63, and Luke Maslen added 50 equally overs. Ben Porter also picked up two wickets. The the boys that this very short game would require swiftly. Harry Startin made 27. Then the spinners run chase was marshalled by Reuben Barksfield’s aggressive batsmen and brave bowlers. We came into the attack - Reuben Barksfield, Luke 41 not out and finished by Gus Miller’s explosive reached a respectable 103, with Gus Miller (20), Higgins, and Phillip Barnett. Luke Higgins’ leg 47 not out, Oxon winning by 8 wickets. Luke Maslen (17), David White (17) and Dan Hall spin was unplayable, as he took five wickets for Only two days later, and we had our second eight- (20*) all rising to the challenge of 15 over batting. twelve runs off seven overs - another match ball wicket win against Dorset. Despite some good Our bowling attack was handed to the spinners to won. Phillip Barnett also picked up a couple of bowling and aggressive fields, Dorset reached a begin with, but the run rate looked to be edging wickets (6-16-2). They were all out for 74. competitive 181. Pick of the bowlers were Luke out of our control until an impressive maiden over Maslen (5-12-3) and James Bridson (6-25-2). and a wicket from David White, seamer, gave us Conclusion Then Ben Porter’s unbeaten 75, sharing two good back the advantage. However, some strong hitting partnerships with Dan Hall (27) and Luke Maslen from Cheshire in the last over gave them victory Overall, we played 12 matches, winning 7. The (57) saw Oxfordshire home by 8 wickets after 34 with three balls to spare. most satisfying element of the season was seeing overs. the team spirit build. As a side we were better Having been deprived of much cricket the day at bowling/fielding than batting: in many matches In our next match, we were confident after before, the sun was out and we were keen for our fielding was superb, and it was very rare to see bowling Wales out for only 110 in the 36th over. a good match. Against Herefordshire U13 a misfield or a dropped catch. Top wicket taker The best bowlers were Caspar Mason (6.4-23-3), Development Squad, our batsmen totalled 194 was Caspar Mason. Batting was our weaker area, Luke Maslen (5-17-3) and David White (5-11-2). runs on a well-used wicket, with a couple of good with too many players either giving away their But, with the exception of Gus Miller who scored partnerships, firstly Reuben Barksfield (35) and wickets cheaply, or thinking only of their own 13 off 13 balls, we then found ourselves batting Will Woodley (33), and later on, Ben Porter (28) total and not figuring out what the team needed too slowly again, which meant that the run rate and Gus Miller (33). The Herefordshire batsmen – hence too many matches lost because of slow of 2.75 an over drifted further and further away - then could not cope with Harry Startin’s accuracy scoring (Shropshire, Best of Districts, Wales). the pressure on the lower order batsmen became or James Bridson’s swing. They were finished off Overall, the best batsmen, who all scored a fifty too much, and wickets fell. We were all out for a by Caspar Mason’s pace, all out for 46. Startin – this season, were Gus Miller, Luke Maslen, Ben season’s low 83, losing by 27 runs. Opener Felix 5-9-2; Bridson – 4-6-3; Mason – 3-5-5. Caspar’s Porter and David White, with Phillip Barnett, Foot top-scored on 31, but off 95 balls. five wicket haul won him the match ball. Reuben Barksfield and Dan Hall all making important contributions as well. Gus Miller was Then we came to the Bromsgrove Festival, with Our final match of the season was another the top scorer on 236 for the season. father Richard Woodley standing in as coach, as comfortable win, against Pembrokeshire U12. The Matt Woods was unavailable. Sadly it rained all team enjoyed themselves and the only problem was Player of the Season – Dan Hall: extremely reliable Saturday morning, and our match against Cheshire who to leave out. It was decided that those who wicket keeper, very strong team ethos putting his U13 Development Squad was postponed. We beat didn’t bat would do all the bowling. We batted own desires last, cheerful and positive, took his them in an indoor match, and then had to wait first and amassed our biggest total of the season – opportunities batting and established himself as a for the (small) pitch to dry out before playing a 221 in 38 overs. David White scored a swift and strong batsman with an intelligent grasp of what

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was required in each game. He had the highest batting average (25). Players’ Player of the Season – Ben Porter: Ben was a mature and popular member of the team who consistently performed with the bat (and his 75 not out vs Dorset was the highest individual score this season) and was also the pick of the spinners, along with Luke Higgins.

Sasha White Q.C.

The Oxfordshire Cricket Board would like to thank Serious Cricket for their support so far in our Partnership (2015-2018)

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COUNTY BOYS UNDER 13 trend, welcoming Tom Chesser and non ginger Ben Norgrove into the squad. Somewhat of a difficult second album for Graham and Myself as we took this group of players on for So with our ranks swelled, and with our new found a 2nd year. We welcomed to the squad, initially, tactic in hand we headed off to Milton Keynes Joe Chown and Ben Coldicot after a relatively were an early injury to Chappers hampered our successful winter training. progress but it gave Joe Chown the opportunity to step up and lead the attack with excellent figures I think the boys will admit that they were a little of 6 overs 3 wkts for 14. Unfortunately this didn’t slow hitting their straps as indicated in the first stop Bucks running up 215 from their 40. Our top game against Northants where we failed to defend three all clicked this time round and supported by County Boys Under 13 Squad 151 built around 66 from Ollie Price and 39 from an enterprising knock of 34 from Ben Coldicot Jake Taylor. again we fell short but still ended up with a Great spells of bowling from the off spin respectable score of 188. combination Ollie and Dom controlled the middle Surely 172 against Herts, would be enough, Toby of the Worcestershire innings but our opponents Parker contributing 41, but in a tight finish the A comfortable win against Shropshire saw another still ended up with 184. opposition got home with one ball to spare despite fifty for Ollie Price, 44 for Jake Taylor including three wickets to George Williams. two sixes much to the displeasure of his Father At 56 for one off 20, 184 looked a daunting target, under a tree somewhere, and 26 to Tom Bacon. An but excellent acceleration from Ollie, supported We travelled to Bristol for our annual abandonment excellent opening spell of bowling saw George by Jake Taylor and later Ben Coldicot saw us against Gloucestershire, but at least we got to bat Williams start with two wicket maidens and he over the line with a whole 2 balls to spare. and Ben Charlesworth a 50. However not before was ably supported by Joe Chown 2-12 off 5 Dom we heard the words that put a chill down the spine Whinfrey with identical figures and Ben Parker Captain less for our visit to Warwick school. of all Managers, coaches and parents alike “ Mum 2-5 off 4. But to be honest, it was a result to be Jake Taylor stood up to the mantle, taking where’s my whites?” expected. gloves, opening bat and Captaincy. Fifty to Ben Charlesworth, 25 for Jake and 41 for Sammy A chastening experience for our bowlers against A stiffer challenge was to follow next as we took on were the highlights of the Oxon innings but 147 Beds saw us concede 239 off 40 overs, although Worcestershire for the first time for this particular wasn’t challenging enough for Warwickshire as thanks to 70 for Sammy Lion-Cachet, 50 group of players. And turning up at Himley, the they got home with only one wicket down. Jake Taylor and 38 for Alex Chapman we got boys thought they had hit the big time. Stands, close……….but not quite close enough. electronic score board in fact all the pro facilities We welcomed Dorset at Abingdon Vale and bar a big screen and hawk eye. We saw all these batting first we put on 165, 60 to Jake Taylor, 37 By this time we had to resort to a tactics of the as we walked past the main pitch to the 2nd pitch Tom Bacon and 28 Sammy Lion Cachet. For the u10s and brought in our very own Ginger to hidden behind a hedge. 2nd time this season George Williams started his bolster the ranks and try to reverse the results spell with two wicket maidens as 165 proved too

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rich for Dorset, Ben Norgrove joining the party So ultimately, not quite the season for the boys as picking up 3 for 3. 2013, but still plenty of good cricket on display as the boys continue to develop and show what a Now to the Ardingly Festival. On the plus side, talented team they are. we played at least some cricket on every day. The cricket was in good order too, eventually losing Graham and myself would like to thank the out to Bucks in a T20 final having previously boys for all their hard work during the season, beaten them in a proper 40 over game earlier in the many fond memories they have given us and the week. wish them well for their future cricketing careers.

Ben Charlesworth’s first two knocks 65 and 72 Peter Whinfrey set the tone. 70 for Ollie Price in the Bucks game carrying his bat was the perfect foil to Tom Bacons enterprising and ultimately game changing 50 as the pair put on 88 in 15 overs.

Ben Parker picked up our only 5 wicket haul of the season in the same game, but I think he’d rather forget missing the four over throws he missed as he was chatting to the opposition on the boundary edge.

All this happening with a back drop of what I called black Wednesday, two players struck down with illness and two injuries, relatively difficult to manage with a squad of 14!

A charming wicket keeper from a team from Abu Dhabi employed an interesting sledging technique of shaking Toby’s hand for hitting a six and making an offer on Dom’s bat as he was County Boys U13 Player taking guard. Those are about the only two items that could be discerned from the not stop stream of chatter coming from behind the stumps, that at one point had me in fear for our batters hearing.

