In August, the academy lads enjoyed success with both bat and ball across a number of different formats of the game.
Firstly, Emilio Gay scored an impressive 112 vs Worcestershire under 19s at Dumbleton CC. He continued this good form scoring 66 against the same opposition, the following week. Good luck to Emilio as he is representing the MCC at lords. He has never been to Lords ever so to play there the first time he goes will be amazing for him and we wish him well.
Another academy player who will be representing the MCC at Lords, is Adam King. In the last month, Kingy has shown excellent form with the bat, scoring 50 against Worcestershire under 19s, and also reaching his maiden 2nd XI 50, scoring 68 against a strong Warwickshire bowling attack. This was a particularly mature knock for someone so young in an experienced 2nd X1.
18 year old Ben Claydon has been in fine form this month, not only scoring a brilliant 191 against Worcestershire U19’s in a 1 day game, but also scoring 192 not out and carrying his bat against the same opposition the following week in a 3 day game. This is arguably Claydon best week in Cricket which he would love to produce week on week.
Congratulations to James Cronie, for his selection for the Midlands Bunbury festival where he scored 2 50s during the tournament. He was one of the top batters that week and that earned him a special selected to a prestigious group which was the ‘Best of Bunburys’ where he scored another 50 to impress all the coaches and players on show.
Another youngster that has experienced 2nd XI cricket for the first time is Harry Gouldstone. Harry has had an enjoyable month, scoring a well compiled 84 against Worcestershire under 19s. Harry is growing in confidence and is showing he can dominate the bowling time and again.
Unfortunately, due to breaking his finger, Conner Haddow has had a relatively quiet month. However, in his first game back, he took 4 wickets. He showed great skill and control, on a pitch favouring the batters.
Another lad suffering from injuries in August was Gus Miller. Never the less, he still managed to score 76 against a strong Nottinghamshire under 17s side, in a crucial match saving innings.
Ewan Cox carried on his fine form in the Northampton Premier League scoring a 85 vs Northampton Saints.
More success came in the 2nd XI for Charlie Home, who scored an impressive 66 vs Leicestershire 2nd XI in a low scoring game, showing great application and concentration to occupy the crease in tough conditions.
The academy season is coming slowly to a close now and many are looking for a well earned break. In October the players will be planning their winter to improve their skills even more and come back in the 2019 season to push for more great performances.