Photo's from Counties games

Some more great shots from Kevin Russell.

Cricket Coaches in North Harbour for one on one coaching

Parents,

Further to various requests from you as to who I recommend for one on one coaching, refer to the list below. I know each of these coaches personally, apart from one, and I can happily recommend them. It is best if you look first to your Club Coach, however if they are not available or don't meet your needs, there are others to choose from. I'm very supportive of and I think this is great time for the boys to start having one on one coaching particularly on batting, even if it is just a session or two, as it gives them something to work on. Good batting technique becomes increasingly important.

Club affiliated Coaches

Neil Fletcher

Takapuna Premier Coach, Auckland U17.
coach@takapunacricket.co.nz
M: 0274 476211
Cost: $40/hr or $60/hr including use of Massey Albany nets (and bowling machine if required)
Neil is a Level 3 coach, and specialises in spin (part of the New Zealand spin program) and batting.
Neil may be very busy through to April 2010 with his team obligations.


David Wigley

East Coast Bays Premier Coach
David is now returning to the UK and a new Club Coach will be appointed in due course.


Bruce Warner

North Shore Cricket Club Coach
brucewarner@northshorecricket.co.nz
Cost: $40/hr
Bruce is a Level 2 Coach who coaches all aspects. Bruce is available for one on one coaching at present.


Gareth Jacob

Auckland U14 Manager, Hibiscus Coast Coach and Kristin School Coach.
info@mrcricket.co.nz
Cost: $
Gareth is a Level 2 Coach and coaches all aspects. Gareth may be available for one on one coaching at present.



Andrew Parkinson

Birkenhead Coach
M: 021 469 985
Cost: $40/hr
Andrew Played for Auckland "B".
Andrew is a Level 2 Coach and coaches all aspects. Andrew may be available for one on one coaching at present.




Other Coaches

Johan Kirstein

Westlake Boys High School Ist XI Coach
jkirstein@westlake.school.nz
Cost: $60/hr, usually held at Westlake nets.
Johan is a Level 3 Coach who coaches all aspects (strengths in batting and pace bowling). Johan is available for one on one coaching at present.


Shoruban Pasupati

Auckland Under 15 Development Coach, Spin bowling Winter Academy coach for Auckland cricket, North Harbour Under 17, Sacred Heart College Year 8 Premier division coach.
shoruban@yahoo.com
Mobile: 021 1677029
Cost: $60/hr or $70/hr Indoors.
Shoruban is currently undertaking his Level 3 coaching course. Shoruban coaches all aspects and has particualar expertise as a specialist spin bowling coach. Shoruban is available for one on one coaching at present.

Nick White

Rangitoto College Ist XI Coach and Auckland U14 Coach.
whiten@rangitoto.school.nz; nickjw8@yahoo.co.uk
Cost: $30/hr including use of Rangitoto College nets (indoor and outdoor).
Nick is a Level 2 Coach, and coaches all aspects.
Nick may be very busy through to April 2010 with his team obligations.


Andrew Niblett

Westlake Boys High specialist fast bowling coach, North Harbour U/15 A, assisted North Harbour U/17 Winter academy.
andrew.niblett@gmail.com
Mobile: 021 222 0057
Cost: $50/hr, $30/half hour.
Andrew played first class cricket for Central Districts and coaches all aspects, particularly medium fast bowling. Andrew is a Level 2 Coach. Andrew is available for one on one coaching at present.

v Counties, results

Hi Boys,

A pretty relaxed and enjoyable day today and some good results with three wins in four games.

The Coaches and I asked for more intensity and energy in the field, and "positive support". Across the four matches played there was a good improvement in that area - well done.

Again today the focus was on continuing to give you opportunities to all bat and bowl. It does take a while to adjust from your normal Saturday games to this representative cricket where you are playing with and against boys of similar ability. It was therefore good to see some boys, who had opportunities today and clearly have potential and talent, but had not performed in previous North Harbour games, put in strong performances.

Game 1:
North Harbour Black: 79/4 in 20 overs. Liam 24 (34), Jacob 12n.o (23)
Counties North 80/3 in 18 overs. Jacob 2 overs, 2-4, Benjamin 2 overs, 0-5, Adrian, 2 overs, 0-5
Counties North win by 7 wickets.

Game 2:
North Harbour Burgundy 89/6 in 20 overs. Ashton 21 (26), Ryan Q 24n.o (21)
Counties South 57/9 in 20 overs. Keegan, 2 overs 2-0, Travis, 2 0vers 1-2, Grant,2 overs 1-5, Jack 2 overs, 1-4
North Harbour Burgundy win by 42 runs.

Game 3:
North Harbour Black 100/5 in 20 overs. Gray 24n.o. (29), Ryan S 23 (15), Toby 15 (24)
Counties 90/9 in 20 overs. Gray, 2 overs, 2-2. Mitchell W 2 overs, 1-4, Toby 2 overs, 1-5
North Harbour Black win by 10 runs.

