Words: Simon Travers
Match Photos: Ivor Thomas
A full Devon-ageddon weather event wiped out every game across the county bar one on Saturday. When pundits ask ‘Who wants it most?’ The answer is Whimple’s captain Nathan Bright, who saw his team leapfrog Bradninch & Kentisbeare 2XI into the D Division East promotion spots with a crucial 104 run win over Ottery St Mary 2XI. Closer to home, the Ones can rue their season’s luck that both bad weather Saturdays have come against bottom-placed Plympton. The Twos meanwhile, after 2 years of matches against Ivybridge that have resulted in a tie, an abandoned and two cancellations, may have to resort to sorting things out Sharks and Jets style after dark at Lee Mill Tescos with a tape-ball and a set of plastic stumps.
Sunday saw blue skies greeting the Women’s Firsts at Instow for their match against North Devon Tarka Ladies. Earlier in the season, Cornwood escaped with a tie after being bowled out for 78. At home, North Devon wanted to demonstrate why they are one of the toughest teams in Division 1 with the bat. They achieved this by scoring a dominant 236-1 in their 35 overs; their highest team score since June 2018. Cornwood’s bowlers struggled for control through the innings. An opening partnership between Ruby Davies and Lauren Bowden (41) for 90 only took 16 overs. Both Davies and Regina Lilii cashed in through the second half of the innings with an unbeaten partnership of 146. Ruby Davies completed her century with 101* from 94, while Lilii hit 74* from 59.
The Women’s Firsts openers matched and bettered North Devon’s. Gemma Lancaster and Evie Privett combined for 99 runs in 14 overs for the first wicket. Gemma made 39 from 38 and Evie was player of the match for a run-a-ball 51. However, a strong comeback from Milly Squire (3 for 17) and an excellent spell from Regina Lilii (4 for 19) caused a Cornwood collapse. 99-1 became 130 all out as no one else was able to reach double figures. The 106 run loss means that North Devon jump above Cornwood in the table with four games remaining.
The sun also shone on the Fifths as young and old put in a strong performance to beat Modbury by 6 wickets. It was great to see Josh Wood back in a Cornwood shirt, captaining the side and taking an astounding catch down the hill. Modbury chose to bat with a strong top order. Opening bowlers Tommy Burrows and Ali Nimmo-Smith challenged well as the hosts reached 183-4 in their 30 overs. Julian Burrows had a great day with a superb grab on the boundary and 53* from 36. There was also a 50* in 44 from Peter Wilkinson. It was left to Ollie Offer and Tommy Burrows to maturely see the team home with 2 and a half overs to spare.
With the school holidays approaching, midweek cricket is slowing, but there were still five games this week to round up. Last Sunday, Luci Atkins starred with 27 runs and 2 wickets as the Oaks Softball team won their second of the season at Ivybridge. The Under 19s made the same journey to Filham Park on Wednesday but were second best in all areas as Ivybridge won by 61 runs. The Under 15s headed to Werrington for a winner-takes-all clash to decide the WDYL Under 15s title on Wednesday. The Under 15s bowlers kept things tight but found it tough to crack the Werrington top order. Chasing 145-5, Sam opened and scored 39 but a collapse left the team 41 runs short. The Under 13s won a friendly at PCS&R on Thursday and Plymouth Mountwise on Sunday. Sam retired not out in both matches and had figures of 3-1-5-2 on Thursday.
Friday hosted one of the most important nights in our calendar, the Colts Awards. Colts cricket is at the beating heart of the club. The club is proud of its tradition of developing players, with 12 of the 22 players selected for the First and Second team this week coming through our system. There is no secret to why Cornwood Colts program is successful. The Colts grow on the back of dedicated volunteering effort from a committed team over a long period of time. That team includes team managers and coaches, parents providing transport and support, umpires and scorers, the Friday night catering squad and the committee in the background. They all deserve a massive cheer.
As is traditional, Andy Rickard started by sharing about the Acorns and Under 10s. It’s been another great year of learning skills for the Acorns. They work in conjunction with Dynamos, the ECB led program that helps to introduce children to cricket. There were 36 new players through Dynamos this year. They will get the opportunity to grow throughout the winter at Monday training at Ivybridge Community College. The Under 10s play softball to help players transition into hardball cricket. This year was a virtually new squad with only 3 players from last season. It’s been a struggle for games with weather and opposition, but the boys recorded wins over both Ivybridge and Plymouth. Edward won the batting award for his hard-hitting style. Jack has been with Cornwood since he was very young and has improved his accuracy this season to win the bowling award. The fielding award went to Lucas for his enthusiasm in chasing down balls. All the squad could have won the most improved, but the award went to Freddie, who Andy tipped as a top cricketer in years to come.
The Under 11 Girls team was celebrated by vice-chair of the club, Nick Goodliffe, and official Coach Gnome, Luci Atkins. The Under 11 Girls have seen the effort invested through winter training in Ivybridge pay off through the summer this year. They have become a solid team unit with a great deal of potential. These girls are the first who will get the opportunity to walk a full pathway from primary school to adult cricket in the DWCL. Teamwork is central to the story of the year and everyone has done well. The batting award went to Nina who has shone and developed with the bat over the season. Hardworking Olive was named best bowler for running in with venom and accuracy. Ava has consistently improved as a fielder this year to win an award. Again, most improved could be given to anyone, but Ellie was recognised as a younger player who gives 110% on the field.