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COUNTY BOYS UNDER 14 those watching. respectively, the latter ironically scored more runs for the u15s than he did for the u14s! The U14 team this season has had to cope with This led into our tour at Bromsgrove School. We one of the hardest things imaginable in the tragic heavily defeated Norfolk (by 6 wickets) Suffolk Thomas Gould, Tom Brine, Charlie Taylor and loss of their teammate Felix Byam Shaw. So to get (by 10 wickets twice in the same day!) and Max Owen made their county debuts this season through this season was credit enough for the boys Huntingdonshire (by 7 wickets) where winning and all showed glimpses of promise which bodes and then to do so and turn the season around in the started to become a habit for this team. We finished well for their futures. manner they have and to finish 5th and thereby the ECB games by beating Northamptonshire and qualify for the A group next season is a true Staffordshire and despite losing to Warwickshire, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Great testament to the team’s unity and mental strength. a rained off game vs Herefordshire was enough to & Little Tew Cricket Club and Magdalen College Added to this we lost all of the first 3 ECB games! secure a top half finish for the boys. School for the use of their facilities over the season. I would also like to thank Rowan McGregor for Following a similar pattern to the U14s’ season Wickets for this team were shared around with 9 his help and support throughout what has been in 2013 we started slowly but once again the boys taking 5 or more wickets over the course of a very difficult season and the winter training catalyst for our turn in fortunes seemed to be the season: Rory Hipwell leading the way with 13 programme. Finally, thanks to all the boys and the MCS U15 T20 competition. Playing against at an average of 13.8. There were some notable their parents for their hard work, commitment and teams a year older than themselves, with some key spells during the season from Andrew Francis (6- support over the course of the season. players unavailable and playing 4 games in 2 days 1-7-2 v Suffolk), Sam Powell (7-3-9-2 vs Suffolk) provided the team with a fantastic opportunity and Max Owen (2.4-0-8-2 vs Northants). Ably Andy Harris to discover what it takes to win. In Tom Price’s supported by keeper Joe Carey who took 8 catches absence, the team in this competition was expertly and 1 stumping. led by Felix who demonstrated how much he was developing his tactical knowledge as well as his However this team was guided to victory with pace bowling. the bat by their ever-reliable captain Tom Price who scored a remarkable 683 runs at an average Following this tournament the news of Felix broke of 97.6; he finished the year with just 3 scores and our season could have gone one of two ways. below 48! Tom was well supported by Harrison Only a couple of days later we travelled to Ward who in addition to taking 11 wickets at 22.6, Shropshire on a very emotional day and the boys scored 343 runs at an average of 42.8. put on a show that will be truly memorable and County Under 14 Tour Photo a fitting tribute to Felix. We scored 280-1 in 45 There were some great supporting innings during overs with a second wicket partnership of 227 the season from Jack (Jake?!) Taylor (promoted between Harrison Ward (115*) and Tom Price from the u13s) 85* on debut vs Staffordshire, Finn (114*). We won the game by 103 runs but it was Pietersen’s 43 vs Worcestershire and 36 runs apiece the togetherness that the team showed in these from Charlie Taylor (in his debut season) and testing circumstances which was so humbling for Charlie Miller against Norfolk and Warwickshire 25 Oxfordshire Cricket Handbook 2015 #sportofchoice

COUNTY BOYS UNDER 15 36 overs.

There were 15 matches scheduled for the season, The next two matches, a friendly against Guernsey 4 were lost to the weather and we won 8, losing and league with Shropshire saw Tyron Eyles take only 3 which included a very close Cup match two 5 wicket hauls, with 5-38 and 5-25. against Scotland. The winning streak then came to an end in a Highlights of the season were Harrison Ward friendly against Cumbria, despite two good knocks with 4-40 in a friendly against Northants who had from Lloyd Belcher (46) and Tyron Eyles (58) the no answer against our economical bowling, with 165 was easily passed for 1 wicket in 33 overs. Lloyd Belcher returning 3-7 off his 10 overs. The final match of the season was a cup game In the game away in Cardiff, tight bowling again, against Scotland at Stonesfield. Scotland set with Lloyd with a miserly 3-17 off his 10 meant 167 which was definitely achievable but a they were bowled out for 128 and it took openers disappointing reply with only Jordan (71) and George Reid (57) and Jordan Garrett (60*) 151 Harrison Ward (25), the only batsmen to make balls to achieve a great opening partnership of double figures, meant we ended being bowled out 118 to win comfortably. for 166.

Next brought Bedfordshire who scored 167 from The boys had worked very hard during the their 50 overs with Lloyd again in the wickets season and can be proud of their successes. with 4-23 from 10. The openers again made light Congratulations to Jordan and George who also work of the total with George (56) and Jordan represented the Under 17s this season, the absolute (95*) making sure of victory in 38 overs. highlight being their opening partnership of 166 against Bucks, George (71) and Jordan went on Oxfordshire won the toss in the match away to to make 208* in a fantastic innings. Mention also Shropshire and elected to bat and achieved a of Lloyd who made his Minor Counties debut this healthy 265-6, with Will Hawtin (44) and Jonty season. Robinson (86) making a good partnership of 62. Tight bowling saw Shropshire bowled out for Thanks to all the parents for their support and to 135 in 41 overs. Mick Warren for his scoring skills.

Along came the second fixture against On behalf of Neil Megson Worcestershire and with a strong performance from George (83) the total of 165 was beyond their batsmen as they were bowled out for 103 in 26 Oxfordshire Cricket Handbook 2015 #sportofchoice

COUNTY BOYS UNDER 16 The Jersey Festival proved a massive disappointment, with only one of the five games A difficult year for the Under 16s, which proved to completed due to a very wet week. The first four be heavily rain-affected. games against Hampshire, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Gloucestershire were all washed In total, only five matches were completed (with out, although we were in good positions against only one match in the Jersey Festival reaching a both Berkshire and Gloucestershire before the conclusion). rains fell. We saved the best until last, however, and produced the best performance of a truncated The season commenced with the annual Under 16s year against hosts Jersey on the final day. v Under 17s match at Stonesfield, which saw the Jordan Garrett’s 84 helped Oxfordshire post a Under 16s produce a superb performance, only to competitive 168-7 in 50 overs on a wet pitch, lose by one run off the final ball of the match. before we dismissed the islanders for 107 to post a 61-run victory. The two-day match against Gloucestershire during the May half-term week was a complete wash-out Graham Beer finished the season top of the with not a ball bowled in two days. averages with 160 runs in his 6 completed innings at an average of 40, while Ross Packham’s 10 When we re-convened after the GCSEs, our first wickets saw him top the bowling averages. warm-up match for Jersey, away to Berkshire, ended in a heavy defeat. Starting well, with three With a number of newcomers to county age quick wickets to Ross Packham, we let Berkshire group cricket, there is a lot of work to do during off the hook as they posted 249-9- from their 50 the winter, but the one positive from the festival overs. In reply, only newcomer Harry Thomas got week is the way the boys gelled as a team, and if going with a fine 54 as Oxfordshire were bowled they can carry that forward into 2015, a successful out for 109 in a 140-run defeat. year is a distinct possibility. Successful U16 Batter in-front of the A vastly improved performance against Kieren Bushnell scoreboard at Aston Rowant CC Gloucestershire at Tiddington in our next match saw us narrowly lose by four wicket, star performer being Aadam Samiullah with 79 and Graham Beer with 48.

Our third successive defeat came against Northamptonshire at Banbury, which was hardly ideal warm-up for Jersey. 27 Oxfordshire Cricket Handbook 2015 #sportofchoice

Herefordshire for 137 - Sam Haselgrove taking Bedfordshire out for 205. COUNTY BOYS UNDER 17 4-27.

The most successful year ever for any Oxfordshire The highlight of the championship season came

age group as they captured the Royal London A friendly defeat to Wiltshire, was followed by against Buckinghamshire where we successfully

