Today the under 18s thrashed their Yorkshire counterparts in a T20 match at York, winning by 108 runs.
Choosing to bat after winning the toss, Rohan Vallabhaneni blasted 50 from just 21 balls, ending up with 61 from 28, before he was caught. He hit seven fours and four sixes and appears a player of astonishing talent. Hall gave late impetus with 43 from 25 balls and the final total of 196-9 would have been challenging at any level.
Yorkshire never got going and a keen Derbyshire seam attack saw, Green, Stewart and Charles take two wickets each. The tall Karim started the ball rolling with the first wicket, while Abrar, a powerful bat and left arm spinner, took the last two.
They all look talented lads and to so convincingly beat a traditionally strong county like Yorkshire was some effort.
Matt Stewart, who has impressed me with an unusually good command of line and length, also found time to effect a 'Les Jackson style' run out in his follow through. The former county great regularly ran out batters attempting to steal a run from his bowling and it put the seal on an outstanding display.
A fine day on all levels, I am sure you will agree.
You can see video clips and scorecard here
Lots of talent coming through it seems. Hopefully we can find some money to give them contracts in the near future.
ReplyDeletepeakfan, was this a cup match or a friendly? The under 18s seem to be doing well this season so hopefully they can be rewarded with a trophy
It's the U18 T20 County Cup
ReplyDeleteThe academy does seem to be developing good players now.
ReplyDeleteWagstaff and Potts seem like they're stuck needing a chance.
Moore is obviously already looking a good county level player.
Bin Naeem has had a taste and hopefully gets more later in the season.
Then for me Hawkins, Tarrant, Stewart, Parker and Green are all worth keeping an eye on.
One thing I admire about Gloucestershire is that they've backed their academy players. This hasn't all been plain sailing but they've given chances to players like Charlesworth, Bailey and the Price brothers (amongst others) who are now becoming very good players.
This is a real frustration for me, the season before last Wagstaff came into the side and scored two 50s, last season he should have played every game, certainly once it was clear we had no chance of winning anything - he might only have averaged 25 but the experience might have meant he was ready to play this season and win matches for us.
Most players don't develop into county level players unless they play county cricket. You get the odd talent like Moore but most will need to make the leap, Wagstaff already had two super competent knocks under his belt and wasn't backed.