2008 under 12 results & reviews

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[Dean Bosley]

Away Taplow 28 April 2008. Our U'12s have been training under the watchful eye of our coach Neil Smith since early October. This was our first opportunity to put everything learnt into practice. Taplow won the toss and put us into bat. After a little wobble at the start of the innings Matthew Smith and James Smithson put on 46 for the third wicket playing some cracking shots in the process (Matthew Smith what a back foot drive for 4!). The rest of the tail certainly wagged especially a certain Arron Allison. After falling victim a couple of times last year to the sweep/slog his team manager informed him not to play the shot. What do I know! third ball in he went down on one knee and smashed the ball over square for a big six. We finished on 92 for 8. Our running and calling was great with only one run out and that to a great direct hit.
Neil had another word before our boys went out to field. Humza and Matthew Smith opened the bowling and both bowled beautifully tying the batsmen up. After six overs our captain Tommy Patel showed maturity and faith in other bowlers introducing four different boys into the attack. Wickets started to tumble. Tom Chaplin notably took 3 for 3 in only 1.1 overs. Allison, Couzens (on debut) and Tottman all taking wickets. Patel had no need for either himself, Willard or Smithson which just goes to show the depth of talent. The fielding was also excellent, not one overthrow and sensible calm cricket was displayed. Tom Bosley behind the stumps was fantastic, only two byes against him but two good stumpings and solid glovework helped inspire confidence in the rest of the team. Taplow were dismissed for 35 giving us our first victory. This truly was a team effort our captain tried to use as many boys as possible. He read the game and situation excellently on the field. Junaid was unlucky that by the time he was due to be called for a bowl 10 wickets had fallen, good fielding though Junaid and I didn't notice your hands in your pockets once!
One final word of praise to our coach Neil who has whipped a talented and good bunch of boys into a really good outfit, lets not rest on our laurels but turn in another great display in our next game.

[Dean Bosley]

Away v Great Kingshill 8th May: Another great display winning by 74 runs. For this fixture the team called apon two members of the Neil Smith U11 production line: Sam "Smasher" Smith and Robin Plant came in for missing U12's, both did very well. Tommy Patel won the toss and decided to bat, The openers put on 19 for the first wicket with Matthew Smith dispatching one of the opening bowlers for a beautiful six over backward square leg. James Smithson looked his usual assured self until he was undone by a pea roller (very unlucky). After Humza had been run out for 14 we looked in a spot of bother at 55 for 6 off 10 overs. Enter Tom Bosley and Smasher Smith. Sam has shown a fantastic improvement from our initial indoor nets in September, he arguably hits the ball harder than anyone in the junior section of the club, these two didn't mess about, a stand of 66 for the seventh wicket: Tom retiring on 30 and Sam out for a great 27 including three more sixes between them. Smasher hit a straight six that only got ten feet off the ground but went like a tracer bullet! Anyway we finished on 126 for 9. (Tom Chaplin fantastic hook for four)
Once again the boys listened as Neil gave them a quick team talk, they then took to the field under the consistant captaincy of Tommy once again. Humza and James Smithson opened, what fantastic accurate bowling, after 6 overs Kingshill were 10 for 3. The phrase catches win matches is often heard in cricket commentry, Callum Tottman pulled off a superb catch to remove the Kingshill number three, who clipped one off his legs. The ball seemingly was destined for a once bounce four, however Callum moving backwards took a great catch above his head (you wont see better).
Our fielding was fantastic, Couzens, Willard, Tottman and Plant all making great stops. Once again Tom Bosley was solid behind the stumps not one bye conceeded on a fast rising track, and all but one delivery and taken in the middle of the gloves including a fantastic one handed take flying down leg side. Matthew Smith and Tommy Patel then cleaned up taking a further five wickets between them, Tom Chaplin took the final wicket to see Kingshill bowled out for 52.
Once again a great team effort boys, the fielding was excellent, solid safe cricket. Not one overthrow, not one bye, the ball returned everytime to either bowler of wicket keeper in a calm and accurate manner.
Pat yourselves on the back for a great display then carry it forward to the next game. Well done!

