New Norfolk Junior Cricket report

Under 13s Rising Star Cameron
McMaster with coach Adrian Eiszele.

WITH another junior cricket season now over, it's time to look back and reflect on the season that was for the New Norfolk club. Before the 2016/17 junior season started, the decision was made to disband the Under 16s side due to the majority of players from the previous season now playing men's cricket.

With that in mind, the decision was made to have an Under 13 and Under 14 side this season. Both sides trained together for the whole season and we had seven new players in our regular side - a great effort considering we were struggling with numbers early on.

The Under 13s were coached by club legend Adrian Eiszele. He was well supported by Craig McMaster who helped with every game and was fantastic. This was a young side, with seven-year-old Bobby Nossiter making his debut and being the youngest player this season Captain Cameron McMaster led from the front in every game and showed awesome leadership beyond his years. Jack Morgan made the first 50 of his career - a great sign for the future. Each player improved as the season went on, reaching personal milestones.

Coach Josh Walsh with Under 14s
Rising Star runner-up

The Under 14s were coached by Josh Walsh, who had his own cricket commitments and was unable to coach a few games during the season. If it wasn't for Brett Gordon who coached the games Walsh couldn't, the side would've had to forfeit. Brett deserves credit for everything he did this year. The side was led by Dylan Browning who played a couple of senior games himself as the season progressed. Jye Bearman scored a couple of 50s and played men's cricket all year, showing everyone how bright his future is. Vice captains Jordon Gittus and Jordan George each made a 50 and stepped up during the year. It was great to see Tom Murray, Jack Morgan, Riley Blackaby and eight-year-old Tate Browning step up and play in the Under 14s during the year when they could've easily stayed in Under 13s. Having an Under 14s side allowed the club to give younger players experience in a higher age group which will benefit them next season.

Both teams won their final match of the season and had good years. Success should not be judged purely on wins and losses. It is a success if the kids improve in every game and continue playing cricket and having fun.

Rising Star Awards: Cam McMaster and Jye Bearman
Runner Up: Jack Morgan and Jordon Gittus
Most Improved: Tate Browning and Tom Murray
Coaches Award: Lewis Spaulding and Riley Blackaby

New Norfolk also took part in T20 Blast with Gretna this season and that was a success. Thanks to Liahm O'Brien and Tom Murray for helping out every week and Wade Gleeson from Gretna and his helpers. It was great to see so many young kids having fun.

Thanks to all helpers during the year and a big thanks to Jamie Hill for everything he has done for the Red Caps. We look forward to another season for the juniors next summer and seeing more kids playing cricket.

New Norfolk Cricket Club 2016/17 Under 13s and 14s. Back from left: Under 14s
coach Josh Walsh, captain Dylan Browning, vice captain Jordan George, Jake
Stevenson, Jack Gordon, Zayde Hill, vice captain Jordon Gittus, Blaine Tomlin,
Tom Eiszele, Tom Murray and Under 13s coach Adrian Eiszele. Front from left:
Tate Browning, Under 13s vice captain Cale Browning, Blake Sillifant, Bobby
Nossiter,  Riley Blackaby, Lewis Spaulding, Under 13s captain Cam McMaster,
Tye Oakley, Wyatt Townsend and Jack Morgan.