National one-day cup for the first time. On top a convincing win on first innings at home to chased down 375 to record a memorable victory. of this, Oxfordshire finished runners-up in the Shropshire in our first championship game. Leo Alex Davies took 5-73 and Hendrick Robyns 3-46, ECB County Championship, only missing out on Bethell returned county best figures of 6-31 to but Bucks’s 375-8 declared appeared formidable. the title by a solitary point. But that was a minor dismiss the visitors for 213, which we passed But we reckoned without an astounding innings blip in an otherwise outstanding season for an with only four wickets down, Tom Condon top- from U15 player Jordan Garrett, who carried his outstanding age group, who won 12 of their 13 scoring with 94. Sadly, we fell five runs short of bat for a county record of 208 not out. Helped by competitive matches throughout the season. The maximum batting points – something that was to George Reid (another U15), the duo shared 166 key to our success was the team effort – every prove crucial in the championship. for the first wicket, which set us on the way to our single player in the squad contributed at some incredible victory, Reid scoring 73. stage during the season. We followed this up with a five-wicket win in our next Royal London Cup match to go top of the Our crunch one-day cup clash with After both our early season friendlies were washed group. Hendrick Robyns taking 5-37, with Matt Buckinghamshire two days later proved we could out without a ball bowled, our first game threw Karslake taking 3-17 as Shropshire were all out dig deep when needed as we booked our place in us in at the deep end with a Royal London Cup for 151. Contributions throughout then led us to the semi-final. Spinners Max Mannering and Saim match away to Herefordshire. We amassed 321-4 155-5 and a five-wicket win. Hussain took three wickets apiece as we dismissed from our 50 overs, with Harry Ackland’s county Bucks for 166. In reply, we were struggling at best score of 92, Tom Costley and Hendrick Our next championship match at Bedfordshire, 28-3 and then 97-6, and staring down the barrel Robyns with half-centuries, before we dismissed saw us narrowly miss out on an outright win in of a defeat which would have knocked us out of another dominant performance. James Fitzjohn the cup. But a magnificent 57 not out from Callum (68) and Leo Bethell (63) led us to a massive score Russell and 24 not out from Jeremy Kirby took of 372 all out, and then Saim Hussain starred with us to victory without losing another wicket to 5-23 as Bedfordshire were shot out for just 81. seal a semi-final against first class opposition Forcing the follow on, we had Bedfordshire nine Leicestershire. down second time around – as they clung on to avoid an innings defeat. A crushing win on first innings away to Dorset followed. Captain James Fitzjohn smashed a The team effort continued in our next cup match, maiden county century (123) and Callum Russell also against Bedfordshire. This time it was Alex his second successive half-century (54no) as Davies (69) who led the way as we posted 268-5 we declared on 373-7. Three wickets for Saim from our 50 overs. Leo Bethell and Saim Hussain Hussain and two each for Hendrick Robyns and Winning runs in the final of the ECB then took three wickets apiece to help bowl Max Mannering then helped us to dismiss our Royal London One Day Final

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the first wicket with Harry Ackland. A tumble of Wiltshire were restricted to 168-9 from their 50

wickets saw us fall to 170-7, but Robyns (70) and overs. Our reply was measured, and assured, as we

Spears (40no) took us to a fantastic and thrilling eased to a six-wicket win with 11 overs to spare.

one-wicket win. Hendrick Robyns led the way with a fantastic 53, and it was fitting that the winning runs were struck

This gave us a confidence boost ahead of our Royal by captain Fitzjohn, who led the side so admirably

London Cup semi-final against Leicestershire, throughout the season.

which was played in the glorious setting of

Wormsley. Losing the toss, Leicestershire batted And what a season it was! The most memorable

first and got off to a flying start. By the second ever for a hugely talented side.

drinks break at 34 overs, the visitors were 220-4,

and we were staring down the barrel of a score The future of Oxfordshire cricket is looking very

well in excess of 300. But the final 16 overs saw assured with this talented bunch all likely to be in County Boys U17 at the Oxfordshire us fight back in true Oxfordshire style to bowl the 2015 academy squad. Sports Award Dinner hosts for just 132 in reply. Leicestershire out for 289, Robyns taking 4-60 and

Our only competitive defeat of the season then Davies 5-48. After a rain delay, Duckworth Lewis Kieren Bushnell followed, and agonisingly, we missed out on the recalculated our target as a formidable 263 from two-day championship by a solitary point. On 42 overs – a seemingly insurmountable target, a wet two days, we lost a crucial toss and were but as ever, our never-say-die attitude came to the put in on an extremely difficult pitch. Only Alex fore. Led by Tom Condon’s brilliant 77, we were Davies (63) shone as we were bowled out for 144. always in the hunt. Aided by 24 penalty runs due The hosts, on a drying pitch, got home, as we to Leicestershire’s slow over rate, we snuck to a fought tooth and nail for the victory which would memorable one wicket victory off the penultimate have given us the title. Davies took three wickets, ball to set up our first ever national final. with two apiece for Mannering, Jonny Meardon and Fitzjohn, but we failed to dismiss them in And we saved the very best until last – and how! time. Being given 15 overs to get 150 to secure In the glorious setting of Kibworth Cricket Club the batting point we needed for the title, we went in Leicestershire, we cruised to victory against old for it, only to fall to 118 all out. rivals Wiltshire by six wickets to seal a memorable first national crown. Captain James Fitzjohn won County Boys U17 Royal London One Day Winners We were soon back to winning ways, with an the toss and put Wiltshire in to bat. They got off A-Competition outstanding performance in Sussex. The hosts to a superb start, and were 59 without loss before were all out for 279 with Adam Spears taking 4-51 the introduction of Adam Spears turned the and Mannering 3-51. U16 Harry Thomas got us off game. Spears took three wickets in his first over to a flying start with a fluent 53. He shared 65 for and finished with outstanding figures of 6-31 as

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JORDAN GARRETT SELECTED Jordan himself added:

FOR U17 ENGLAND TOUR “After receiving a call from David Graveney telling me of my selection it took a little while to Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire Cricketer Jordan Garrett has been selected to represent sink in. It is an opportunity that I am very excited England U17’s on a Development Program Tour about but I also know that I need to keep my feet to play Pakistan in the UAE in February 2015. on the ground and keep working hard.” Jordan is one of three U16’s that have been selected for the tour a year early for this age Jordan will be taking part in a Pre-tour training group. camp at Loughborough from the 30th Jan to 1st February. The dates of the tour are 11th to 28th Jordan’s father Rob Garrett added February in the UAE v Pakistan U17’s.

‘the opportunities that Jordan has had from Jordan made Oxfordshire Cricket History this year Oxfordshire cricket will never be forgotten with a double hundred against Buckinghamshire whatever he ends up doing in the rest of his life U16 at Aston Rowant - making the largest - 2014 has blown us away with the opportunities individual score of 208* for an Oxfordshire Age Jordan has had: Gloucestershire 2nd Team, Group Side. Bunbury, playing at Lords and now a fantastic opportunity in 2015. It is down to Jordan’s The Oxfordshire Cricket Family wish him the very commitment and hard work. We are very proud”. best this winter.

Guard of Honour after a double century

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COUNTY GIRLS UNDER 11 A trip to Berkshire, on a very windy day, resulted Overall, we won half of our full length matches and in a narrow loss. Running between the wickets was one of the triangular matches, where a deliberate A total of 21 girls of mixed cricketing experience too passive, so, despite a fine partnership between effort was made to give everyone an opportunity trained indoors on Saturdays and Sundays during Steph and Numa Shah, we did not score sufficient to bat, with retirements and rolling batting orders. the Spring. Our outdoor practice match was rained runs for our bowlers to defend. Most importantly, everyone had an opportunity to off, so our first fixture was also the first time most bowl, with several girls trying out being wicket girls (from both sides) had played a hard ball Playing Bucks at Aston Rowant saw a large keeper, not always easy to such varied bowling. cricket game. This became a coached match, as number of runs scored including a maiden 50 for Under 11 girls cricket is about giving a chance to field placings learnt in a rectangular sports hall Flo, scoring 52, albeit in a losing cause. It was as many girls as possible, in order to develop their were translated onto a cricket pitch. Choosing to the only fixture where runs from the bat exceeded cricket. bat first, Oxfordshire reached 64 off their 25 overs, extras. with a high proportion of extras. In response, Florence Miller is deservedly ‘Player of the Worcestershire were ahead of the run rate for most In the return fixture against Berkshire we won Season’, with Numa Shah voted Players’ Player of of the match, before some tight bowling meant comfortably, with good all round performances the season. Oxon emerged as winners by 8 runs. both in the field and batting. My thanks extend to all the parents for transporting The story of too many extras continued all season. School holidays restricted our availability for their daughters, those who helped with teas and Our next match against Northamptonshire saw an the final two fixtures. First, on a boiling hot to Matt and Charles for scoring. I also appreciate even higher proportion of extras. In another low day, we travelled to Shropshire for a triangular the help given by Andrew Walker and Rhian Todd scoring game, Northants batted first scoring 66, tournament, where we played Gloucestershire, in covering for me when I wasn’t available and to which looked to be demanding, as we lost wickets followed by Northants. We started well against Stuart for being such a wonderful coach. regularly. A fine innings by Sadie Timbs rescued Gloucestershire, but retiring players to give us, so we won with four overs to spare. everyone an opportunity to bat meant we did not Margaret Moore score quite enough runs to defend, despite some On to the triangular tournament against tidy bowling. The same story in the next match Buckinghamshire and Hampshire. We restricted meant, despite a thrilling 36rt from Flo, we did not Bucks to 85, aided by an inspired spell by left arm have enough runs for some very tired hot bowlers bowler Natalie McCowan, which we comfortably to defend. reached aided by a fine partnership from Florence Miller and Stephanie Williams. Operating a For our final fixture we dodged the thunderstorms rolling batting order, we were soon in trouble in for a rearranged match against Wales. Playing a our second match against Hampshire, losing 4 whole country was beyond us, resulting in a rather wickets in the first over, from which we failed to one sided match. recover.

