April Century Club Winners
24th April 2024
WILL & GEORGE ENJOY SUCCESS ON DURHAM ACADEMY TOUR TO THE UAE.
12th Feb 2024
WILL & GEORGE ENJOY SUCCESS ON DURHAM ACADEMY TOUR TO THE UAE.
Durham Academy took a party of 18 to the United Arab Emirates to play in the U17 boys section of the Gulf Cup from 2 to 12 January 2024. Will Alexander & George Gray, both SNCC, were 'older' members of a predominantly U16 party.
7 games were played in Ajman, 2x50 o, 4x25 o & 1x20 o, 4 at the MCC ground & 3 at the Ajman Oval. Results were mixed, 4 won, 3 lost but both Will & George enjoyed success.
Will hit two half centuries, 59 (49b, 3x4,1x6) against Battleface in game one on 3/1 & 64* (55b 4x4) against Ajman School of Excellence in game 4 on 7/1. In game two v Zenith (4/1) George scored 28 (26b, 2x4) & in game 6 v Young Talent Cricket Academy he opened, making a maiden 50, 59* (4x4) in a 9 wicket win.
George bowled on 5 occasions taking 6 wickets in 30 overs, best 3-55 v UAE National U17 X1. Will, bowling quickly, also on 5 occasions, took 4 wickets in 28 overs, best 1-30 v Zenith.
George reflected " Our tour to the UAE was truly memorable, a fantastic experience marked by high quality cricket on consistently excellent pitches. The thrill of playing under floodlights added a new dimension to the game making it feel like an entirely different experience. The weather with its perfect temperature contributed to the overall enjoyment of the matches.
" A special highlight was our visit to the ICC Cricket Centre where we trained on various pitch surfaces."
Will added " It was a really good experience playing on such different pitches & in different conditions. To see & play a different style of cricket was really good for my development I feel"
Scott Alexander reflected " I was there watching for 5/6 days so Will's player of the match (v Ajman School of Excellence 64* & 1-41) was a nice send off. Both Will & George did well, a fantastic learning experience to figure out different skills & tools to use on flat pitches. Results could have gone better but both had a great time & produced good performances so it has been a great tour for them"
George concluded " We would like to thank John (Windows), Stu (Poynter) & Cole (Pearce) for their guidance & especially Sam (Blacklock) for scoring all our matches".
We offer our congratulations to both Will & George & sincere thanks to Durham Academy for providing both with this magnificent opportunity & learning experience. May they build on this in the months to come.
Duncan.