The Under 14 cricket team went into the season with high expectations after last year’s heroics lifting the plate. Due to a mixture of horrendous weather and some cancellations, we unfortunately ended up with a shortened season this year. Practice started after the Easter break with indoor nets as the weather did not allow outdoor practice for the first month or so. Practice was well attended by the U14s and there was no lack of enthusiasm. A year’s summer playing club cricket displayed major improvements from the get-go. As with the previous year, the successful leadership duo of William McLaughlin as captain with Josh Martin acting as vice, led the team this year.

First up was the group stage of the cup against Strabane, with last year’s heavy cup defeat fresh in our memory, the team had revenge on their mind. Losing the toss and fielding first on a wet, uncut pitch, LGS showed tremendous skill and grit, restricting a very strong Strabane side to 76 all out. The wickets were shared amongst the team with Year 9 Tom Howe removing their dangerous opener with a brilliant run out, aiming at one stump from square leg. The reply started extremely well with Jacob Blair and Thomas Ferguson taking the side to 30-1 and with more than half the overs left to play, the side could smell victory. However, due to an almighty batting collapse (and some disciplined bowling and fielding from Strabane), the U14s gifted Strabane an early Christmas present as they fell short of the target.

Next up in the group stage of the cup was Foyle. Once again fielding first, LGS let their opponent off the hook as they dropped two straightforward catches, which in total cost the side over 140 runs. The Year 9 opener from Foyle ending on a superb 120 not out (dropped on 19) and his batting partner ending on 50 (dropped on 8). Foyle closed on the innings with 186 runs, a steep task. Steady wickets in the reply came as the side tried to keep pace with the run rate but a respectable chase from LGS saw them reach 130 in their 20 overs, more than a run a ball. Thomas Ferguson agonisingly missing out on his maiden 50 batting superbly for 47.

The sole league fixture we managed to squeeze in came against Ballymena. Batting first, LGS made a commanding total, led by skipper William McLaughlin reaching his 50, ably supported by Xander Mullan also making his 50. The disciplined bowling and fielding that the skipper demands came to the fore again with Josh Martin taking multiple wickets in the game resulting in a comfortable victory.

It was a season of what ifs for the side, what if the batting collapse didn’t occur against Strabane and what if we took those crucial catches against Foyle and what if the weather played its part and more games were able to be played. We were very unlucky in my opinion but if they take the same approach next year, with another summer of cricket under their belts at club level and if everything clicks into place, this side has the ability to cause some big upsets.