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COUNTY GIRLS UNDER 13 managed it solo, with a stunning return of 5-2-6-7! to ensure we finished joint top of our division with Warwickshire. Unfortunately, I was unable Winter training brought together a group of It was Bucks next and they arrived fully briefed to persuade the ECB to accept my “Oxfordshire” shy, modest and retiring girls; Coach Shaz on Sophie’s exploits with the ball, so were slightly version of the NRR calculation so we missed out Khan encouraged them to relax and enjoy their stunned when she hit a brisk 85 with the bat! Our on the finals by the narrowest of margins. situation and this set the tone for a thoroughly total of 192 from 35 overs was the highest of our enjoyable and rewarding season. Former England season and produced a fifth win “on the bounce”. Everyone had an enjoyable time at the Malvern “legend” Claire Taylor ran a stimulating session festival, making great friends with the Yorkshire for us in February and her inspiration seemed The real strength of this squad was that different girls and winning a penalty shoot-out against to help pull together many of the key skills we players emerged to play their part; as Sophie Suffolk! had been working so hard on. The move from stepped out of the limelight, others took her place. indoor training to outdoors seemed to be the point Georgia Brown took wickets and scored valuable Shaz and I would like to thank all the players and at which the older girls stood up to be counted, runs in several games and she will be a top prospect their parents for their wholehearted commitment, realising their key role within the squad and a next year. Charlotte Hayes was our heaviest run which gave us such an enjoyable and successful strong, unified team was the result. Close ties scorer, the highlight being her magnificent 76, season. We wish all the girls leaving us the very with our Development squad meant that several against Warwickshire. This was without doubt best for the future and we are already looking of them were able to step-in seamlessly to help us. our most satisfying win, as it followed our first forward to more of the same please in 2015! defeat to the same rivals just a week earlier. It also Miranda Edwards was appointed captain; her featured our best fielding display of the season, Tim Haworth lack of ability at spinning a coin was more than with 6 catches being held, showing that those compensated for by a mature, knowledgeable and hours of training really do pay off. sensitive approach to the game and she was always keen to bat first! This was based on a perceived Maud Muir took on the role of entertainer with an strength in our bowling and this theory was tested eclectic “dance” routine at the start of each match. out in our first ECB match v Northants. Having Georgia Haworth topped the catches with 7 and been put in, we struggled to a very modest 86 in was the other half of our superb opening bowling our 35 overs and several parents looked resigned partnership; her 15 wickets were a significant to a heavy loss to start our season. Sophie contribution, as was her endless support and Mitchelmore and Georgia Haworth thankfully had encouragement for her team mates. Mara Smith’s other ideas and, inside 8 overs, each had taken 4 leg spin brought her a magnificent 18 wickets, wickets, to leave Northants shell-shocked on 11-8! including a match winning 5-17 away at Notts, Victory was wrapped up 10 balls later. Thankfully where she completely bamboozled the bats with Former England Player Claire Talyor a superb display of spin bowling. Another 5 taking a session with our County U13 nobody saw Shaz and me doing a little victory girls jig on the far side of the pitch! The return match wicket haul went to young Holly Senior, who in June saw a repeat dose, but this time Sophie helped dismantle Bucks in our last ECB game,

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COUNTY GIRLS UNDER 15 the way. With the rain clouds gathering Ellie and Kent in less than 20 overs. Lucy Thomas set about scoring the runs needed to The final game of the tour was against Devon,

Early cancellations due to rain meant that the first win. After 16 overs the rain forced the players off who won the toss and put Oxon in to bat. Again, league fixture away to Buckinghamshire provided for good, but not before the girls had reached 44 wickets fell far too regularly and Charley (17), the first test of the new squad under the leadership without loss to secure a win on run-rate. Rebecca (15) and Rachael (13) were the only of Emily Ong. Solid batting from Ellie Noble, girls to make double figures. 92 all out in less

Naomi Hodkinson and Rebecca Woodnorth, all Next up Staffordshire. Oxon won the toss and than 30 overs. Deanna (3-22), Ellie (2-14) and scoring 20+ saw the team amass 152 for 7 from Jacqui Mayho, (3-18), Ellie (2-11) and Deanna (2- Jacqui (2-14) worked hard, but Devon got home their 40 overs. In reply, Bucks made only 111 all 13) bowled well as Staffordshire made 133 from by three wickets. out. Emily Ong and Megan Lovick led the bowlers their overs. An opening stand of 88 between Ellie with 2 wickets each. (43) and Lucy (39) set the team up and Charley The final game of the season saw a second trip struck the winning runs to secure a much-needed to Warwickshire. Oxfordshire won the toss and

This was followed by a trip to the T20 event at victory. fielded first. Charley (2-24) led a bowling attack

Birmingham. Just one game was possible due to that restricted the hosts to just 165. In reply, only rain and a 4 wicket loss did not reflect how well The girls then went to Malvern for their Festival Ellie (21) and Emily (14) made double figures the girls competed. We reached 68, Rachael Potter Tour. The Netherlands, Kent and Devon were the as the innings subsided to just 101 for 8 from top scoring with a brisk 31. Deanna Stamp took 2 opponents over the three days. Ellie and opening the overs. A disappointing finish to a promising early wickets, but Warwickshire got home with 5 partner Lucy (43) put on 114 for the first wicket season with plenty of talent in the squad that just balls to spare. against the Netherlands and with Jacqui (23) and did not live up to the promise it showed indoors. Naomi (17 not out), a big score was on the cards. Next was their first home game against a strong Ellie completed a magnificent maiden century, A special mention here to Charley and Ellie Shropshire side. Electing to bat first, Shropshire but was finally out two balls from the end of the Noble who have been outstanding all season were soon 10 for 2 as Ellie secured two early innings, having made 136 from just 128 balls with and have played for not only the U15 squad, but strikes. The away side were 60 for 2 when Rachael 18 fours. A final score of 266 for 3 was testament have represented the county at both U17 and full struck and with Emily taking a couple of wickets to how well the girls batted. Charley (2-22), Amy county levels. In fact, they finished the season as as well, Shropshire were soon 81 for 7. However, (3-14) and Rachael (2-25) led the bowlers and a the leading wicket-takers for Oxfordshire across Shropshire batted their way to 127 for 7 and Oxon victory by 178 runs was a great way to start the all formats! fell short by 30 runs. A special mention here to tour. Charlotte Hayes who batted up an age group for Les Addison a fine 27. Day two, and Kent would prove to be a much tougher match for the girls. We batted first, but In the next league fixture, Worcestershire won without Rebecca (16) and Charley (12), the final the toss and elected to bat. Again, steady bowling score of 65 would have been even less. Ellie took from all of the girls saw Worcs make only 86. Amy 2 early wickets, but Molly Davis bashed her way Freeman and Naomi with two wickets each led to 54 from 62 balls to secure a comfortable win for

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COUNTY GIRLS UNDER 17 but Rhiannon Brown 6-9-4 and Lucy Gladdy a total of 112 with Eliza Goode (26) being the 3wkts for 7 runs were the pick of the bowlers. pick of the batsmen, the girls set about bowling

U17 Girls had a successful season finishing 2nd in Eliza Good and Suzy Halsey opened the batting in Buckinghamshire out. It was a close game

the League behind Warwickshire. reply, putting on 43 before Suzy Halsey was given with the last wicket falling in the last over with out LBW. Eliza Goode (28no) and Juliet Gardener Buckinghamshire finishing on 108. The season started off with a frustrating 2 run defeat saw us over the line. at the hands of Warwickshire at Aston Rowant. The home fixture was very much the same with A great team performance by all throughout the Oxfordshire won the toss and put Warwickshire Staffordshire being bowled out for 67. Harriet season. – Well Done Girls. into bat and with some tight bowling by Carla Boland was the pick of our bowlers, taking 4 Wood (2/17) and Ella Gorton and an excellent wickets for 12 runs. We knocked the runs off in Darryl Woods spell of spin bowling from U15 Charley Noble 14 overs for the loss of 2 wickets: Eliza Goode (5/25), Warwickshire were restricted to 113 for (27no) and E Noble (20no). 10. Warwickshire had some excellent bowlers of their own and we were soon in trouble on 25 for Warwickshire proved too strong for us when we 5, but with an excellent innings from Ella Gorton went to Warwick School and we were bowled (40) and support from Rhiannon Brown, we ended out for 118, with Suzy Halsey (26) and Rowan up 1 run short being bowled out for 112 off the White (30no) the only ones to put up a fight. last ball. Warwickshire reached the total in 22 overs for the loss of 2 wickets. Unfortunately, the T20 event was cancelled due to the poor weather. The girls bounced back after their defeat when we visited Buckinghamshire, bowling them out for The next league game was an away fixture at 90. Charley Noble again shone with the ball taking Leicestershire. Batting first, we set a total of 208 5 for 28 off 9 overs. In reply, an excellent piece for 8 with an excellent inning of 53 from Carla of batting on what was a poor wicket by Juliet Wood, supported by Eliza Goode (28), E Day Gardner (35) set us on our way and we reached (23n/o) and Louise Myatt (22). Again, some the target in 28 overs for the loss of 5 wickets. excellent bowling from the girls and Charley Noble firing again taking 4 for 20, Leicestershire We had a tight fought game at home to were restricted to 131 for 8 off their 45 overs. Leicestershire, in which Ellie Noble (U15) . performed both with the bat and ball taking 4 for Staffordshire were our next opponents and both 13 and scoring 34no, but unfortunately we fell 2 home and away fixtures brought convincing wins. runs short of their total of 108. The away fixture saw Staffordshire bowled out for 51 with great bowling from all the bowlers, Buckinghamshire was our last game and, setting

34 Oxfordshire Cricket Handbook 2015 #sportofchoice 2014 YOUTH PROGRAM IN SUMMARY

Player of the year Team player of the year Girls Under 11 Numa Shah Florence Miller Under 13 Georgia Haworth Sophie Mitchelmore Under 15 Ellie Noble Rebecca Woodnorth Under 17 Eliza Goode Carla Wood

Boys Under 10 James Coles Alfie Turner Under 11 Luke Charlesworth Freddie Smith Under 12 Dan Hall Freddie Smith Under 13 George Williams Jake Taylor Under 14 Tom Price Felix Byam Shaw Under 15 Lloyd Belcher George Reid Under 16 Graham Beer Ross Packham Under 17 James Fitzjohn/Callum Russell Hendrick Robyns

Phil Garner Award Jack Brooks

Felix Byam Shaw Award: George Reid Coach’s accolade: Jordan Garrett (for 208 not out v Bucks)

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YOUTH PLAYER PATHWAY previous years. Squad (formerly the Best of Districts) for a three/

CHANGES EXPLAINED Why have we changed the system at Development four night tour in either July or August. Level?

