Croesyceiliog Cricket Club
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Below are match reports for Croesyceiliog CC Junior teams.
Six weeks after table topping Newport resoundly
thrashed the young under 15's at our home ground the
return fixture to picturesque Spytty Lane arrived after
many weeks of poor weather and cancelled fixtures.
Prior to the match Coaches Marc Everett and Craig Hurley
encouraged frank words from the team that hopefully
would inspire them to greatness.
The positive intent however dissipated when Croesy
batted first. Bizarre fielding positions were
instructed from Newport Coach Martyn Strange; positions
that frustrated Callum Reid (32) and Lewis Pheasant (6)
from their normal game. Pheasant fell soon after,
but Reid was able to work the conditions to his
advantage, taking the free singles on offer with
fielders spread far and wide. Lewis Coleman
continued his fine form with a well crafted 19 on a
crumbling wicket well past its sell by date.
Croesy limped to 83 for 5, a total considered inadequate
despite the quality of the pitch.
Newport started well against the opening bowling of
Davey Mulroy who was strangely off form. Harry
Powell, Newport's danger man, made the crucial error of
taking the fielding of the lethargic looking Daniel
Watkins for granted when going for what appeared a
comfortable run only for Watkins to hit the stumps with
a bullet like throw from 50 yards out, Powell only half
way home was joyfully dispatched. Watkins bowled
an inspired spell, not taking wickets but conceding just
10 runs from 4 well directed and hostile overs.
There was to be no respite for the Newport batsmen as
Croesy's seam attack was exceptionally miserly, Reid
bowling a beautiful spell (2-8), Ieuan Jones on top form
(1-16) and Pheasant coming to the party with 1-10.
Lead Coach Monty Watkins was unavailable with his wife
dictating a night at home, finger nails were well and
truly chewed as he slipped away for very regular
updates, much to the consternation of his understanding
(and long suffering!) wife. As the run rate
climbed, the wide regulations appeared to become
stricter, but Coleman was able to bowl an excellent last
over to see Newport come up short at 78-7.
A top performance from a squad desperate to win and
fully in support on one another - well done the lads.
Croesy Under 15 B team entertained the always
dangerous Chepstow on the 1st of July.
Winning the toss, the emerging youth of Croesyceiliog
opened against an exceptionally strong bowling attack
for a B team match. Mike Watkins's early departure
was disappointing, but it gave Lewis Coleman and David
Richards an opportunity to put the bowlers to the sword.
After a scratchy start everything clicked for young
Coleman, his batting and in particular his feet movement
was excellent as he crafted a richly deserved 51 not
out. After the fall of Richards, closely followed
by the immediate departure of Matty Evans Croesy needed
quick runs and it was Joe Everett who treated the
bowlers with distain in thrashing 31 runs including 24
in boundaries. A target of 140 to win for Chepstow
was thought a tough task; Chepstow thought otherwise as
they set about the Cockerell's bowlers, only Coleman
able to exercise any control (2-22). Chepstow
romping home for the loss of just 4 wickets with 2 overs
to spare.
Croesy Under 15 A's v Newport 15th of July On a wet and green wicket Croesy were inserted by the
Newport Captain. Croesy fielding a strong and
confident team. After 7 overs Pheasant (22) and
Reid (20) had limped to just 23 for no wicket as they
combatted the difficult wicket and a very strong Newport
bowling attack. Wickets would inevitably tumble
and they duly did; Croesy falling from 48-0 to 85-9 from
their full allocation. Only Alex Kryjom (12) able
to reach double figures.
Croesy knew that they had a mountain to climb to
defend the meagre total, tight bowling and an excellent
team performance would be required. Unfortunately
the bowlers were exceptionally wayward, all bowlers
being dispatched with comparitive ease by the Newport
batters, 13 runs being conceded in wides by the home
team as Newport eased home with 4 overs to spare for the
loss of just 3 wickets. A positive can be taken
from the game in that the team atmosphere and belief was
present throughout the innings despite the small total.
Croesy know however that a stronger bowling performance
will be required for the forthcoming cup semi final
against Blackwood.