Jon Way’s Under 11s Boys team went unbeaten to win their division. They lost their league semi-final to a strong Plymouth team, but have a cup final to look forward to in September. There have been some astounding performances from players across the season and it is encouraging to see a number of the squad involved or trialling for the Devon pathway. With players only facing around 12 balls per innings, Marriott’s 135 runs from 8 games won the batting award. Rehaan’s pace bowling worked fantastically for the side with 15 wickets for 75 runs as he was awarded top bowler. Aalee won the fielding award for his energy in the field, sprinting for balls, forcing direct hit run outs and making catches. Alfie won most improved as he demonstrated his batting talent as a shot-maker.
Marc Whaley reported for the Under 13s Girls, as part of a coaching team that includes Sarah Puleston and Vikki Frost. It has been a big year for the girls as they transitioned to hardball cricket. Playing pairs matches, the team have won two and lost two, and confidence in batting has increased across the team. Nadine led the way for the batting award with 60 runs across the season. The bowling award could have gone to any of the four players who took 3 wickets but Emily was selected for the award. Lily’s accuracy and pace in the field and enthusiasm for wicketkeeping won her the fielding award. Again, the most improved award was the toughest to pick, but Lauren stood out for her improved batting and economical bowling.
The leader of the Colts team, the tireless hero Ryan ‘Chewy’ Hewitt, introduced the Under 13s Boys awards. It’s been a battle for the Under 13s Boys in a strong division this year. They have won 9 out of 15 games played and finished fourth in their league. Some of those losses were by the barest of margins, and the team have reached the WDYL Cup semi-final. It’s been a real squad affair this year with 28 different players supported by coaches Sam Griffiths, Julian Burrows and Simon Garland. 7 players have scored more than 100 runs and 19 have taken wickets. Henry won the most improved award having made a massive step up this season from having limited experience. Mason is safe as houses in the field with 6 catches and 2 run outs for the fielders award. Eoin won the batting award as the batter who stepped up most often with important runs. As a scary fast opening bowler and leading wicket taker, Tommy was the choice for best bowler.
Rob Giles introduced the Under 15s awards as part of a coaching team that included the evergreen Chris Bowden and Naveen Fernando, with Vikki Frost doing helping with admin. It has been a successful year for the Under 15s with 8 wins out of 10 and a second place finish in the league. A squad of 19 with only one team has meant it’s a struggle to pick teams. Everyone has brought positivity to the team and worked to improve their game. Most improved player was Freddie who has brought an infectious attitude and learnt quickly in the wicketkeeper role. Kat was named fielder of the year for her great arm that caused 3 run outs. The bowling award went to Sam. As opening bowler, he faces the best batters and restricted them all with an economy rate of 3.7. Ayaan won best batter as the centrepiece of the order, with 181 runs in 162 balls across the season.
The final awards of the night were the four club awards that can be awarded to any colt player across the teams.
The Brian Gould Trophy is awarded for sportsmanship, commitment and effort to improve. This year’s recipient was Edmund, who has given 100% with extreme enthusiasm and positivity. He coaches young players and volunteers when the opposition are a player short. He’s a true club man.
The Bill Pinney Award for special merit was won this year by Chester. The Under 15s were in a tight spot against Plymouth on 19th June. Four wickets down, needing 40 from 34, the match could have gone either way. Chester made the difference with a blistering 24* from 13 as the Under 15s got home with 13 balls spare.
The Colts Managers Award is for consistent performance across the season and was won this year by Ayaan. He was in the top two Under 15s for batting and bowling. He is a supportive presence with team mates, cheerful and willing to give his best for others in the nets. Ayaan has also had success with Cornwood’s adult teams. His 6-15 for the Fours was the third best figures across Devon for 20th-26th June.
Finally, Colt of the Year was won by Sam. Sam is also in the top 2 places for both batting and bowling in Under 15s. He has hit two 50s for the Under 15s and one for the Under 19s. He has represented Devon Under 15s five times with a batting average of 26 and a bowling average of 9.8. As Under 15s captain, Sam is a humble and generous squad member. He has performed for the thirds and would have earnt a first team call up this week but for the weather. He is a cricketer with a great future in front of him.
That’s the end of the league season for the Colts but there are still opportunities to practice and play. Spaces are still available on Summer Camp and winter training will be starting for the younger age groups in September.
The long-term forecast is for next weekend to be dry with a full calendar of matches. The Ones head to Sidmouth while the Twos host Ashburton. The Threes are at home to Kingsbridge while the Fours cross the border to Gunnislake for a match against Plympton 3s. There are Under 17 matches at home to Plymouth on Monday and away to Lewdown next Sunday. The Under 19s hope to bring the Oak Park party atmosphere on Friday night against Plymst**k.
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