Cricket 2017: Junior (U13) Devon Tour (26th to 29th May)

Match 1: Habs 164 for 5 (20 overs) (Padki, Haynes, Nasser – 25 retired)Colyton GS 58 (J Sheth 3 for 3, Madan 3 for 4)

Habs won by 106 runs

Match 2: Habs 100 for 7 (20 overs) (Madan, Mehrotra-Bhatia – 25 retired)Sidmouth CC 85 for 7 (Madan 4 for 2)

Habs won by 15 runs

Match 3: Habs 299 for 9 (35 overs) (Dubignon 55*, Haynes, Mehrotra-OSM CC 80 (Markanday 2 for 0) Bhatia - 50

ret.)

Habs won by 219 runs

Fourteen members of the U13 Cricket Squad had the opportunity to experience real education on the Junior Devon Tour during the first weekend of the half term break. Accompanied by Messrs Haring and Baird, the Tour Party left Habs at 12.15pm on the Friday afternoon and eventually arrived at the Old Vicarage, home of Doug and Jackie Yeabsley in Branscombe, near Sidmouth in south east Devon, some six hours later, after battling Bank Holiday traffic, the M25 car park and Stonehenge. In remarkably good spirits despite the long journey, the boys were able to stretch their legs on a stroll to Branscombe beach before supper and a reasonably early night.

Mr Charlwood arrived in time for breakfast on Saturday morning, after which we set off for the game against nearby Colyton Grammar School. Unfortunately, the opposition were missing several key players, but it did mean that all members of the Tour Party were involved, with two Habs boys playing for Colyton. In a 20 over game, Habs batted first and reached an imposing 164 for 5, with notable contributions from Ashish Padki, Jacob Haynes and Zahid Nasser, all three retired on 25. In reply, a devastating first over from Jaimin Sheth in which he captured three wickets (all bowled) in four balls, effectively put paid to Colyton’s hopes of mounting a serious challenge. However, it gave us the opportunity to try all our bowlers, with off-spinner Neel Madan also claiming three wickets, as our hosts were dismissed for just 58. After a typically lavish Devon tea (thanks Jackie!), we returned to Branscombe for more sport (in the garden and on television, with Exeter Chiefs, England v South Africa and the FA Cup Final to choose from!), supper and bed.

Rain had been forecast, but the sun was still shining the following morning for the early start against Sidmouth CC at their picturesque Fortfield ground by the sea. In front of a large crowd of home and travelling supporters, not to mention several other locals as well as holiday makers who just wanted to watch some cricket, ‘Habs’ again batted first, after the teams had been mixed up somewhat in order to produce a more even contest. This time Madan and Kabir Mehrotra-Bhatia (both 25 retired) were the principal contributors as we posted a total of 100 for 7 in 20 overs. Once again this proved too much for the opposition, who nevertheless made a good effort to reach their target before finishing on 85 for 7, with Madan (4 for 2) completing a fine all-round performance. After an hour spent wandering around Sidmouth we returned to Branscombe, where Messrs Charlwood and Haring took the boys on a walk to the ‘villa’, the famous Yeabsley hut half-way down the cliff and scene of many Senior Devon Tours gone by. The day ended with the Tour Dinner at the Old Vicarage, another Yeabsley ‘special’ also attended by our travelling supporters group of parents and other siblings.

The final game of the tour against Ottery St Mary CC was expected to be the toughest we faced, but once again Habs proved far too strong, winning by the huge margin of 219 runs. Half centuries from Kellen Dubignon, Haynes and Mehrotra-Bhatia enabled us to post a total of 299 for 9 in 35 overs before we dismissed the opposition for 80, with two wickets for leg-spinner Rishi Markanday.

Congratulations go to all the boys on tour, for their exemplary behaviour on and off the field, their positive attitude and the way they played each game. The actual cricket may not have been of the highest quality but they will have learnt valuable lessons nonetheless and gained much from their experiences. Many thanks must go to the parents for their support and for helping to transport kit bags to and from each game. Their presence at all the games was much appreciated and I know that they enjoyed themselves on tour! Finally, special thanks must go to Doug and Jackie Yeabsley for their wonderful hospitality once again.

SDC

Cricket 2016: Junior Devon Tour

Habs U13 v Colyton GS Habs U13 v Colyton GS

Habs U13 v Sidmouth CC Habs U13 v Colyton GS

Sidmouth: a view from the boundary Habs U13 v Sidmouth CC

At the ‘villa’ The Supporters