Riding the crest of a wave the Cockrell's travelled to Mill Lane for the return fixture against Sudbrook A's in sweltering summer heat. Batting first, Croesy were wary that several players were missing, but confident in the abilities of Matthew Evans, Jamie Dodderidge and Joe Everett to get the job done. A very shaky start with a 3rd ball quacker for Captain Pheasant leaving us 0 for 1. From "Hero" last week to "Zero" for Dave Richards as he also departed early, however no more wickets would fall though as Callum Reid and Alex Kryjom produced a stunning partnership to take the travelers from 15-2 to 132-2 at the close, Callum Reid maintaining his imperious form with 88 and Kryjom an excellent supporting role with 22. The running between the wickets going to show what can be achieved with just 48 runs from boundaries in their 117 run partnership. Nobody could have predicted the carnage that was to
follow. Sudbrook were simply blown away by an
exceptionally hostile and hungry bowling attack.
Alex Kemp-Taylor producing a devastating spell of 4
overs, 3 wickets for 3 runs, one delivery so sharp it
beat the batsmen's defence and shattered the timbers -
literally, as the off stump was split into two.
Daniel Watkins, Pheasant and Lewis Coleman were as
miserly as ever as they chipped away at the fragile home
team line up. At 24-7 from 10 overs Sudbrook were
well and truly sunk. An astonishing three
consecutive run outs followed for just 1 completed run
as Sudbrook capitulated magnificently to close on 25 all
out.
Never has a victory been more comprehensive. A
great result.
The Croesy Cockerel's travelled to Monkswood Cricket
Club for the Quarter Final of the league cup. With
Monkswood being unknown to the boys with them not being
in our league, and following on from last weeks defeat
Croesy were understandably anxious and keen to put
defeat behind them with a confidence boosting win.
Inserted on a green wicket Lewis Pheasant and Callum
Reid made good progress against a largely accurate and
fairly hostile bowling attack. Pheasant was the
first to fall, comprehensively bowled by Malsom with the
score on 64 after 10 overs. Callum Reid was
looking dangerous, starting to find the middle of the
bat. What can only be described as a dubious
decision saw him dispatched leg before for 37.
With two new men at the crease runs dried up briefly,
cometh the hour, cometh David Richards as he confidently
tore into the home team attack. As he blazed away
others around him chipped in, constantly keeping the
score board ticking, Richards striking a single of the
final ball of the innings to bring up an excellent half
century (3x6's and 5x4's). Croesy setting a very
challenging 148-5.
The Cockerel's tails were well and truly up when a run
out occurred in the first over of the reply, Davey
Mulroy producing a moment of genius from backward point
with a direct hit. Much chuntering was heard from
the Monkswood contingent about the umpiring decision;
but they surely should be the last to complain.
Captain Pheasant was able to rotate the bowlers as
Monkswood struggled significantly. In fact 10
bowlers were each able to bowl 2 overs as Monkswood
limped to a sorry 77-6. Davey Mulroy the clear
pick of the bowlers with 2 overs, 2 wickets for no runs.
The excellent team spirit and can do attitude displayed
by this group of young lads was a joy to watch - keep
this up lads. The semi-final against Blackwood to
follow soon!
With two closely contested games against Malpas already safely secured in the win column Croesyceiliog were very wary of their trip to Bettws Lane. Winning the toss, skipper Lewis Pheasant batted on a greenish deck. The bounce was slow and low and the young Cockerel's struggled, losing wickets at regular intervals. In Twenty20 cricket wickets do slow the run rate and that is exactly what happened with the Malpas team bowling good attacking lines; new batsmen taking too long to "get in". Croesy eventually closing at 115-5 from their allocation. Callum Reid (29) and David Richards (20) the highlights. In reply Team Croesy knew the wicket of Lee Evans was
crucial. Davey Mulroy once again bowled with great
control conceding only 12 runs from his 4 over allocation, a
clever ploy to open with Mulroy by Captain Pheasant. A
tight stumping on Evans went unanswered much to the
discontent of the travelling supporters. Malpas got
ahead of the required rate and it took some disciplined
bowling from Pheasant (0-19), Lewis Coleman (2-23) and Dan
Watkins (2-24) to restore control over the run rate.
Never the less 6 runs from the last Watkins over was always
going to be straight forward for the home team, particularly
with Evans on strike. The home side getting home with
a ball to spare, condemning the visitors to their first
league defeat of the year.