[Dean Bosley]

Marlow Park (Old Berkeley) 12th May: Won by 15 runs: For the boys who played in this and parents who witnessed this win, this is one of those games that will be part of folklore for this team as it moves through the ages. From 7 for 5 and 24 for 7 we somehow won this game! Tommy won the toss and as usual we decided to set a total, however the entire top 7 failed with the bat apart from Alex Brown who contributed a very important 9. Despondency was setting into the team. I reminded the boys that to get to 40-45 would give us a great chance because we are so good in the field. However each game we are helped by an outstanding performance, on this occasion it came from Will Couzens. Batting at number 9 Will hit an unbeaten 28 very well supported by James Willard 7 and Callum Tottman 6 not out. From 24 for 7 after 12 we finished on 88 for 9.
Suddenly confidence spread through the whole team. Neil spoke to the boys and reminded them of their fielding duties and what a good team they were. Belief that we would succeed was genunie from Neil and myself. Our bowling attack (without Humza who was doing the club proud representing the county) got to work and tore into Marlows top order. Marlow were 33 for 6 after 11. It was then their turn to stage a comeback some big hitting from the number 7 saw them closing in our total. We had our chances but just couldn't take them (Arron talk me through that drop). Matthew Smith was brought back to finish his spell and with his second ball he found the outside edge and the ever assured Bosley took a good catch. Good spells from Chaplin, Allison and Patel should be also noted. James Smithson finished off the game bowling the last batsmen to grab a famous victory by 15 runs.
Tommy Patel was fantastic as captain again, commented on by their umpire, dropping people out, recognising stronger batsmen and letting them have a single to get them off strike. Fully supported by all the team with everyone working for each other. Again some great fielding, a fantastic throw by Arron Allison to dismiss Marlow's no 2 and good stops in the field by Willard (excellent as usual), Tottman, Couzins and Smasher Smith all helping the cause.
Well done boys what a win (I still can't quite believe it myself)

[Dean Bosley]

Away v Wycombe 17 June: Dinton Win by 52 runs.

Firstly this was a winner take all game, the victor would win the league and move on to a semi final. To say that there was so much riding on it, this game was played in a fantastic spirit by both teams.

A Great night for Dinton as we won the Conference 1 League. This was a great team performance where fielding was tight, bowling was fantastic but our running between the wickets and general batting was A*.
Tommy won the toss and elected to bat. A first wicket partnership of 27 off 15 balls between Tommy and James Smithson (2 great pulls) really got us off to a great start. Tommy was very unfortunate to be run out. A couple of quick wickets followed which brought Matthew Smith (25 not out) and Humza to the crease. A fantastic batting and running partnership! By the time Humza had to retire having reached 30 with a lovely 4 these two had put on almost 60 runs. Smasher and Tom Bosley had a swing in the last 10 balls to leave us on an excellent 132 for 5. Wycombe had given us some 46 extras but still the calling was great to watch.

Our opponents had posted some big scores in this league and so we would have to be at our best if we were to progress. Our bowlers did their usual job. I hate to repeat myself but I don't think there is a better bowling team than these boys outside the IPL. Today it was the turn of Arron and Humza to lead the way who between them took 2 for 17 off 8. James, Matthew, Tommy and TC all did their bit too.

The bowlers though I'm sure would acknowledge the fielding, which was the best all season. Some great stops in the field, catches held (Unlucky Smasher what a great effort!) and sensible throwing kept the pressure on a good looking confident batting side. A special mention to Tom Bosley who kept really well. The balls were thudding into the gloves, and a couple of diving stops were really pleasing to see.

Wycombe ended their innings on 80 for 7.

A special thank you to Dominic, Fabian and George. (George after a very rare breakdown in communication went to Wycombes main ground, seeing no one there he went home only to call me and return to Flackwell Heath to take the field after we had batted) He then took a good catch at point to dimiss a dangerous looking opener. All this when he was going to open the batting! (J2O Performance)

Dominic and Fabian did a good job for the team and you will both bat and bowl on your next outing, that is a promise.

Well done boys we now have a great squad and with the Grammar boys to come back in that gives us 14 to choose from. We still have potentially 7 games left as I have booked a couple of friendlies so lets keep going and see how far we can go.

[Paul Brown]

Many congratulations to the Under 12’s on winning the Conference 1 League, it is well deserved.

As a parent who has watched the majority of training sessions and matches, I feel it is important to recognise the efforts of both Dean Bosley and Neil Smith in producing such an accomplished side. League success for these boys has not come without a huge commitment from both Dean and Neil not only during the playing season but at nets during the winter break. Neil’s dedication to strong basic skills at nets has really been evident during matches, especially when the team has been on the back foot against some strong sides. He has produced a team of “thinking cricketers” not always an easy task with players of this age. Dean has instilled a wonderful team spirit where all the boys support and encourage each other, playing with real enjoyment. His insistence that everyone has an opportunity to bat and bowl has allowed each player to realise their own potential.

The standard of junior cricket at Dinton Cricket Club is testament to the efforts of all at the club.

To Dean and Neal, I’d just like to say thank you for all your efforts. To see this set of boys playing cricket in such a positive, successful manor is a real credit to you both.

Paul Brown

[Dean Bosley]

Boys

Wednesday could well be off because of bad weather.

