PUBLISHED 09 July 2021
AKS Lytham U12, U13, U14 & U15 Cricket teams have broken through with some excellent results this season, culminating in a clean sweep of the Wyre and Fylde Cups this week.
Under 12: AKS 51 def LSA 24
With rain around for the days previous, the track was tough for batting and LSA sent AKS in after winning the toss. AKS found conditions difficult for scoring but battled hard for any runs they could. Michael R top scored with 13 and all batters contributed.
With only 51 on the board, AKS knew it would be a tough slog to get their hands on the silverware. Our openers had a tough time controlling the ball at times but bowled enough quality deliveries to keep the pressure on. Jacob L was our stand-out bowler, taking 4 wickets, Zakk M with 3 and Ethan B with 2; the latter 2 bowling in tremendous partnership.
AKS was extremely sharp in the field, a point strongly made by Mr Walmsley at training last week. In contrast to previous matches, the team were enthusiastic, loud and extremely skillful. AKS handled the pressure of defending a low score with great gusto.
Captain Xavier D accepted the Wyre and Fylde Cup and the team were ecstatic. A great way to cap off a fantastic season.
Under 13: 117-8 def LSA 77-7
Captain Rory U chose to bat first and took the lead, hitting some devastating shots to retire on 25. Harry J followed suit, a much more conservative innings seeing AKS through the middle overs. A good 15 from 20 balls for Harley H helped to kick the score on at the end, with AKS finishing on 117.
LSA made a bid to occupy the wicket and let the runs come. The openers were very technically correct and well disciplined. It took AKS until the 12th over to make the break-through, with Ted T taking the first wicket. It was tough going for the visitors from there, many batters forced to take risks and wickets fell at regular intervals from that point. LSA finished 7/77.
Under 14: AKS 9/87 def LSA 80
AKS batted on a good batting wicket and made steady progress. LSA kept the batter in check with some tight bowling and enthusiastic fielding. Ben W scored 22 opening the batting. When he was dismissed, Oliver H and Finn R steadied the ship and contributed a valuable partnership to finish the innings with a respectable score. Hardacher the pick of the bowlers for LSA, taking 3/13 off his 4 overs.
AKS made early inroads, dismissing both LSA openers in the early overs. This brought Fairhurst to the crease, who batted beautifully for 26 retired, whilst the wickets fell around him. A spirited effort in the field and tight bowling saw LSA fall short of the total. Ben W took 3 wickets, with Toby C and Finn R taking 2 apiece.
Under 15: AKS 1/127 def LSA 95
AKS batted first on a hard and bouncy wicket which offered plenty for both bat and ball. Tight bowling and safe fielding saw the score tick along at a moderate rate in the early overs. After the fall of the first wicket, Cameron M joined Max G at the crease and the pair set about increasing the run rate. Both players struck some excellent shots and ran positively between the wickets, before both players retired upon reaching 25 runs. Some lusty hitting in the late overs by Reece G yielded some quick runs and pushed the total above a run per ball.
LSA made a tough start to the run chase, losing several quick wickets. A great catch from Ben L dismissed the danger man and AKS were holding their nerve. LSA kept the runs ticking despite losing wickets and by half way through their innings, it was ‘game on’. The introduction of Jeremy N saw AKS took their game to another level, clamping down and limiting scoring, increasing the required rate and applying pressure which brought about further wickets. Jeremy continued to bowl extremely well and finished the match with figured of 4 overs 4/11, whilst Max G completed a fine performance with a catch and 2 stumpings.
AKS Cricket has come along in leaps and bounds over the last 2 years and it is pleasing to see our students having success this season. Many of our players will continue to develop at our local partner clubs over the summer break. We look forward to winter training, where we will continue the development process in search of more positive strides forward for AKS Cricket in 2022.