2007 set the foundations for the 2008 under 15 season at South North.  Last season showed that the set up had the potential to produce great talent from our youngsters and this year has shown the pathway for talent to progress through to the senior teams.

Having retained the majority of the squad, new blood came in the shape from a variety of young talent, all keen to progress having enjoyed the winter training that was put on again in the run up to Christmas.

Like last year, the same Lady Taverners under 15 and under 13 tournaments were entered into with the girls playing a mix of hard and soft ball cricket against teams from Ashington and Alnwick & District

The first of these tournaments held in May unfortunately saw the under 13s girls miss out to Alnwick & District in winning the regional final.  The girls, captained by Anna Gibson, played well and thoroughly enjoyed the experience, despite losing to what I gather was some underhanded tactics by an umpire who shall remain nameless. These games were the first experience of match cricket for some but the support was there from our more senior under 13s in terms of encouragement and advice and guidance to help them develop.

The under 15s fell to the Ashington in their Lady Taverners competition in June.  Again, only three teams entered with South North playing away at Alnwick & District in the first game. Having elected to field first, captain Clairwen Richards lead her team to bowl out all eight of the opposition in the full twenty overs for 64; pick of the bowlers being Roshy with 5 wickets for 7 runs.  In reply, South North saw off the 64 in 13 overs, losing only two wickets, with Izzy and Clairwen being the main scorers, after the extras.  The triumph gave the girls confidence ahead of the final game against Ashington the following week. A win which would see them through to the regional final. 

The home game against Ashington proved more difficult with both teams being matched in all skill areas.  Having lost the toss, South North were put into field. Ashington put 93 on the scoreboard with no wickets being taken. In reply, South North were all out in the 15th over for 82 with Rachel Mayne and Laura Pearson being the top two batters.  With the heavens opening and everyone frantic to either get runs, bowl people out, get the game over with or try to keep dry, South North suffered a very disappointing defeat.  A debrief with the captain afterwards highlighted where we did well and areas for improvement which were worked on throughout the rest of the season.

2008 was the second season of the under 13 Northumberland girls county team. Two of South North’s under 13s were retained and one more was put forward in the shape of Anna Gibson.  All girls played well and benefited from the experience of county cricket that in turn helps their club game.  Two of these girls are now in the set up for the under 15 county squad, following in the footsteps of Rachel, Clairwen, Izzy, Emma and Hannah, who all enjoyed a further season in the under 15 county squad.

What is even more pleasing to note is that all of these aforementioned individuals all have played games for both the first and second ladies teams, each playing a valuable contribution. An overview of their achievements and a demonstration of their ability is summarised as follows:

Roshy - 5 wickets for 9 runs and top scored with 17 runs

Hannah – Top scored with 14 runs and 3 wickets for 31

Rachel – 42 runs in her first game

Laura – 21 runs and 2 for 0.  Laura has also done well with wicket keeping having volunteered herself this season and is a strong potential for the future

Clairwen – 27* and 2 for 12 runs

Emma - 12* and 1 for 5

Izzy – 20 runs and 4 for 19.

I have already mentioned that these girls will be important to the future of ladies cricket at South North and support and development for these girls is needed from not only the coaches but the senior players of the ladies section.

For 2009 we’re hoping to arrange specific fixtures for the girls which will be considered when fixtures are being arranged for the ladies section. I acknowledge the fact this was not done so well last season and I hold my hands up to this and apologise.  We did get a friendly fixture with Wylam but to develop more of our girls, we need more match experience, preferably as a team with similar levels of ability.

Finally, I must acknowledge the support and the assistance of those involved in the under 15s girls section.  Firstly to Martin Speight for all the coaching which he had to do on his own most weeks due to my poor availability and for those who assisted on weeks when Martin could not attend.  But the biggest of thank yous goes to all the parents who have again enabled their children to take part and helped with umpiring, scoring, lifts…etc. I hope your support is continued into 2009.

Claire Hopkins - Girls Section Rep

On 7 November, the girls section joined the ladies section for their AGM and presentation evening. Awards were presented to the girls section and the winners are as follows:

U15 Player of the Year - Clairwen Richards

U13 Player of the Year - Laura Person

Most Improved Player - Hannah Gordon

Champagne Moment of 2008 - Roshy Ali for her hattrick and demolition of the Greenside team!

Some of the girls also recevied some daft awards! Below are the awards, the winners and the reasons why!

The Paula Radcliffe Award - Clairwen Richards for her constant running between the wickets!

The Nicole Richie Award - Emma Wright for being one of the vainest members of the team!

The Paris HIlton Award - Izzy Wright for being the other vainest member of the team!

The Emma Gozzard Award - Hannah Gordon for always saying sorry when she really doesn't need too!

The Gold Fish Award - Laura Pearson for her lack of concentration!

The Rookie Award - Rachel Mayne for her great first season! Well done!

The Golden Arm Award - Roshy Ali - enough said really!!