After another successful season in the Wales age group teams, the Player Of The Month awards for each month have been confirmed, with congratulations going to the following players. (Article supplied by Cricket Wales).
Boys
May and June – Alex Horton
Alex Horton hit 78 against Hereford U13s, 80 v St Edwards School (Oxford), 61 v Devon and 74 not out versus Gloucestershire in the months of May and June this season. In addition to his outstanding batting performances, he produced high quality wicket keeping performances throughout the season, including 11 stumpings. Alex scored 962 runs for Wales U12 this season at an average of 74.0.
July – Adam Keane
Adam averaged 56 in July, thanks to a string of excellent performances. He hit 110 against Northamtonshire, 63 against Staffordshire (in a game where he also secured two run-outs) and 99 versus Nottinghamshire. He also took three catches in the field in July.
August – Chris Matthews
Wicket Keeper and prolific batsman Chris took six catches in August, as well as three excellent stumpings. He average 54 across his eight innings in the month.
Girls
Alex Griffiths – May/June
Alex scored 293 runs in May and June at an average of 48.8. Alex made her debut for Wales senior women May 1st against Essex at Billericay CC. A huge achievement for a 13 year old. The stand out performances for Alex during May and June were 81 against the MCC here at the SSE Swalec. This was the first game Wales senior women had played here for 11 years a massive occasion. Alex was un-phased by the occasion and opening the batting which was displayed in her classy innings of 81. Alex also scored 57 against Gloucestershire Under 15s at Briton Ferry Steel Cricket Club. Alex also bowled very well taking 5 wickets during May and June. Alex displays excellent fielding performances every time she takes the field producing spectacular catches and run outs which can be the difference between winning and losing games for her team. Alex has scored a total of 939 runs for Cricket Wales during the 2016 season the most by any female cricketer in one season. A massive achievement and one Alex should be very proud of.
Sophie Thomas – July
Sophie had an extremely successful season for Cricket Wales under 13, she also represented the under 15 and under 17 teams. Sophie was the stand out player for the month of July. Sophie scored her maiden century of 105 against Gloucestershire in the ECB county championship fixture at St Fagans. A faultless innings where she showed exceptional levels of skill and concentration. It was a very mature innings for a 13 year old. Sophie took 11 wickets during July and took 5 for 32 against Gloucestershire which was a great spell of bowling. Sophie also scored 83 not out against Hampshire on 28th July to secure a win and help the under 13 squad qualify for the national finals which were held at Grantham Cricket Club. Wales finished runners up against a very strong Yorkshire side, the team and Sophie performed exceptionally well throughout the 2016 season.
Lleucu George – August
Lleucu moved in to the under 17 squad in 2016 and still has another year to go which is an exciting prospect. Lleucu’s batting has significantly developed over the last two seasons and her performances have got better and better as the season progressed. August was an exceptional month for Lleucu. She scored a total of 278 runs at an average of 34.75. The highlights were 41 against Somerset in the ECB T20 fixture at Newport cricket club on August 17th. Lleucu made other important contributions in the ECB competitions but particularly excelled at the Taunton festival in Kings College. Chasing 168 off 40 0vers, Lleucu scored a match winning 63 off 55 balls to see her team over the line and start the festival well. Lleucu stepped up another gear on the second day of the festival scoring a destructive 85 against Kent to see her team to a second win. Lleucu is also an exceptional fielder taking 6 catches in August. Lleucu’s performances with the bat saw her force her way in to the senior women’s squad to play Worcestershire on Sunday 28th August which was unfortunately cancelled due to inclement weather.