Boys’ Representative Squad Cricket: Explained -To make the pathway between Club and County The Pathway: Development and County Cricket

Following our review of the County and District Cricket clearer and more consistent The Winter Coaching Programmes followed by Cricket played in the 2014 season, we introduced -To give children at all levels a chance to play the County and Development Squads will be a number of changes for the coming summer, within their own age group structured and planned to contain similar skills aimed at improving the experience for all the -To reduce the reliance on the half-term week for and practice. This will allow the coaches, many players who are involved in the system at every Development Squad fixtures of whom work at both County and Development level. -To increase the number of fixtures arranged for level, to continually assess all the players involved players in the Development Squads in the system. At all levels, there will be regular At every age group from Under 10 through to communication between the coaching teams to Under 15, three squads of between 16 and 18 Why Wessex and Mercia? ensure that players have the opportunity to move players have been selected: one County Squad, along the pathway if appropriate. and two parallel Area Development Squads, Players have been allocated to Development named Wessex and Mercia. These Area Squads Squads on a broadly geographical basis, however have replaced the District Squads that ran in we are also aware of a significant number of players attending school on Saturdays who cannot therefore regularly attend Saturday squad sessions; these boys have been allocated to a Development Squad that trains on a Sunday instead.

The two regions are named after the Anglo- Saxon Kingdoms that disputed Oxfordshire during early medieval history, and will compete against one another during May half-term for a newly-introduced trophy. The Development Squads will also play fixtures against District and Development Squads from neighbouring counties, as well as training matches against our own County Squads.

Finally, the Development Squads (with one or Oxfordshire Youth Squad celebrating two exceptions) will combine to select a Saxons a wicket 36 Oxfordshire Cricket Handbook 2015 #sportofchoice

37 Oxfordshire Cricket Handbook 2015 #sportofchoice

RUPERT EVANS STEPS DOWN

FROM ROLE AS HEAD OF

CRICKET

Rupert Evans, the much respected Head of Cricket has taken the decision to step down from his Full Time role as Head of Cricket with the Oxfordshire Cricket Board and left his post with the Board on the 30th November 2014.

Rupert was appointed as the first Cricket Development Officer in Oxfordshire on the 2nd December 1996 and has led work on the development of the game at all levels. He has achieved fantastic success as a Coach in both participation and elite settings; drawing on his enthusiastic and charismatic nature, along with his technical skills and vast experience as a player. Rupert has also used his role as a Coach Education Tutor to equip and inspire the coaches of tomorrow.

More recently he has been involved in setting up the partnership with Sussex Cricket and the new Rupert Evans accepting a national coaching award from Andrew Strauss County Age Group Player Pathway Structure.

Rupert has been a loyal servant to Oxfordshire Cricket; the Oxfordshire Cricket community should be proud of his achievements to date.

In Janauary 2015 the Oxfordshire Cricket Board has since appointed Rupert Evans as Head Coach to the Senior Mens Sides and Girls County U17 Squad - we wish him the best in his new roles.

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CLUB YOUTH COMPETITIONS Boys U13 Boys U17

Girls U11 There were 26 entries in the Development League, Shipton-under-Wychwood finished top of group up from 20 last year, with 104 scheduled matches. A, winning all of their matches. Horspath and Girls’ cricket continues to be one of Oxfordshire’s The most successful club was Wootton & Boars Aston Rowant finished joint top of group B, but strong points. The Under 11s had a series of eight- Hill with seven wins followed by Abingdon Vale Horspath progressed with a higher net run rate. a-side softball tournaments through the summer with five. Cumnor were run away winners of group C, and eight clubs took part in these. Nearly 70 girls winning all of their matches and maintaining a took part in the first festival at Charlbury in July, We had 36 entries for the eleven-a-side league, very high run rate. Cumnor went on to win the Westbury finishing winners after an exciting final compared to 34 last year. 4 teams competed for competition in a thrilling final at Horspath to end against Aston Rowant. Unfortunately the other league title at Bicester and North Oxford CC, with what was a fantastic season for youth cricket in softball tournament was abandoned due to rain. Cumnor ending up eventual overall winners and Oxfordshire. Great & Little Tew finishing runners-up. Girls U13 The Gauntlett Goblet is an eight-a-side competition, Seven teams were entered in to this league, with for which we had 13 clubs enter. Goring ‘A’ and Charlbury finishing top of the division, winning Chadlington finished top of their respective leagues, all of their matches. winning all of their matches.

Boys U11 Boys U15

Aston Rowant emerged victorious from the Under 32 teams entered the ECB Under 15 National Club 11 Competition Finals at Charlbury CC, beating Championship for the Harry Secombe Trophy, Banbury by 9 wickets. The third place play-off reduced from 36 entries in 2013. This was offset by was a closely fought affair with Abingdon Vale six teams entering an 8 a side friendly league. 89 pipping Cumnor to the post in the final overs. fixtures out of 119 were played, with over 15000 runs being scored in the season, and over 900 There were 26 entries in the Development wickets being taken. Boys U17 winners, Cumnor Cricket Club League, with a greater percentage of matches being played compared to the previous year. The Horspath U15s became County champions after most successful club was Wootton & Boars Hill defeating Banbury by 9 wickets at Banbury. with seven wins, followed by Abingdon Vale with Although the margin of victory seems large that did five. not reflect how close the game was with Horspath only getting home with three balls to spare in a match reduced to 18 overs a side.

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OXFORDSHIRE WOMEN’S MID- sports such as netball & hockey, and our Midweek don’t think many people expected us to win, but it

WEEK LEAGUE League is the perfect launch-pad for those showed how far we had progressed over the course considering a return to the game after a break. The of the season. Enjoyment has been the key.”

Following its creation in 2013, this League has other target area is of course newcomers to the

proved to be a popular addition to the fixture sport, and in order to get the player’s perspective, TH: Ita How about you ? How did you get into schedule with Oxfordshire Clubs. Aimed firmly Tim met up with Ita Moore of Freeland, who cricket? at newcomers to the game, and those who are was “New 2 Cricket” last year, and Moreton’s IM: “Whilst playing taxi driver to my Daughter” not catered for by the Women’s ECB league Sophie Quainton, who was attracted “Back 2 (Rebecca plays for our County U15’s), “taking structure, it is helping clubs with both recruitment Cricket” after more than 6 years away from the her here there and everywhere, I couldn't help & retention of female cricketers. sport…………………… but notice the rules, the kit you had to wear, and how civilised the whole event appeared to be. Moreton CC, near Wallingford is a prime TH: “When did you first play cricket Sophie?” They didn't play in the rain, which added to the example; they formed a Ladies’ section in 2011, SQ: “I remember playing in a Kwik cricket attraction !” but struggled to find appropriate opposition, tournament at School. I really enjoyed it, and meaning they had a two year wait to win their joined Aston Rowant CC.” TH: “ …..and your cricketing highlight….to date? first game! Tim Haworth, their coach reflected; “ “The success of England’s Women has fuelled a TH: “What was your cricketing highlight in what IM: “It has to be Finals Day last year. The cheers growing demand at grass roots level for playing turned out to be phase 1 of your career?” from the crowd, the amazing BBQ on the warm opportunities, and I am delighted that Oxfordshire SQ: “I was picked for the County Girls and we sunny evening in the wilds of Charlbury- such a has been a pioneering county in reacting to were a strong group that progressed together from beautiful setting. this demand, by offering a suitable product for U13 level, culminating in our U15 season which The last over and we needed to make the runs...... newcomers and less experienced players. was unbeaten.” My heart was in my mouth as my daughter was batting...... the next in…. is me. Can I stand the “Back 2” has been a successful campaign in other TH: “So why did you stop?” pressure ? Yes, but only by bouncing behind a SQ: “I was diagnosed with Lupus & kidney failure. tree in anticipation of my innings ! My heart was It took ages to recover, and I just lost contact with in my mouth, the girls were truly amazing ….. I cricket generally.” was trying to cheer, hide behind the tree, and be prepared, if needed, to do battle for the good of TH: “But more than 6 years later, you were tempted the team. An over throw, more runs, a shout and back to cricket- how did phase 2 come about?” lots of cheering- we had done it! I have met some SQ: “Yes a work colleague told me about Moreton amazing, friendly, helpful, intelligent, funny, and how they were playing in a “Friendly” League. people through cricket-shared pleasures and I gave it a go, and never looked back. The whole memories you cannot buy” Winners in 2014, Freeland Cricket season has been amazing, the highlight being our Club win over Charlbury at The Moreton Festival. I TH: “With #ThisGirlCan a new high profile

