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GENEVA YOUTH TAKE STRIDES
Patrick Henderson
Two matches were played in fine weather both of which were won by GRYCC. The Geneva team comprised of Jamie Hadden (captain),Henry Drake, Barrett and Scott Fransen (wicket keeper), Ben and Joel Meadmore, Jed Poole (vice captain), Tom Kirby, Dylan Spielman, Kieran Miles and Piers Mosselman. It was clear that the standard of play had improved dramatically this year. Most noticeable was the much improved running between the wickets, backing up and in the field, both walking in and backing up for overthrows.
On the Saturday, fine batting performances from Jamie Hadden and Barrett Fransen led the way to a total of 133 runs from 25 overs. Outstanding bowling, in particular Henry Drake's three wickets kept the opposition total to below three figures. The match on Sunday was much closer despite GRYCC posting 150 runs - Barrett Fransen performing with the bat again and some resilient batting from the Meadmores and Tom Kirby. Euratom performed much better with the bat and were off to a fast start after some fine hitting. However, a large total was always difficult to chase down and with some fine bowling (impressive figures for Jed Poole) the run rate decreased and wickets fell. Euratom fell some 20 runs short of the target.
Special thanks to Jamie Hadden on the Sunday who performed with a neck injury and to Scott Fransen who kept wicket for the first time this year. The matches demonstrated how far the team had progressed this year and the areas that still needed to be worked on. The proposed indoor training sessions in November will provide an opportunity to work on these areas Lastly, without the support of the parents/adults none of these matches would be possible.
A special thanks to:
- Dai and the Euratom parents for travelling so far and their support
- the Geneva parents for providing food and refreshments as well as supporting the team
- Karen Hadden and Jonathan Drake for scoring.
- Robin Hadden and Dai for umpiring.
GENEVA PAIR MAKE THE GRADE
A pair of 14-year old Geneva Region Youth Cricket Club (GRYCC) members starred in a winning last wicket stand for CERN’s adult side against Geneva International on September 9. Batting second CERN chased a daunting 255 for victory at the Bout-du-Monde ground in Geneva. Defeat seemed assured when the last wicket pair of Nikhit Nanjungud and Trystan George came together. There were still 41 runs to get with just 11 overs left. However, displaying sound techniques and a steady nerve they gradually reduced the total without ever offering a chance. Nikhit hit two fours in his undefeated 19, while Trystan also hit two boundaries in his 12 not out, as they scored the winning runs in the last over. It was a very mature performance, which personified the huge progress being made by GRYCC members this season.
YOUTH SEND SENIORS PACKING
Geneva Region Youth CC (GRYCC) Under 17s got due revenge for their mid-season one-run defeat against Cargill at the Prévessin ground on Saturday 22 September. In the process, history was made, as this was the first time GRYCC has tasted victory against an adult side. The match was played in a fantastic spirit, as is always the case when Cargill CC is involved, and like early in the season, the match was settled only in the last over.
The Cargill XI’s innings was anchored by a magnificent 77 not out from Ed Philips. Taking toll of anything short or over-pitched he put all the GRYCC bowlers to the sword, except debutant Lee Fisk, who took 1 for 10 in 7 overs. However, astute tactics from skipper Peter Crook allowed Philips singles so that the attack could be kept on batsmen at the other end. It was a strategy which worked perfectly, as Cargill were restricted to 130 for 8 off their 35 overs. Nikhit Nanjugud led the way with three wickets, including that of his own dad. GRYCC member Henry Drake also impressed for Cargill, scoring 13 runs against tough bowling. GRYCC’s ground fielding was very good, but four dropped catches - none of them easy - meant that the side were chasing 20-30 more runs than might have been the case.
This was soon forgotten, however, when new opening pair, Nikhit Nanjungud (29) and Trystan George (15) put on a GRYCC record opening partnership of 54 in 15 overs. Their pacing of the innings and running between the wicket were exemplary and their work proved to be crucial to the eventual outcome. The course of the match changed in the 16th over when Trystan was controversially despatched LBW by the umpire, his father, and Nikhit was caught at midwicket. Both went to Nanjungud senior, who extracted some revenge for his earlier dismissal as he took four crucial wickets. Marcus Gurtner followed to him LBW for 1, while Fisk was out the ball after hoisting a huge six to backward square leg.
The innings began to stutter and GRYCC continued to lose wickets. A captain’s innings was needed and Crook responded well. With the run rate increasing, he executed perfectly a premeditated attack on the bowling of Jonathan Drake. Sixteen came from one over of a bowler who has kept an immaculate length and line up to this point. However, there were still one or two final twists in the tale. With just 7 to get in 12 balls, Philips returned to dismiss Crook for 34. Wadan Khan and Lukas Kuster took three runs off the next five balls, meaning four were needed from one over with three wickets remaining. The first two balls were dot balls and the tension continued to mount. However, the next ball, Kuster played probably the shot of his life, slamming a good length ball straight over the bowler’s head for four runs. It was a memorable performance from a side which has improved out of all recognition and developed an excellent team spirit in the process.
© Swiss Cricket Association
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