The U15 Cricket Team was captained by Ryan Lamrock with Alexander Howe and Ross Bond acting as vice-captains. The squad started their training with indoor nets in April. In the first round of the cup, they lost out to a strong Bangor Grammar School side. They then played Friends’ School Lisburn in the Plate competition but narrowly lost in a highly competitive, however low scoring game. Batting first, we only managed 64 runs from our 20 overs, with Alexander the star with the bar, scoring 34 runs. Friends’ started their reply slowly, with Ross taking one wicket for 15 runs and Alexander had an outstanding spell of 3 wickets for just 3 runs, including a triple wicket maiden, backing up his batting performance with an exceptional spell with the ball. Ryan also took 2 wickets in his spell. Unfortunately, Friends’ chased the total with 2 overs to spare.

In the league, there was a lot more success. Playing Ballymena, we scored 102 runs from our 20 overs, with Ryan scoring 35. In reply, Ballymena could only manage 93 runs, with Ross, Sam, Ben and Jacob Y taking one wicket apiece, and Lewis contributing with a run out. Limavady GS won by 9 runs. Next up was Carrickfergus. Bowling first, Ross and Alexander took 3 wickets each, and Ben, James R and Noah taking one wicket each. Ross was the outstanding bowler of the day, with a bowling economy of 0.75 from his 4 overs to go along with his 3 wickets. Chasing 75 to win, Ross and Alexander opened the batting, and sealed the win in style with only 9.3 overs needed. Alexander scored 22 not out and Ross with 30 not out, including a six to finish the match. Limavady won by 10 wickets. Finally in the league, we traveled to a strong Sullivan side. Batting first, we scored 126 off 20 overs, Ryan contributing 39 runs, Ben with 26, Jacob Y with 19 and Ross with 17. In reply, Sullivan produced a strong performance to win by 9 wickets, with James M and Jacob B combining for a run out for the only wicket.

All cricketers have shown solid commitment to both training and matches, and they have all made massive improvements from their U14 season last year. This is a very promising side with a lot of talent, and I look forward to seeing them progress into Senior Cricket next year with joy. It was a fantastic group of players to work with, and I wish them all the best for their cricket this summer and beyond.

Mr B Cartwright