Lee Evans paced his innings beautifully and is clearly a
very talented player. Croesy do however need to learn
how to score heavily even after a wicket falls - another
15-20 runs would probably have made the difference.
Never the less, the season marches on, one defeat from 6
games is a great start - Croesy just need to learn from this
and move on.
Croesy Co's U15's entertained Llanarth in what has become
a rare home game at the Highway for the 15's squad.
Inserted on a dry hard wicket Croesy had a disastrous start
as Alex Davies fell with just a run on the board. Mike
Watkins overcome some recent poor form to score an excellent
26 from a partnership of 69 with David Richards (42).
Watkins eventually falling to a hideous piece of misfortune
as he tried to turn a ball a foot down leg only to see a
combination of bat/pad deflecting the ball onto his wicket.
A middle order collapse of mammoth proportions followed with
4 batsmen only just troubling the scorers. Some
agricultural late hitting from Matthew Evans (9no) and Alex
Petrakis (11no) saw the home side to 105-7 at the turn, a
disappointing total considering.
In reply Llanarth batted positively but were pegged back
by accurate and hostile bowling from Richards, Ieuan Jones
and Daniel Watkins. There was no let up for the
visitors as Alex Davies (2-25), Jamie Duddridge and Matthew
Evans piled on the pressure. 35 runs were needed from
the last 5 overs and this proved too much for Llanarth who
fell well short at 96-4 - an excellent result for the
Cockrells.
Wanting to bat first Lewis Pheasant lost the
toss but Chepstow kindly inserted us and Callum Reid opened with
Davey Mulroy. An excellent partnership between the pair
followed, Reid providing the fireworks and Mulroy using his feet
well to push the ball into gaps to give the Welsh player the
strike. At 61 Mulroy fell, his 19 runs a valuable foil for
the ever impressive Reid. Lauren Parfitt joined the fray
but found the going hard work and for a while the run rate
slowed. Callum Reid reached another 50 and decided the
time had come to fully "open the shoulders", he blazed his way
to 83 not out, with the team reaching 131-1 at the interval.
Many observers had the total as 20/30 short
against what was known to be a strong line up. Daniel
Watkins and Lauren Parfitt knew better however. An
excellent opening spell saw Smith, the main dangerman well
caught by Davey Mulroy off Watkins (4/1/18/1) and Parfitt bowled
controlled pace to take two key wickets for just 18 runs.
Chepstow were under pressure and Captain Lewis
Pheasant turned the screw. An impressive spell of bowling
accounting for Chepstow's middle order as he took 3 for just 10
runs from his full allocation. With Lewis Coleman as
miserly as ever Chepstow fell well behind the run rate, closing
eventually on 92-7.
An excellent performance by the team who worked
well as a unit once again.
First team selection for Dave Richards once
again this week, he is joined by Callum Reid who is to make his
debut at number 4 for the firsts. They are joined by their
coach Monty Watkins, who will make his Croesy CC 1st team debut
at number 11!!
Croesyceiliog B Team travelled to Avenue Road to take on the mighty Abergavenny. In the full spirit of the competition, coaches Monty and Marc Everett selecting a side of developing youngsters for the away trip. Batting first it was clear early on that Croesyceiliog would be dominant, the Cockerel's racing to 83-2 from just 10 over's, Ieuan Jones providing the backbone for the innings, he opened and carried his bat for an excellent 42 not out. Some powerful late hitting from Alex Davies (26), Matthew Evans (17) and Daniel Watkins (26 including 2 sixes) allowed Croesy to set an imposing 153-6 from their 20 overs. The Abergavenny batting was brittle, Coach Marc Everett using 7 bowlers to destroy the home team who capitulated to a meager 48 all out. Wickets for Daniel Watkins (2-13), Joe Everett (2-11) and a very promising debut from young William Gunter who bowled 2 overs and took 2 wickets for just 1 run - well done young man.
