July 31, 2023

Weather hits start of NW Youth World Cup

The hugely popular under-13 World Cup competition got off to a damp start across the North West on Monday with the determination of players, umpires and clubs ensuring that plenty of cricket was still played on Day 1.

There were, unfortunately, several abandonments due to rain in the morning and the NWCU acted quickly to provide indoor options for all clubs to ensure as much play as possible on Day one.

The visiting Isle of Man team started their trip very brightly as they won their only game by 8 wickets against New Zealand.

The match was reduced to just 4 overs a side with the Kiwis making 30-3 which was chased down by the Islanders for the loss of two.

England (Newbuildings) and Ireland (St Johnston) lead the table at the end of the first day- those two winning both their scheduled matches at the start of the tournament.

England beat West Indies (Bready) by 17 runs in the day’s highest scoring game- Lewis Pearson making 35* as they posted 114-5 in their 16 overs with Suresh Kumar also scoring 35* in the Windies’ total of 97-4.

Ireland chased down Portugal’s (Ballyspallen) 69-7 to win by 7 wickets and then both the joint leaders won their respective 10-over games when the afternoon fixtures were forced indoors. The move indoors was certainly a saving grace and it’s a credit to all involved that the facilities at both Bready and Foyle College offered an excellent alternative to the elements.

Australia (Donemana) also started well- their game against The Netherlands abandoned while they beat USA (Brigade) by 9 wickets to go joint-third with Isle of Man.

Portugal (Ballyspallen) turned in a strong performance to beat South Africa (Fox Lodge) by 10 wickets; Jacob Blair (35*) and William McLaughlin (29*) with the runs after Tom Howe and Matthew McElhinney had restricted South Africa to 77-7 from their 16 overs.