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New Under 13 League takes off
Paul le Conte
ACTION started in the Jersey Cricket Board's newly-formed under-13 league on Friday 9 June.
Three 18-overs-a-side games will be played every Friday for the six weeks, supported by the Jersey Region of the Lord's Taverners.
The league has been set up to bring in young players who do not get the opportunity, or play any hardball cricket, at their schools. The school/club link is a vital part of the development of cricket and the sustainability of Jersey's clubs.
League co-ordinator Paul Baker said: 'This new league is part of cricket's development plan and everyone is looking forward to seeing the youngsters in action.
'Six teams are taking part with five of them being under the wing of Premiership clubs. The first stage of the cricket plan was for clubs to run second teams and that is happening this season.
'Those turning out for second teams are saying the standard is higher this season following the inclusion of younger players.
'The U13 league is the next part of the process and eventually the plan is to filter the players through age groups and eventually into the second teams.
'Clubs have adopted schools to help the process and many of the youngsters have received regular coaching over the winter and spring.
'It's summer now so it's time to get them out and see them playing proper competitive cricket. A lot of hard work has been put in by many coaches and I'm sure everyone is looking forward to the next few weeks.'
Lord's Taverners committee member John Taylor, a Channel Islands Over-50s player, said: 'Lord's Taverners supported two teams in Division II last season and it was a remarkable success. It worked well feeding the 15 to 18-year-olds into senior cricket, so moving down and helping the U13s we see as the next step.
'Many changes are being made in Island cricket because we are now part of the ICC. I thinks it's fantastic that clubs have the drive to run junior teams and we are delighted to be supporting them by funding the grounds and helping out with kit.'
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