Croesyceiliog's Under 15 A team arrived at a Girlings groud full of confidence with an unbeaten record for 2009 bolstering their spirits. Batting first against Sudbook a close contest was expected as Sudbrook have traditionally provided strong teams throughout the junior levels. After 4 overs Croesy were in trouble at 13-2, Lewis Pheasant and Alex Kryjom falling early. A wonderful 123 run partnership then followed between Lauren Parfitt and the greatly in form Callum Reid. Callum was once again dismissive of the bowlers hitting seven 4's and three 6's in a quite brilliant 95 runs. Lauren quite properly gave the strike to Callum, looking to work the ball into gaps to give the strike to the imposing young Cockrell. It was a tragic run out that prevented what
would have been a third century for young Reid, a deft late cut
falling to backward point, a direct hit to the non strikers end
and Reid was done for. Some agricultural late hitting
getting Croesy to a daunting 146.
Sudbrook knew that a good start was vital,
however it was Croesy that would strike the devastating blow.
Captain Lewis Pheasant took the unusual step to bring on Davey
Mulroy's leg spin to open the innings. This proved a
moment of genius as he took two wickets in the first over of the
match, finishing with 3 for 11 from his four overs. Davey
showed great control throughout his spell and he thoroughly
deserved his wickets. Alex Kemp-Taylor was again on form,
bowling good lines and a hostile speed but remained wicketless.
Ieuan Jones and Lauren Parfitt chipped in with a wicket each,
but it was the introduction of Alex Davies that proved decisive
for the home team. His looping leggies proving too much
for the lower order as he desimated their brittle line up with a
superb 4-16. Sudbrook capitulated, falling 50 all out.
It would be wrong not to mention the excellent
team spirit that the home side enjoyed on field. Many of
the considerable number of spectators present remarked on the
great atmosphere between the team and this was plain to see in
their cricket - the First XI Captain amongst the spectators.
Lewis Coleman producing an excellent line of encouragement to
Lauren Parfitt that caused much merriment in the ranks.....a
story for another day!
Special mention should go to David Richards
behind the timbers. Another three stumpings this week,
taking his total stumpings to an incredible 12 in 4 games.
His hard work has been rewarded with his selection for
Croesyceiliog First XI away this weekend to Panteg - good luck
Dave.
It is also refreshing to see the remainder of
the 15's all being selected to play senior cricket this weekend
- the futures bright - the futures Croesy!
Croesyceiliog Under 15's were inserted by a confident Blackwood XI boasting their own array of Gwent and Welsh cricketers. A sticky start was soon overcome by a powerful yet controlled innings from Callum Reid who was unfazed by the varying bounce and pace of the wicket. The Welsh international batted throughout to carry his bat for a well earned 70 runs, including eight 4's and three 6's. Croesyceiliog closing on 126-2 from their allocation of 20 overs. In reply Croesy knew that Blackwoods Callum Herring and Tom Baker were the crucial wickets and that Blackwoods success depended upon their dominance. Excellent early pressure from an enthusiastic home team proved too much for Baker who turned for a suicidal second run only to be comfortably run out by Alex Kemp-Taylor and David Richards. As the run rate grew it wasn't long before Herring snapped, slashing at the reliable length of Kemp-Taylor. Davey Mulroy took the catch and the middle order was well and truly exposed. The ever reliable Davey Mulroy and soon was amongst the wickets taking two key wickets. Hard work in the nets for Alex Davies was rewarded with his own success. Three wickets for just three runs - thoroughly deserved. Special mention should also be given to Cardiff Youth Goalkeeper David Richards who was excellent behind the stumps, his confidence in standing up to virtually all of the bowlers rewarded with four stumpings in the innings. Blackwoods last wicket fell from the final ball as they closed on 93 all out. An excellent win for Croesy who are really starting to play as a team. 
Thursday 21st May 15 A's v Malpas Away
- CupCroesy fielded a very strong team tonight. Croesy lost the toss and were put in to bat by Malpas. Lewis Pheasant and Callum Reid got us off to a flyer scoring 69 off the first 10 overs before both falling. Our middle order then failed to capitilise on the start and wickets stated to fall as we tried to push on and post a decent score. Croesy finished their innings in a rather disappointing 105 for 8. Opening bowlers Dan Watkins and Alex Kemp-Taylor put the
hosts well behind the run rate by bowling a very tight opening
spell with Kempy having the opening batsman dropped off the very
first ball. At their half-way stage of 10 overs Malpas had
scraped to 35. However and inevitably Malpas had to open up and
with opener Evans still at he crease they soon picked up the run
rate and started getting very close to our score with only a few
balls left. Davey Mulroy 2 wickets for 13 runs from 4 overs. |