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Sport England initiative, fully supported by both sport. The OCB website told me there would be OCB & ECB, do you have any advice for Girls regular training sessions at Moreton CC, coupled considering taking up cricket?” with the potential to work towards playing a IM: “You don't have to be Charlotte Edwards, competitive game, I got in touch with the club to just have a passion for fun- the rest you can found out more…..” # ThisGirlCan learn along the way. The equipment, well there is always so much around, you can borrow whatever Clubs- don’t neglect this growth area of our sport. is available. “ Help your club to develop by getting involved in Women’s cricket …….#getthegameon. SQ: “Give it a go. There are so many disciplines in cricket- something for everyone. It’s important Contact Oxfordshire Cricket for more information:- to focus on what you can do, and not dwell on www.oxoncb.com what you can’t. It’s an inclusive sport with a big focus on teamwork. I am so pleased the right opportunity was there for me to return to my #sportofchoice.”

Finals Day 2014 provided an amazing showcase for our league, with a BBQ for those involved, and a script writer’s dream in the final, with Freeland beating Shipton off the last ball of the match. Both teams fielded players new to the game, and for them it was an unforgettable experience, as Ita has mentioned; Charlotte Burton from Sussex, presented the trophies.

What next……?

Players-If you are interested in playing, then why not follow Julia Cannings’ example ? ….. “I didn’t want to join a gym, I needed a greater motivator and I knew a team sport would get me out from the office on time. I looked at lots of local sports clubs but no one ran regular and dedicated adult training sessions for those who were new to the

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SENIOR MENS CLUB COMPETITION - WILF BENNETT AND

BERNARD TOLLETT CUPS It was great to see over 200 people support the event. Thank you Witney Mills, well done to the winners and commiserations to the 2014 WINNERS losers.

Horspath Cricket Club The fact of the matter is that there were no Bernard Tollett trophy losers. The Oxfordshire cricket family looked strong to me.

Oxford Downs Cricket Club Thank you for your support. Wilf Bennett Cup Chris Clements, Chairman of Oxfordshire Cricket Awards for the day

Bernard Tollet Winners Horspath Cricket Club Wilf Bennett Winners, Oxford Downs Cricket Club

The scene at finals Day, excellently hosted by Witney Mills Cricket Club 42 Oxfordshire Cricket Handbook 2015 #sportofchoice

CLUB DEVELOPMENT Joe Dale is the cricket development officer The Future responsible for the district development groups in

Oxfordshire Changes the Wessex area: Vale District and West District. The landscape of club development will continue to stride forwards. The newly appointed club

The extensive list of cricket clubs within National Initiatives development director, Paul Humphries, along

Oxfordshire means the club development with the two cricket development officers will

opportunities and necessities are ongoing and Every year the ECB offer the Small Grants drive the Club Development Management Team.

changing on a day to day basis. Scheme, a nationwide grant application scheme Club volunteers will also be appointed onto the that sees each county board allocated an amount management team to ensure the club network

The provision of club development at the start of of money for their affiliated clubs to apply for. voice is heard. There are many more accessible

2014 was based in district development groups There are eligible categories for bids. In 2014 events that could have a great impact for cricket

and their hugely valuable volunteer committees clubs could bid for between £1000 and £4000 to clubs in the county, National Cricket Week,

who steered the clubs in their district through the be spent on covers, energy saving, water saving Waitrose Family open days and the Chance to

variety of ECB club support initiatives that are or flood defence measure projects. Shine Schools programme to name just a few.

released each year. Combe, Challow and Childrey, Kingston A greater relationship between clubs and their

While the movement of the player pathway was Bagpuize, Oxford and Bletchingdon, Thame and development officer has seen a greater level of

to central management and therefore no longer a Tiddington Cricket Clubs were all successful in interaction and it’s encouraging to see many clubs

responsibility of the district development groups, securing £1000 each for their chosen projects continuing to seek advice on a variety of topics.

a working committee of district development that were in the covers category. It had quite an Our affiliation package will ensure our clubs can group committee members from across the county impact: access professional development support, as well felt the identity of these groups remained strong. as attend their district development groups. These It was agreed that a cricket development officer "Although we only got the covers towards the will continue to be an accessible forum for topical would become responsible to provide central second half of the season, we managed to play discussion, while Oxfordshire Cricket intend to support to the development groups. The meetings two games that would definitely not have gone host county wide development evenings that bring have developed into forum style events, with clubs ahead without the covers…until now you just specialists from all over the cricketing industry to having the opportunity to have a discussion about knew that a heavy shower would probably mean aid our network in making the next step to securing new Oxfordshire Cricket initiatives, as well as no game” the future of their club. identifying ways in which their district can address the most pertinent topics on a local basis. A large amount of cricket clubs also benefitted from NatWest Cricket Force and the Jewson George Setterfield is the cricket development Privilege Account Scheme, allowing clubs to officer responsible for the district development deposit £50 into a Jewson account that NatWest groups in the Mercia area: South District and turn into £400. Cherwell and City District.

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DISABILITY CRICKET School Programme among our workforce. Stuart Murphy works with the national Learning Disability team and at the In 2014, newly appointed Cricket Development The Cricket Education Programme enables start of 2015 will travel with them to Australia Officer Joe Dale took on the responsibility of cricket to be delivered in special schools across for a three week tour. Stuart’s experience is driving the County’s disability plan. Oxfordshire the County and it remains a large part of the hugely valuable as we ensure our action plan is cricket partnered with the county sports partnership action plan. In 2014, Richard Giles headed up built around a player pathway that will enable and the Oxford City Council to offer cricket at the coaching workforce who delivered cricket talented performers to access representative their Have A Go and Parability days. Driven by the sessions at Abingdon and Witney College and cricket at a regional and national standard. committed disability coaches Stuart Murphy and Frank Wise school in Banbury. These sessions A first step in 2015 will be a Thames Valley LD/ Richard Giles, these days were a great display of were a huge success in enthusing the youngsters PD side who will compete in the ECB regional the passion there is within our coaching workforce and sparking a passion for cricket. Our goal now softball league. This side will comprise of players to expand our cricket offer to disabled performers. is to ensure the next step of the pathway is put selected from disability programmes throughout in place to offer these players cricket outside of Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire. As a first step to ensuring a sustainable disability school time. programme, we commissioned the Oxfordshire Sports Partnership to write a comprehensive Inclusive Club Sections review of the current disability sport landscape and how cricket can best fit in. Minster Lovell are home of the Minster Lovell Lions, the only Inclusive section currently The review has highlighted three key areas of focus: operating in Oxfordshire. Their pan disability including disabled performers in mainstream sessions operate indoors through the spring and cricket, creating modified versions of the game at Minster Lovell Cricket Club in the summer to enable disabled performers to take part and offering a large amount of the Witney Wolves representative opportunities across the four strands rugby club a summer alternative, as well as Stuart Murphy working at a ‘Have a Go Day’ with of performance cricket, Visual Impairments (VI), recruiting players from Springfield school after the Oxfordshire Sport Partnership Hearing Impairments (HI), Learning Disability a series of school taster sessions. The Lions club (LD) and Physical Disability (PD). is a flagship model that Oxfordshire Cricket will emulate in other areas of the county, thereby With the review complete it has now been Joe’s providing competitive opportunities for the responsibility to create a three year action plan that Lions in the coming seasons. will ensure the disability cricket offer is developed between now and 2017. Performance Cricket

Oxfordshire Cricket is privileged to lay claim to a national disability coach being very active

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SCHOOLS REVIEW better than the ‘Rivalry’ assembly that underpins school cricket clubs and taster sessions. the message of ‘play hard, play fair’ in all walks of The competition opportunities for the girls

Primary Programme life, but especially cricket. continued with both indoor and outdoor formats. The equipment was an important part of the offer, The Lady Taverners event was a great festival held

The 2014 Cricket Education Programme took the and it was great for coaches to arrive at a school at Blackbird Leys leisure centre in March with 6

schools cricket offer to new heights. In partnership to prepare for an afternoon session and witness the schools competing in each of the U13 and U15 age

with Chance to Shine, the programme required equipment making Cricket the Sport of Choice in groups.

schools to contribute some of their sports premium the school lunch break.

