2008-09 - University of New South Wales Cricket Club

UNSWCC JuniorsUNSW Cricket Club Annual ReportUNSWCC JUNIORSThis season we fielded 4 teams: U12, 2 in U14s and a new team in U16s. Once again the spirit ofgiving everyone a fair go was our main priority. The U16s recorded their first win as a team everduring the season, and wound up their time as juniors in a positive frame of mind. The U12s againlearnt new skills and teamwork, but with many boys choosing to play with their friends who areslightly older than them, playing up an age group at this stage was a challenge week in week out. TheU14s appeared to be our strongest division, one team narrowly missed out on the semis, whilst theother finished in the middle of the table. We again had several rep players from this age group andthe foundations for Green Shield look strong.The UNSW Juniors runs largely as a series of independent teams, relying on the great generosity ofthe coaches and managers to coordinate the boys each week. They cannot be thanked enough for theirtime and commitment to the players. We were fortunate to have the services of Hugh Le Lievre toassist the juniors each week at our common training sessions. His skills and patience were anenormous benefit, not to mention having the additional support for the coaches, and we owe him ahuge vote of thanks.The support of the senior club through the provision of David Phillips for training, gear and generaladministration was again important to maintaining the viability of the club at junior level.2009/10 looks to be a tough year for the juniors, where we will perhaps have 2 teams at best. Someflow through from players in the in2Cricket program into junior teams is one way to ensure theongoing survival of the juniors. It seems unfortunate to have so many young players involved withUNSW through in2Cricket, only to see them move off to register with other, much larger clubs. WithRandwick Juniors having around 33 teams and Easts 28 in 2008/9, UNSW Juniors is in danger of beinglost as a small, friendly alternative to these giant clubs.MICHELE DUNNJUNIORS COORDINATORCOOGEE BAY HOTEL REBELSThe CBHR are a club who fielded 3 teams (one in 1st grade, one in 2nd grade & one in 5th grade) inthe local MPSEDCA (Moore Park) competition. Contacting Jonsey pre‐season, they proposed analliance that would see the UNSWCC send them players (that would not have otherwise got a game)from the train on squad. This turned out to be a mutually beneficial arrangement, as it not onlyprovided the Rebels with an additional source of players to assist in filling their roster, but alsoensured that as many Beeʹs as possible got a game of cricket on any given weekend.The Rebels had a season of upʹs and downs, but were eventually successfully in getting all three oftheir sides into the Semi Finals, 5th grade were successful premiership winners.Thanks must go Rebels President Matt Donovan, who took things all in his stride (even when we tooka few players back on the odd occasion to fill our Metro Cup side).Hope we continue this alliance next seasonDARREN SUEPage 82 Season 2008/2009