Kent U13′s Triumph
Cambridgeshire's Max Holden shapes up against Kent's Zak Crawley
”The Canterbury Festival” over the Easter weekend produced some wonderful Cricket and most importantly, provided the foundation for some quality relationships to develop.
Kent Under 13′s, well led by the gifted Zak Crawley, and powered by the strokeplay of Marcus O’Riordan, ran out as winners of the pre-season tournament, (on net run rate) at Kent College.
London County Colts, and Cambridgeshire Under 13′s, equalled Kent’s points tally and record of one win and two draws over the three games played by each team. However, Kent’s excellent batting line-up ensured that their superior net run rate won the day.
Marcus O’Riordan scored two centuries with a ‘duck’ sandwiched in between to cap a memorable few days for the Tunbridge Wells youngster.
The quality of some of the play was exceptional for players of such tender years.
Several personal bests were accomplished. London County Colts’ Captain Nikhil Rawal’s wicket-keeping was a feature. Five stumpings in one innings (four of them leg-side efforts) were supported by his good batting and mature leadership throughout the tournament. Thomas Powe made his maiden County age-group century with 105 not out for London County Colts v Kent on day one.
Meanwhile Cambridgeshire’s left-handed opening batsman, Max Holden, was a consistent contributor throughout, displaying a rare level of organisation and consistency for such a young player.
Spin bowling was also a feature. Every team had at least one good spinner, and some had three. It is a joy to see the diversity of bowling skills, rather than a host of seam bowlers just looking to ‘bang out’ a length just outside off stump to defensive fields, which (I believe) is too prevalent in much of the senior County Cricket on show today.
Over 50 boys participated in a superb tournament, brilliantly planned and organised by the indispensable Richard Baxter and our friends Fidelma and Andy Carter at Kent College. Coaches and parents alike were very complimentary about the experience, and to have all four teams present on the main pitch to witness the climax of the Kent v Cambridgeshire (after London County Colts had beaten Somerset on pitch two) and determine the tournament winners added to the atmosphere.
Zak Crawley receives an award on behalf of his Kent team
For myself, and all at London County, ‘The Canterbury Festival’ 2011 has been a privilege to host. Long may it continue as the perfect start to each new season for the many talented and respectful young cricketers who participate in it.
