Under 11 Girls Development 

The Under 11 girls Youth Developemnt side have had three match outings this season. It was a shame that their pre-season friendly against Plymouth College was washed out, as this would have been a great opportuntity for all the team to get together and meet each other ahead of their first game against Cornwall at Whimple. 

Devon vs Cornwall: 4th August

Arriving as a new team at Whimple they were all a litle nervous, but after a warm up with the coach, Eloise and advice and help with Niall, the manager for the day, the girls were ready to go. They had lost the toss, but Cornwall had chosen to bat and Devon were happy fielding. Playing a 30 over pairs game meant that everyone had the opportunity to bowl. Development and inclusion were the key objectives of the game. There was some great bowling and stand out figures for Millie Diamond who took 3 wickets for 11 runs off her 3 overs. 

Millie celebrates a wicket with keeper, Maisie Barr

Cornwall finished 171 for 9 and whilst Devon were quiet in the field, the girls enjoyed their time out there. 

Coming in to bat, some players were a little nervous and this showed in the number of wickets lost during the innings, but they all went out to bat and came back smiling! 

Despite the loss, every single player enjoyed the day and were very much looking forward to the road trip to Dorset the following week. 

 

Dorset vs Devon: 9th August

After a long drive, the team arrived at the picturesque ground of Broadstone. It was another hot day, but spirits were high and they were keen to get going. Eloise warmed the team up, while manager Ann-Marie, took the captains to do the toss. Dorset won the toss and elected to field. It showed right from the start that the girls had more confidence. Lola (18) and Isla Gray (24) got the team off to a great start and this was follwed up by Maisie Barr (20). The team set a target to not lose as many wickets and they managed to halve wickets lost from the last game, which was target achieved! Devon posted 149/9 in there 30 overs and spectators watching the game all commented on the growth in confidence of the girls, which was great to see. 

 

After a lunch break and a quick warm up again, the girls took to the field with the target of being louder and more supportive of each other and to reduce the extras from the previous game. Elected as 'noisy' fielder, Molly Jenner managed to keep the support going when Dorset found their feet with the bat. With team support throughout and good support from the field, all targets were met. Lola clearly enjoyed the support as she bowled a double wicket maiden!, taking 3 wickets for just 11 runs in her 3 overs. All in all, despite the loss, confidence and spirit was high and the girls are very much looking forward to playing again in their next fixture. 

Devon leave the field feeling accomplished

 

Devon vs Somerset: 22nd August, Bovey Tracey

After another washed out fixture away in Cornwall, Devon were host to Somerset under 12s at Bovey Tracey. Losing the toss and bowling first, Devon took regular wickets of the Somerset batters and exceeded their wicket taking target of 9 wickets. Somerset however were batting and running well and at the close of their innings they had scored 178. It was great to see the girls encouraging each other during the game and moving the field to respond to different batters. 

Coming out to bat, Devon started well and after 20 overs had only conceded two wickets. They played the pace and strength of the older bowlers well, looking to score runs where they could. After 25 overs, Devon were 105 for 2. The challenge in the last overs was to keep the score above 100 against the older Somerset team. Somerset however, bowled their most experienced bowlers at the end, which proved more of a challenge for the Devon under 11s and the team fell short of thier target by 11 runs. 

Despite the challenging end to the game, the team spirits were high. 

The team manager commented "It has been a pleasure to work with this young team of girls over the summer. They have grown in confidence and shown real passion and maturity towards their cricket. I hope that they can take what they have learned and further develop thier skills over the winter. Their team spirit is supportive and I know they have enjoyed all the games they have played. The successes this season go beyond what is recorded on the scorecards and the girls should be proud of their achievements." 

She continued "Thanks to Whimple CC and Bovey Tracey CC for hosting the team and to all the parents for their support, especially Gary Barr, who umpired two of the games and Paul Diamond who helped out at Bovey Tracey. Thank you to Mark Lockett for permission to use the photos" 

Full scores can be found here