If this is the case the likely option is to play Saturday morning at Milton Keynes.

Can you text me on 07795 367387 to let me know if you can make this ASAP as we have to make arrangements. If it is rained off then we do have an option to play Sunday morning again at MK. If we can't play we will have to travel to have a bowl off.

Also just to check who can play on Thursday (I know there are a couple missing) but it would be a shame to play this game without a couple of our big guns, have a think: can you play?

So at present take it that the games on Tues and Wed ARE ON but text me with.
Thurs Yes or No
Sat Yes or No

I take it everyone can play Sun morning as the final is in the afternoon.

Make sure you keep in touch with the website tomorrow and Wednesday

Dean

[Dean Bosley]

Away County Semi v Milton Keynes Park 13 July 2008: Lost by 4 Runs. Dintons U12 competitive campaign ended yesterday after just falling short against an MK team that I truly believe we would beat 8 out of 10 times. Tommy won the toss and decided to have a bowl, the two MK openers were both county players and it showed, good running and powerful shots from the odd Dinton bad ball. Having said that we were good in the field, yes there were a couple of chances that were missed that resulted in fours but generally our ground fielding was tight. Our bowlers produced a good display on what was a nervous occassion for them. Humza who has been bowling for the county and perhaps the most settled of our quintet produced a great display 3 overs 2 wickets for 3 runs.
There were however two pivotal moments in this game, the first came in MKs innings. Humza fielded a ball at square leg returned the ball into Tom who whipped the bails off, the MK opener (on around 20 at the time) looked a yard out but was given not out; He went on to make another 10 runs before retiring.
Mk finished their innings on 75 for 3.

Our batting has been fairly solid of late but unfortunately we had another "Marlow Park". Our first six batsmen only managing 15 between them. In the infamous Marlow game we managed to claw our way back and win as we bat all the way down, this time we just fell short. Tommy Patel coming in at 7 produced a really good 22 not out. He was joined at the crease by Tom Bosley. Now the second pivotal moment. Tom had reached 10 from 5 balls and really looked in good form. A quick single was taken the stumps were broken at the bowlers end, a third umpire replay was needed. Unfortunately for the team and Tom the finger was raised and with it went a realistic chance of winning. Having said that Dintons "Pocket Rocket" TC came in scored at a run a ball for his 7 runs but we just couldn't recover
We finished on 71 for 7.

Somehow it is more disappointing to lose to a team that I felt at times we were on top of, and that we were undone by a batting collaspe when we have faced far better bowling in previous games. However I was really proud of all the boys yesterday, the team spirit was excellent as usual, and as a team we collectively took responsibility for the defeat. I'm sure we will be back next year as there is real talent in this team.

One special mention to Tommy Patel, who apart from his excellent batting performance captained excellently once again, not putting a foot wrong with his tactics. Well done Tommy you were a credit.

Anyway I will fix some friendlies up but for the time being, Humza, The two James, Tommy, TC, Tom, Callum, Dominic, Matthew, Arron, Smasher, Alex and Will give yourselves a pat on the back for an excellent season. As Steve Mitchell reminded me, the best team doesn't always win!

[Mick]

Thanks Greg for the great picture - Mick

[Dean Bosley]

Away v Marlow Park: Friendly 23 July. Last night showed the depth of our squad and what all of our boys can achieve. All boys who had only played in one of our crunch semi games got to choose their batting position. Nobody wanted the number 1 spot so Arron who had batted at 11 in our last game got the nod.
Excellent performances boys, Alex and TC got out early but I like your aggressive attitude to batting, but remember that no one will ever tell you off for blocking or trying to bat yourself in a little. Arron a very good 19. Callum an excellent 17, you struggled early on and were getting frustrated but knuckled down and did really well. Will (8) and Dominic (21no) a partnership of 41 off 5 overs at the end, Dominic being inches away from a big six.
Will your encouragement to Callum when he was struggling was a credit to you. We closed on 102 for 5 off our 20 overs Will getting run out on the final ball. The rest of the team Tommy, James S, Tom, Smasher and Humza giving their full support.

All 10 boys got a bowl and all did well. We employed Humza and Arron to bowl one opening over each. After they had dissmissed three of the top four Tommy rotated excellently, everyone doing their bit. Callum did really well and didn't get a second over but Tommy I will let you off because I didn't know until I came off. Wickets fell steadily, Marlows No 1 carried his bat for 36 but they finished on 91 for 9 from 21! overs.

The bowlers from my end all did very well but Dominic was the pick 2 great swinging overs 3 runs 1 wicket. Alex from the other end 2 overs 5 runs 1 wicket was also great.

Another good win boys.