Sep 30, 20223 min read

Junior presentation evening 2022 ABCC Under 15's

📸Simon Harding

🏆Josh Baker and Clare Boycott

🎤Martin Ward

📝Claire Davies - There are so many people to thank, volunteers, Spud for organizing the junior teams, coaches, the list would be endless, but there are a couple of specific call outs that deserve mentioning.

I have been team manager for today’s U15 boys’ squad for the past three years. We have had limited numbers of between six and three players over the years, despite only having limited numbers we were able to step up the teams beneath, girls and boys, to form an U15s squad. If it were not for these teams the U15s today, would not have been able to play junior cricket, and compete year on year.

We have had a tremendous season, undefeated in our group fixtures, and playing Worcester in the final on 18 September. So, a massive thank you to all players and parents.

But there is one person who has really supported me as team manager over the years, in getting a squad together and that is Paul, U14s team manager. If you need any support next year with scoring, umpiring, coaching… I am sure this year’s U15s will support you wherever they can!

Secondly, I would like to say a massive thank you to Harvey, who left my U15s last year, he has umpired, scored and on an occasion stepped in when we played against Stourbridge. A massive thank you Harvey for your continued support with our junior cricket teams.

So now onto the awards. James the U15’s team coach will be handing out the awards. A special thanks to James for stepping up to be the U15 boys’ coach this year, making sure that we have always got a full squad, on occasions picking lads up and taking them home, and for his invaluable coaching at all fixtures, and for even allowing some of the lads to draw obscene words on his mini!

I would like to mention one lad, Bradley, who joined us this season from Studley. Studley’s loss our gain! Bradley has been a great asset to the squad, has captained a fixture and has stepped up this year to play for our fourths. I hope you feel that you have made the right decision in joining the Bank family, and you have enjoyed your season with us. Good luck as you progress your cricket with our senior team’s next season.

The first award is the batting award & this goes to Archie. Archie has also consistently been the team’s wicket keeper over the years and his batting has improved significantly. He has captain several fixtures and has played up to second team level this year, mainly playing for the thirds, with some great results achieved. Well done, Archie!

The second award is the bowling award. Year on year Harry, has not only excelled statistically as a blower but has progressed this season to playing for the firsts on occasions, mainly playing for the seconds, with some great results achieved. He has captained several fixtures for his team. Well done, Harry!

The final award is the coaches award. This young lad has progressed and improved his game over the years. Whilst not cricket related his love is the Explorers, and you may not know completed 84 miles walk across Hadrian’s wall over five days with his Explorer friends. A massive achievement! Well done, Ben, a well-deserved coaches award!

As we say farewell to our U15s from the junior program please take a moment to read about their experiences over the years, in the junior cricket program, which can be found on the Bank’s website.

Finally, as I leave team management at the Bank, it has been a pleasure organizing the fixtures, over the past three years, we have had some challenges particularly through COVID years, but have always managed to provide junior

cricket, training from some great coaches, and being able to compete, despite small numbers. Going forward you will find me at the bar!