funding to take part. 42 Oxfordshire primary In the summer, Oxfordshire Cricket were privileged

schools participated in an offer that included 15 Many of our Primary Schools benefitted from to host England Ladies captain Charlotte Edwards

hours of coaching, an assembly visit, staff CPD National Cricket Week Events, with the Banbury for the Chance to Compete girls competition

and kwik cricket equipment. and Oxford Projects leading the way. Banbury at Horspath Council Sports facility. Charlotte invited all their schools to a morning at the club was superb at engaging with the girls, providing

Our collection of coaches across all the projects and despite wet weather, the pavilion became an coaching and participating in a Q and A where it

excelled in their practical delivery, inspiring young interactive cricket learning zone. Oxford opened was the staff who posed the most controversial

children through cricket and supporting their their gates for a family fun evening and BBQ also. questions. Didcot Girls School U13s, along with

delivery. Over 90 primary schools in the county The Aston Rowant project held an Inter-School Cheney School U15s were victorious and went

took part in a partnership kwik cricket festival, all tournament a week late after the rain put paid to

of which culminated in the finals day at Radley running it in NCW. Primary Secondary

School in June. Of the 25 teams to make the finals Total 42 12 day, seven were from schools that had received One school was especially privileged to be number of the cricket education programme. Stanford in selected to visit and play on the field at Lords to Schools the Vale won the girls tournament and Thomas commemorate the MCC Spirit of Cricket open Hours of 535 222 Reade school were the victorious boys team, both day. St Mary and St John Primary from Oxford Cricket of whom went on to represent Oxfordshire at had a brilliant day with an assembly in the long delivered room as well as tucking into some cupcakes in the the regional finals day at King Edwards School, Number of 2863 454 pavilion kitchens. Birmingham. Children that Secondary Programme experienced Cricket Thanks to the Sport England funding that Chance to Shine secure for cricket in secondary schools, Number 947 235 of matches Of course the programme is not just about winning our offer was free for a season of coaching extra- curricular activity. A total of 15 mainstream and played cricket matches, it’s teaching everyone involved Oxfordshire Cricket’s Schools Program 2014 about ‘the Spirit of Cricket.’ Nothing explains it special schools received a programme of after in Numbers

45 Oxfordshire Cricket Handbook 2015 #sportofchoice

on to represent the County at the regional event available. Our commitment to these coaches is in Bristol. In the boys equivalent competition, to ensure they have opportunities for continued Cheney were at it again and couldn’t be separated professional development and in May our coaches from The Marlborough School at the top of the received a brilliant workshop from Ronnie Heath. U13 table, while it was The Cherwell School who Ronnie is an education specialist whose company, reigned supreme in the U15s. Create Development, employs a group of creators who tutor coaches and PE staff in how to include Our Activators courses meant over 30 young engage, challenge and support learners better. The leaders gained a cricket leadership qualification. feedback from the coaches was brilliant: Many of these students went on to make the primary school kwik cricket festivals a huge “The workshop has broadened my view of just how success. simple it can be to use a small space creatively and hugely effectively for all abilities” Coach Development Schools coaching is a great platform for a coach The programme delivered in 2014 is only at any stage of their development to challenge possible with the extraordinary commitment themselves and gain huge enjoyment from their of the selection of coaches who drive all over work. Looking to the Future the county to enable school children to access a provision of cricket that would otherwise not be Cricket for Teachers 2015 looks to be another great year for the schools programme. New systems will be in place to track The cricket for teachers CPD is a course we offer our migration of players to clubs so keep your county wide to teachers who want to increase eyes peeled for the Oxfordshire Cricket Golden their confidence in delivering cricket in either PE Tickets being handed in at your club. sessions or after school clubs. In 2014 two courses were delivered to 17 primary staff who reaped the Our schools coaches will be offered the chance rewards: to receive the Disability Inclusion Training as we “I really enjoyed the course and feel a lot more ensure our schools programme caters for the next confident to deliver cricket…I’ll cascade the potential superstars of the England disability information to the other teachers at my school.” cricket teams. A sustainable school cricket programme after the cricket education programme leaves a school is a We will also deliver a cricket for teachers primary focus. The teacher CPD is an invaluable secondary course also as we aim to increase resource in this process. the volume of teachers promoting the game of cricket in the Oxfordshire’s schools.

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OXFORDSHIRE 50+ REPORT FOR Griffiths, Pete Fenn and Ian Pert whose help and OXFORDSHIRE 60+

2014 advice are invaluable to me, and to umpires Dave Binningsley and Geoff Hawkins. Oxfordshire will be running a 60+ team in the

2014 proved to be a reasonably successful season, Seevent Championship for the first time this playing 8 winning 5, the Hants friendly was rained Finally I would like to pay tribute to Jim Hunt summer. Several members of the successful 50+ off. The team featured 4 newcomers - Darryl who was so helpful in setting up the 50+ team 29 side who won the National County Championship

Woods, Paul Hemming, Kevin Taylor and Neil years ago, a true gentleman and friend to us all. in 2008 have been playing for neighbouring

Megson, who all proved to be valuable additions counties in recent seasons and it was felt that it to the squad. Bob Boyles was time for Oxfordshire to establish their own team. OCB have kindly offered their backing and,

Darryl with 336 runs at an average of 48 was just as a result, the county now has representative sides below Alistair Thomas who averaged 55. Paul spanning fifty years!

Tew scored 113 against Gloucs - his fourth century all versus the same county. Ian Curtis topped the Recruitment for the 60+ squad has already bowling averages with 13 wickets at 16.50. commenced and Andrew Wingfield Digby has agreed to lead the team; if you are aged 59 or over

Paul Tew has decided to stand down as captain in April and would like to join us please contact the after 3 excellent years, taking us to the play off Secretary, Clive Ricks, on clivedricks@hotmail. stages in 2014, losing to Essex who went to lose co.uk. The fixtures, including a match against the the final against Durham. Our thanks are due to touring Australian 60+ side, are listed below and Paul for his commitment and energy in a job he supporters are actively encouraged to offer their valued highly. He says "I will fight for my place encouragement – it will doubtless be needed and next season" ! Paul Hemming has agreed to be appreciated! The matches are 45 over games and the new captain and with his vast experience in all begin at 1pm, except the Australia match which captaincy we look forward to 2015 with high starts at noon. hopes.

We have advocated for years that we need a 2nd XI to back up the 1st XI and if possible give everyone a chance to represent their county. Chris Bishop has stepped up to be manager with Ross Buchanan as captain and we wish them every success.

My thanks are due to the three stalwarts Brian

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OCBCA REPORT 2014 the committee members now has a role within the following categories: It was a quiet year for the local Coaches’ Recruitment Campaign targeting all qualified Association in 2014 - this was not due to any coaches in the County who haven’t ever joined particular reason, it just seemed to happen the CA that way; however we hope to be back with a New Recruits from course held in the winter vengeance in 2015! Retention – what can we do for our existing members? The Coaching Experience 2 (Conference) is Marketing to Lapsed Members – let’s get already being prepared for the 4th October 2015 at them back on board to inspire and maximising Cokethorpe School, by kind permission, between performance of cricket coaches & players. 10am-4pm. The opening address will be by Mark Pougatch: Radio 5 link man for many years and My thanks as always go to the team: Lesley, now on ITV for the live football, so we are really Michael, Rowan and Les for their support over pleased we have him for this prestigious event. the past 12 months. We also have a strength and conditioning session from Sussex’s own people so this should also be Darryl Woods (OCBCA Chairman) exciting.

What we can say is that 2014 saw Matt Woods win the Young Coach of the Year Award and Martyn Cross was the national winner of Outstanding Contribution to Cricket Coaching at the award ceremony held in Jan this year, this is an amazing and thoroughly deserved achievement. Martyn himself was lost for words when he won, “I did not even hear my name read out as the winner; I never thought I had any chance of winning the award, and the next thing I knew, Ashley Giles was standing in front of me and presenting me with a bottle of champagne and the winner’s trophy” he said afterwards.

After returning from ECB Regional Forums, the OCBCA have now got a plan in place and each of

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OBITUARY directors in 1989, where he remained for another organised and funded for individual clubs to enter. two years. One of his proudest moments was Thus ensuring a ready made supply of players for

Jim Hunt Oxford’s Milk Cup Final win over QPR in 1986. most clubs.

a major figure in both local cricket and football Jim moved to Dunblane in Scotland in 1997 to I know Jim [and Wilf Bennett who was Chair] circles for many years, has passed away aged 91. be closer to his daughter and his grandchildren. spent many days at Lord’s attending meetings of the NCA all for the benefit of club cricket and the He was secretary of the Oxfordshire County There have been a number of tributes: local player. Cricket Association (OCCA) at its formation and later became chairman. When the OCCA merged OCB chairman Chris Clements hailed Jim’s He really was a marvellous chap and an excellent with the County Cricket Club in 1996 to form the contribution to cricket “He was a founder of what administrator and his legacy to local cricket is for OCB, it was noted in the annual handbook that “the we have today. The OCCA was the forerunner of all to see.” fact that two Oxfordshire cricket organisations the OCB. Jim was at the heart of that and was a were able to merge without rancour owes much to fantastic man and a lovely bloke.” Jim’s statesmanship”. Wilf Bennett, Jim’s predecessor as OCCA A stalwart of Kidlington CC, Jim played his first chairman, described Jim as a ‘champion of the game for the club in 1938 aged 14. He became younger player’. club president in 1972, a position he held until his death. Chris Bishop comments “I knew him in the 1970s when an attempt was being made to organise His other sporting passion was football and he local cricket clubs under one county organisation. became secretary of Oxford United in 1976 Jim was elected secretary and was a substantial and stayed in the role until joining the board of reason why the OCCA over the next 20 odd years was such a resounding success. Eventually just over 100 clubs affiliated and some were able to benefit from the organised courses for players who wanted to improve themselves by going on coaching courses for senior and junior players; clubs were helped to organise themselves much better and sometimes were assisted by grants to improve their own facilities and equipment.

