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YOUTH TOUR TO ISLE OF WIGHT 23-27 JULY
2012 The tour included 3 matches at Ryde, Ventnor and Northwood, and our strong U19 touring party, led by skipper Harry “Wisden” Giles, gave an excellent account of themselves in all three – especially as all three opposition teams included several older players. The opening T20 game against Ryde featured a hat-trick from Rob “Slayer” Weston (3-23) and a great spell of left arm orthodox from his namesake Tim (3-16). Thereafter, in an effort to give everyone a game, the bowling was shared around the batsmen, so boosting the Ryde total to 128. A gem of an innings from Pete “Sachin” Melhuish (55) was the foundation of our reply, but ultimately some excellent Ryde bowling meant the target was just beyond us and we finished 18 runs short. Ventnor’s extraordinary ground (the hill at one end is so steep that a ball hit back over the bowler’s head will roll back down again) added to the fun of our second game. Against a strong Ventnor side which included their overseas professional Jamie Miller (who is on Hampshire’s books), we bowled and fielded well to restrict them to 185 from 40 overs (Danny “Diddy” Harrison taking 4-42). Our opening pair of Pete and Connor “Briefcase” O’Brien had looked comfortable in putting on 50 without loss before Miller was then brought on and (unsurprisingly) turned the game on its head, taking 5-13 in 6 overs. We were eventually bowled out for 133 – a decent effort in a game which we would certainly have won had it been played as a genuine U19 fixture. After a day off which featured both paintballing and a beach bbq, our final fixture at Northwood was played much more in the right spirit. Northwood’s total of 195 was built around a superb hundred from their skipper, Ashley Goldsmith (114), with the wickets being shared around the bowlers. In reply, a disastrous start when Josh “Test Match” Milton was run out and Connor caught off successive balls was followed by 2 great partnerships – first between Pete and Harry (35) and then between Pete and Ronny “Ronster” Harrison (32), who took us virtually to victory before both getting themselves out to eccentric shots with the match effectively won. Pete finished on a magnificent 100 – the second time in 2 years he has scored a century on tour. All in all, this was a great tour, hugely enjoyed by all. Particular thanks to our hotel – the Cliff Hall Hotel in Shanklin – whose facilities (especially the pool) were greatly enjoyed, and whose delightful owners (Mark, Mike, Pippa and Toni) were exceptionally kind and tolerant of the occasional escapades of the party. Thanks also to Alan Chandler, whose truly ancient jokes contributed greatly to everyone’s enjoyment throughout the trip ... Nick Harrison
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