APCC Under 11 Golds: Round 10 vs Kiama White

There are a lot of distractions around at this time of year. Kids go on school holidays, Christmas is approaching, Steve Smith is looking at another Test century, and parents have no time to juggle everything going on. And yet, despite this, the Albion Park Gold Under 11 team has stuck together, fought hard, and won their fourth consecutive match, a wonderful effort heading into the mid-season break.

Finally getting a chance to play a game at the Home of Albion Park Junior Cricket at Con O’Keefe Oval against Kiama White, skipper Lucas Brown won the toss and stuck with a winning formula in electing to bowl first. It was a warm muggy morning, and it appeared that it was difficult to retain concentration on the game going on in front of the kids. While some of the things done in the field were good and excellent for the age group, there are still some things that are basic errors that keep being repeated, something we are trying to improve on as a team. Unfortunately, the humidity seemed to affect the brainwaves at times and some chances went begging. Lucas took a great catch off Josh’s bowling, the only downside being that it was the only no ball Josh bowled all morning. Blake took a great catch at keeper off Charlotte’s bowling, which was celebrated with vigour by all. There were also two run outs, a brilliant direct hit from side on at mid on by Max Sciberras that found the runner just short, in what was the best piece of fielding of the season so far, while Lucas and Blake combined for a run out at the keepers end. Like I said, some of the fielding was excellent, and some not quite so much.

Blake Ison bowled better today but is still having trouble with his run up and length of bowling. His four overs brought him figures of 1/10. Lucas Brown too missed some opportunities by not bowling straight enough but he again bowled well, his three overs finishing with 1/6. Kane Rex had a bit of trouble with his action today, which had the ball moving further down the leg side than usual. His three overs were economical again for 0/10. Max Sciberras bowled better today, and found the straight green stuff on a much more regular basis. His three overs gave him excellent figures of 0/7. Josh Peters, apart from the afore-mentioned no ball, bowled his usual excellent line and length, and finished with 0/4 from his three overs. Charlotte Rodda was excellent again today, and she appears to have found her rhythm. Her two overs brought her the terrific finish of 1/11. Bohdie Rodda is still having a bit of trouble getting his arm past his right ear, but a little practice over the break will do him the world of good. He finished with 0/12 from his two overs.

Kiama White finished their 20 overs at five wickets for 67 runs.

The batting order was tweaked a little for the final game, with Lucas opening with Max. Lucas continued his great improvement with the bat this season, with his strokes along the ground streaking away to the boundary, while his shots in air almost costing him his wicket. Hopefully he will see what works best without being reminded, but his 14 runs was a good reward. He was well supported by Max who, though he only scored 1 run, he wasn’t dismissed and he ran well for his partner. Charlotte and Bohdie both didn’t score a run off the bat, but did their job by seeing off some good bowling from the Kiama team and being solid in their partnerships. Kane started off looking to hit the ball too hard and looking at the sky, but once he adjusted and watched the ball and hit through the ball, he hit two terrific boundaries in his 10 runs. Blake recovered after his tough week last week, and with Josh at the end put the finishing touches on the innings. Blake’s 25 runs included four boundaries, while Josh’s 16 runs included two fours of his own, and both looked to maximise their runs with some… interesting running between the wickets. At the end of their innings Albion Park finished at three wickets for 112 runs.

With wicket penalties added, Albion Park Gold won the match with 132 runs to Kiama White’s 79.

The kids had great support from parents of both teams and the match was played in a great spirit. Once again thanks to all of the parents and grandparents who show up each week, because it’s you that the kids want to do well for. Special thanks again to Matt Ison who takes the scorebook every week and makes a difficult job much easier for everyone.

With the Under 11’s competition to be regraded, it looks as though both Albion Park Under 11 teams will play in the A graded competition after Christmas. This will be a good challenge for the Gold team, as they will play much tougher and older teams than they have in recent weeks, and it will be a good indication as to their improvement they are making in every game.

Cheers to all families, players and supporters of the Albion Park Cricket Club for the Xmas and New Year break, and we look forward to resuming hostilities in 2018.

Until then, GO EAGLES!