Game 4:
North Harbour Burgundy 100/4 in 20 overs. Keegan 30 (60), Angus 42ret (36).
Counties North 74 all out in 19 overs. Asher, 2 0vers, 2-7, Mitchell B, 2 0vers 2-14, Angus 2 overs, 1-2, Greg 2 overs 0-2, Travis 2 0vers, 0-2.
North Harbour Burgundy win by 26 runs.

In the New Year each of you will probably play four matches and each match will be up to 45 overs. The reason for the increase is we want to encourage batsman to construct innings and learn to bat for longer. On the bowling side, bowlers will have longer bowling spells - again an opportunity for you to learn. There will be less rotation in the New Year, and you will begin to play in specialist positions more. What this means is that if you are a batter, don't necessarily expect to bowl, and if you are a bowler don't necessarily expect to bat!

Enjoy your Christmas, and make sure you think about your Mum and Dad, it is them who make this all possible for you.

The next game back in the New Year is on February 14th.

Post Christmas Preliminary Match Schedule

Preliminary schedule:

Sunday January 17th: v Taranaki @ Peringa Park, Fitzroy, 30-35 overs, start time: 1pm.

Monday January 18th to Thursday January 21st: Wanganui Tournament


Sunday February 14th: v University @ Colin Maiden Park, 35 overs, start time: 8.45am (one team)

Sunday February 28th: v Taranaki @ Hato Petera College (C) Art. No. 1 (one team)

Sunday March 7th: v Parnell @ Freyberg

Sunday March 14th: v Cornwall @ Sunnynook

Sunday March 21st: v Western Districts @ Sunnynook

Wanganui Squad 2010

The squad selected to play the Wanganui tournament in the U11 age group section from January 18th to January 21st 2010 is as follows:

Toby Robb
Keegan Russell
Benjamin BeecroftRyan Schierhout
Jack ClothierRyan Quinn
Asher Robb
Kieran Young
Adrian Young
Grant Celliers
Travis van Gysen
Liam Brown

Unavailable
Angus McKenzie
Ashton Howard

Craig Beecroft, Convenor

Cornwall Photo's

v Cornwall, results

Hi Boys

We came up against a couple of good Cornwall teams today and shared the honours with them, a reasonable result over-all.

It is a good experience for you to be playing away at a different location - I hope you enjoyed it, and Melville Park was a nice setting to play cricket - many thanks to Cornwall.

Before the matches we talked about working on a few of the things we learnt from the Manukau game - turning the strike over, backing up and running positively, being positive and alert in the field, pitching the ball up and on one side of the wicket.

I think we improved in some area's and slipped in others.

Burgundy
Burgundy was playing the stronger of the two Cornwall teams. In the Burgundy game Cornwall bowled first, and bowled well - at good pace with movement and accuracy. We were under pressure early and lost wickets regularly right through-out the innings. The run rate was good though, but the loss of wickets proved costly as we didn't have enough wickets in hand to attack over the last several overs and worse still we were bowled out in the 32nd over. We've talked before about batting through the innings...

Jack Clothier, Ryan S and Keegan top-scored with 20 (23), 19 (19), and 15 (27) respectively. Many of you got a start, but couldn't push on. We only had one partnership of significance. We need to aim to have one or two boys scoring 40ret in the games and put together good partnerships through-out the innings.

We posted, on this wicket, a lowish score of 140 which was defensible if we bowled and fielded well. Unfortunately, we did neither well. We appeared flat in the field, and some of the senior players in particular need to step up and provide more "talk" and positive support in the field. The wicket-keeper needs to be the centre of the fielding effort, and be vocal and positive.

As we weren't alert, we missed a couple of catches we should have taken. Catches change games.

As with the game against Manukau, the bowling was too loose - and against quality batsmen like the Cornwall boys you're going to be punished for short bowling or bowling down leg-side.

Cornwall comfortably reached the score of 142/3 in the 29th over. Ryan Q bowled well, 5ov, 0-12, as did Angus with 4ov, 0-7.

Angus also did a good job with the Captaincy today.

So, while there is significant amount to work on we also need to remember that we came up against very good opposition today, and you can only play as well as your opposition lets you. Cornwall is traditionally one of the strongest Clubs in Auckland with over 1,000 Juniors and these boys have the benefit of playing in the Auckland Premier Year 6 competition where they are playing good competitive cricket every Saturday week in week out. The Cornwall teams are doing very well this year in that competition, and they deserve congratulations for their good performance and well earned win today. And to put in in perspective, one Yr 6 team also had a loss against Cornwall last year. All going well, we may see them for a re-match in the New Year.

Finally, I am pleased again to say that I saw other good examples of sportsmanship from you today - well done.

North Harbour Burgundy 140 all out in 32 overs
Cornwall A 142/3 in 29 overs.

A good win to Cornwall by 7 wickets.