But mainly, as I recall, it was all sorts of extra competitions for all junior age groups that was

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OXFORDSHIRE CRICKET BOARD 2014 LIST OF Men’s Captain : Luke Ryan, Mobile 07788 946181. E-mail: [email protected] Senior Men’s Head Coach : Rupert Evans, Mobile 07785722284, Email : rupertevans31@ OFFICERS gmail.com Senior Men’s assistant Coach: Paul White, Mobile 07764432720, Email : pwhite@oxoncb. Directors: com Senior Men’s Secretary: Peter O’Neill, Tel 01844 260439. Mobile 07711 943449. E-mail: Chairman: Chris Clements, Mobile 07836 656445. E-mail: ocbexec@googlemail. [email protected] com Senior Women’s Captain: Sam Moore, Mobile 07837 252135. E-mail: sam.louise.moore@ Finance Director: John Patey, Tel 01844 218883. Mobile : 07712 040461 E-mail: googlemail.com [email protected] Senior Women’s Manager: Fiona Currie, Tel 01993 831706. Mobile 07813 613396. E-mail: Director & Company Secretary: Peter O’Neill, Mobile 07711 943449. E-mail: [email protected] [email protected] Senior Women’s Coach : Darryl Woods, as above Director: Margaret Stevens, Mobile 07725 796025. E-mail: [email protected] Over 50s Manager: Bob Boyles, Tel 01865 863227. Mobile 07936 867230. E-mail: Director of Youth Player Pathway: Tim Spittles - Moblile : 07701 048430 [email protected] E-mail : [email protected] Over 50s 2nd Team Manager : Chris Bishop E-mail : christopherbishop701@btinternet. Director of Club Development: Paul Humphreys- Mobile : 07880 791022 Email: com [email protected] Over 60s Manager : Clive Ricks Tel: 07881 452774 E-mail: [email protected] Director: David King - Mobile : 07801 758940 E-mail : [email protected] Director: Roger Berryman Tel 01993 704707. E-mail: [email protected] County Welfare Officer: Michael Geeson Brown, Tel 01608 813043. Mobile 07795 334233. E-mail: [email protected] Core Staff: Deputy County Welfare Officer: Lesley Pykett,Tel 01844 339571. E-mail: lpykett@ Business Manager: Luke Ryan, Mobile 07788 946181. E-mail: [email protected] oxoncb.com Cricket Development Officer : Joe Dale, Mobile 07976 458047. E-mail: jdale@ oxoncb.com Youth Coaching Team: Cricket Development Officer : George Setterfield, Mobile 07557 959097. E-mail: Boys County [email protected] Head of Youth Cricket : Darryl Woods, Mobile 07879 422989. E-mail: dwoods@ Under 10: Neil Pickup - Michael Eeley oxoncb.com Mobile 07792 065831. E-mail: [email protected] Cricket Administrator : Lesley Pykett, Mobile 07762 572558. E-mail: lpykett@ Under 11: Martyn Cross - Alan Maule oxoncb.com Tel 01993 774631. Mobile 07913 896828 (Match days only). E-mail: [email protected] Cricket Administrator : Menna Murray, Mobile 07790 102130. E-mail: mmurray@ Under 12: Peter Whinfrey - Graham Charlesworth oxoncb.com Tel 01235 526373. Mobile: 07947 079322. E-mail: [email protected] Finance Administrator : Tim Haworth, Mobile 07958 962272. E-mail: thaworth@ Under 13: Sasha White - Matt Woods oxoncb.com Mobile 07711 634006. E-mail: [email protected] Under 14: Andy Harris - Rowan McGregor Senior Cricket Mobile 07841 758424. E-mail: [email protected]

50 Oxfordshire Cricket Handbook 2015 #sportofchoice

Under 15: Richard Ferley - Dave Brassett Wessex Squads [email protected] Under 16 : Alan Duncan - Ian Hawtin Wessex Under 10 - Stuart Murphy [email protected]; [email protected] Tel : 07766 110067 E-mail: [email protected] Under 17 : Darryl Woods - Kieren Bushnell Wessex Under 11 - Andy Martindale D Woods - as above [email protected] Tel 01993 703622. Mobile 07768 071102. E-mail: [email protected] Wessex under 12 - Joe Dale (as above) Wessex Under 13 - Joe Dale (as above) Girls County Wessex Under 14 - Joe Harris Under 11: Martyn Cross - Rhian Todd Tel : 07557 554243 E-mail : Joeyccc:hotmail.co.uk Tel 01993 774631. Mobile 07913 896828 (Match days only). Wessex Under 15 - Nigel Hill Under 13: Tim Haworth - Shaz Khan Tel : 07989 661502 E-mail : [email protected] Tel 01235 811311. Mobile 07958 962272. E-mail: [email protected] Under 15: Les Addison - Richard Giles Tel 01235 511081. Mobile 07816 487718. E-mail: [email protected] Club Competition Secretaries: Under 17: Rupert Evans - George Setterfield - As above Under 11: Paul Salway Tel 01993 812738. E-mail: [email protected] Saxons Squads Under 13: P. Salway, as above Boys Under 16/17 : Mark Farmer Tel : 07821 021188 E-mail : [email protected] Under 15: Phil Manning Tel : 07884 430882 E-mail: [email protected] Girls’ Under 11: Martyn Cross - Rhian Todd Tel 01993 774631. Mobile 07913 896828 (Match days only). Under 17: P. Salway, as above Girls’ Under 13 : Andrew Walker Tel: 07766 707666 E-mail: andrew@[email protected] Oxfordshire Schools Cricket Association: Peter Tubb, Tel 01295 266283. Mobile 07980 Girls’ Under 15 : Les Addison as above 169480. E-mail: [email protected]

Mercia Squads Chairman Oxfordshire ECB Coaches Association: Darryl Woods, Tel 01993 702062. Mobile 07879 422989. E-mail: [email protected] Mercia Under 10 : Neil Pickup - as above Secretary: Lesley Pykett, as above Mercia Under 11 : Alan Maule Tel : 07980 801998 E-mail: [email protected] Chairman Oxfordshire Cricket Umpires & Scorers Association: Mercia Under 12 : Will Goodman Andy Gross, E-mail: [email protected] Tel : 07522 912342 E-mail: [email protected] Secretary: Ian Royle, Tel 01635 847528. E-mail: [email protected] Mercia Under 13 : Shaz Khan Tel : 07760 374850 E-mail: [email protected] Contact for Groundsman’s Trailer: John Pilcher. Challow & Childrey CC.TeI 01235 Mercia Under 14 : Rowan McGregor - as above 763335. Mercia Under 15 : George Setterfied - as above

51 Oxfordshire Cricket Handbook 2015 #sportofchoice

MEMBERSHIP OF THE Developing the game in Schools, Clubs and Full Members are able to:-

OXFORDSHIRE CRICKET Districts Attend and vote at General Meetings BOARD Providing competition cricket for adults and Attend 3 members meetings per year and have

We would very much like you to become a young players your say! member of the Oxfordshire Cricket Board. The Gain free entry to all Oxfordshire matches membership fee is only £20 per year. By investing Making the game inclusive to Women and Girls, in us you are making a contribution towards the Disabled and Ethnic minorities *Full members are committed to paying £10 development of the game at all levels within the in the unlikely event that the OCB becomes County. Your money will be put to good use and Coach Education insolvent. in return you can have your say as to the future shape of our programme. Our mission is to make Working with the Officials, Coaches and How to join cricket the sport of choice within Oxfordshire, Groundsmen's Association you can help us achieve that. Please visit our website and follow the instuctions Working in partnership with Sussex Cricket, on how to join. Why become a member? Schools, Local Authorities and Sports bodies to deliver mutual benefit http://www.oxoncb.com/membership-ocb-ltd/ Our financial goal is to become self sustainable. membership-joining-form Currently 40% of our income comes from the ECB. Offering employment The way we spend that income is largely linked to Sport England priorities. As the governing body Regular communication in including a n of cricket in Oxfordshire we want to put ourselves active website, regular newsletters, and annual more in control of our own destiny. We need your Handbook and Fixture Card. help to do that. What are the benefits? How would we use your money? Associate Members are able to:- Your membership would support the Oxfordshire Cricket Board to carry out activities which Attend General Meetings include:- Attend 3 members meetings per year and have your say! Delivering the County Age Group programme Attend OCB dinners and functions from Under 10 to Adult (Male and Female)

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