Last updated at 11:14, Monday, 30 July 2012

WHITEHAVEN’S unbeaten U11 team top the western division after two fine recent victories.

Batting first at Egremont, they scored 231 with Billy Thompson top scoring on 18. Liam Campbell again bowled well with 2-11, he also took two fine catches. Leo Sawcuk 2-2 and skipper Cameron Wood with 3-3 were also on top form.

Another highlight was a sensational diving catch by Jake Martin. In reply Haven totalled 264 with fine contributions from Jake Martin 21 and Cammy Wood 15. Billy Thompson again was the hosts best bowler. Egremont will be a force to be reckoned with over the next couple of years as they have a very young side.

Whitehaven only secured one victory last season but this did not deter them and this season is a result of hard work in the winter , with club and district training.

Haven’s main rivals at the top were Workington and they were pleased to come away from the Valentine ground with a fine victory.

Whitehaven batted first and only managed a disappointing 257 with only Adam Williamson, Jake Connery and Cammy Wood making any noteworthy contributions. Ben Scott is a top player at this level and he claimed three of Haven’s wickets. Haven’s main strength this year has been their bowling and Guy Pattinson, Wood, Leo Sawcuk, Liam Campbell and Adam Williamson all claimed wickets as hosts reached the final over needing four to win.

Ross Dawson kept his nerve to ball a wicket maiden and demonstrate how much he has improved this season.

Haven’s victory was even more impressive as they were missing top scorer Jake Martin and spinner Lewis Keeler who had been injured playing for the county earlier in the day.

Whitehaven progressed in the county league cup at the expense of Penrith U13’s. Cup cricket is played in the pairs format normally used in the U11 leagues. The hosts, Penrith batted first, scoring 235, with Kieron Ryder top scoring on 18. Guy Pattinson, Luke Blaney, Liam Campbell, Lewis Keeler, Connor Edwards, Kai Rutherford and Daniel Williamson all bowling well and each claimed at least one wicket.

In reply Haven were always on top of the required run rate and they ended with 315. Connor Edwards, who has had a superb season smashed 44 from 15 balls. He was well supported by Daniel Williamson, who has only started playing this season and is a fine prospect for the future, with 21, and Kai Rutherford who has recently returned to the club with 24.

Haven again fielded a number of U11s and they all performed with distinction. The future looks bright at the playground if these talented youngsters develop and reach their obvious potential, but the club is still looking for more U13s boys and girls to train every Monday night, with a view to playing in Sunday morning matches.

First published at 11:10, Thursday, 26 July 2012
Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk