49th Annual Report for Season 2009/2010 - Queensland Cricket

ANSTEY/ La FRANTZ SHIELD
The Anstey La Frantz competition is a five match series against other Brisbane North teams, which provide an
opportunity for U/14 players to play at a level which is above the normal weekend cricket competitions. The
teams are made up of players who are in selected Championship Teams and Developmental Squads, as well as
other players who are recognized and being close to selection in these squads.
A team of 13 players was selected in late October, but unfortunately ran into immediate trouble before a ball
was even bowled, with two players being ruled out of the first two games with injury. As a result, the squad
was increased to 14 players, which gave another player who was unlucky to miss out on selection, an
opportunity in the team. The team had three players from Redcliffe City Cricket Club and eleven from
Sandgate-Redcliffe Cricket Club, no players trialled from Bracken Ridge Club.
The season saw the team lose four matches with another match washed out. The positive is that each match
saw improvements with every performance. The fielding improved, the bowling became more consistent and
batsmen starting cherishing their wickets. It is an excellent indication that in the last match on Albury Oval, the
opposition scored 240 on the back of an unbelievable 155 from one particular player, with the rest of the team
only managing 50 runs off the bat. Rather than being intimidated by the score, our players batted very well
with three half centuries, losing the match on the last ball, with four required for the win and a single being the
result. Despite the loss, it was a much more entertaining game than the internationals that were dished up on
the television this season.
There were some excellent performances throughout the competition from our players and I see bright futures
for some of the players. I believe that they will have benefited from playing 50 over cricket and now
understand the levels of fitness, stamina, concentration and skills, required to progress their cricket. The
importance of making sure that the simple things in the game are done well, like, warming up and down,
understanding that there are three disciplines in the game (batting, bowling and fielding) not just what they are
good at, and the knowledge that they can compete and should not be overawed by Championship players.
Hopefully, the players will learn and improve to the next level of cricket. I enjoyed my time with the boys this
season and sincerely hope that I see them around, in Grade Cricket in the future. Thanks to the mums and dads
for helping out and I thank you for all your support.
Yours in cricket
Bob Russell (Coach)
UNDER 9 PICKERING
The team came together with completely new players enjoying cricket for the first time. The season was about
teaching the basics and developing them into a competitive, but better skilled group by the seasons end. What
they lacked in experience, they gained with the willingness to learn and put into practice. We fielded a full team
of 11 for most of the season, only suffering absentees of no more than 2 at a time. This was pleasing as it meant
all of the players were getting as much cricket tuition as they could. This proved evident in the way they played
in the second half of the season after the break. It was also pleasing that most of my team were able to attend the
batting and bowling clinics held at the club in December. This helped them to take a giant step forward. All the
team had improved dramatically with their bowling, when they may have given away 3-4 wides an over in first
few games; we had it down to 1 or 2 at the most. The down side was other sides scored well against us because
it was on the pitch, while they weren’t as efficient our scoring opportunities were less.
Alex Thomas started well leading the way with bat and ball while maintaining consistency. Thomas Mabin was
not far behind, starting the season cautiously, he became reliable with the bat and led the way in the field with
catches and run outs along with Jack McDonald. Isaac Russell contributed well with his bowling picking up 11
wickets and was well supported by Samuel Boardman, Max Marson, Nick Cowell, Thomas McNee and Angus
Lakey with their spinners. Developing players Nick Cowell and Croft Puti continued to improve, but the season
came to a close too soon as they were really starting to get it together.
Congratulations to Alex Thomas (Leading Player), Matthew Wyse (Best Batsman), and Isaac Russell (Best
Bowler) as the award recipients in their inaugural season. This season has laid the solid foundation that these
players can build on, and start the next season with a lot more belief.