Black
As with Burgundy we staggered through-out the innings losing wickets reasonably regularly until we reached 120/9 in 35 overs, not enough runs but something to defend. We benefited from some 50 extra's in the innings. Adrian's batting was the anchor for the innings, scoring 27 (74). William and Jonty contributed 14 (27) and 13 (59) respectively. We lacked 40's and partnerships.

And this is where the Burgundy and Black games depart.

Black were positive in the field from the first ball and there was good talk and energy. Our opening bowlers Adrian and Grant did a good job, bowling fast and accurately. Grant was rewarded with figures of 3overs, 2-2. Liam later followed that up with 2overs, 2-4, and William 2overs, 2-11. Some of the other bowling was tight, Jacob, 3overs, 1-3, Travis, 2 overs 1-1.

Of course, it helps to be taking wickets to get a good vibe in the field, but I also saw a couple of very good catches in the field - one in particular from Jonty, and these moments can make all the difference.

The Cornwall batting was possibly not as good as the Cornwall batting in the Burgundy game, but you still bowled well and with good accuracy. The result of this good positive attitude, taking your chances, and bowling accurately was that you bowled out Cornwall for just 83, and you ended up with a well deserved win.

North Harbour Black 120/9 in 35 overs
Cornwall B 83 all out.

A win to North Harbour Black.

Well done team.

As always thanks to team coaches for the day Peter and Daryl, and Layne. The scorers - Matt Hawkins, Peter Robb, and Richard Clothier, and to the umpires Grant McKenzie, Daryl and Bill and to anyone else I've left out.

v Counties, December 6th

We are playing Counties on Sunday December 6th: 10:30am start, Venue: Mountfort Park, Manurewa. Please be there by 9.45am.

Burgundy and Black are to play two 20/20 games each against two Counties teams. Burgundy and Black are shown below and the names in each team are listed in batting order. We're also take the opportunity to give different boys captaincy and wicket-keeping experience.

For Burgundy and Black's second game the batting order will be completely changed again, and we'll advise of details on the day.

Black
Liam Brown (wk)
Gray Hardy
Mitchell Watts
Nathaniel Law
Jacob Scott
Dylan Stevenson
William Cole
Adrian Young
Kieran Young
Ryan Schierhout (wk game 2)
Benjamin Beecroft (c)
Toby Robb

Burgundy
Greg Vukets
Ashton Howard
Travis Van Gysen
Grant Celliers
Mitchell Bremner
Jack Clothier (c)
Ryan Quinn (wk game 2)
Jonty Hawkins
Angus McKenzie
Asher Robb (wk)
Keegan Russell

Unavailable
Jack Collinson

v Cornwall, November 29th

We have two matches against Cornwall "A" and Cornwall "B" on Sunday November 29th to be played at Melville Park in Epsom. The matches start at 9.00am, be there by 8.15am

Burgundy (to play Cornwall "A")
Toby Robb
Keegan Russell
Benjamin Beecroft
Angus McKenzie (c)
Ryan Schierhout
Asher Robb (wk)
Jack Clothier
Greg Vukets (wk)
Ryan Quinn
Kieran Young
Dylan Stevenson


Black (to play Cornwall "B")
Mitchell Bremner (wk)
Jack Collinson
Adrian Young
William Cole
Liam Brown
Mitchell Watts
Jonty Hawkins (wk)
Travis van Gysen (c)
Grant Celliers
Jacob Scott
Nathaniel Law
Gray Hardy

Unavailable:
Ashton Howard (injury)

You will need your normal kit, and CRICKET BOOK.

v Manukau: Results

Boys,

The weather wasn't very supportive of cricket today but you battled through it well.

Manukau turned up with two "even" teams so we adjusted Burgundy and Black before play to create two equally strong teams and you accepted those late team changes well.

Overall boys I think you had a good day. I thought the standard you played at was considerably higher than the inter-squad game - a good improvement - one of our main goals. Despite that, there is still plenty to improve on and learn, so read through the results below and try and learn from it.


Black's game

The Black team had an excellent all round day.

As with the Burgundy game, we batted first. The openers were solid and scored 30 off the first ten overs. By the 20th over we were on 70 with-out the loss of any wickets. Toby eventually retired for 40 off 84 balls, and Keegan scored 32 from 55 balls.

Benjamin batting at number three scored an excellent 41ret from 35 balls which accelerated the scoring. He was followed by Ashton 15n.o. (15) and Greg 22n.o (15) who produced an ideal last partnership leading to a very good score of 188/3 from 40 overs.

The batting learning points are that early in the innings we need to work on turning the strike over by looking for singles and we need to always be aware of the game situation and the fact that we need to change our play in different situations. For example, if our coach wants us to pick up the run rate and play more aggressively, that is what we must do, not worry about getting out.

The running between the wickets also needs work. We need more backing up and positively looking for any opportunity to turn a "dot ball" into a single and single into a two.

You bowled Manukau out for 102, a great effort with what was by then a wet, slippery ball. There was some top bowling from Travis, 3 overs, 2-8, Mitchell Bremner, 2 overs, 2-4, Jacob, 2 overs, 2-4.

The fielding appeared to be very good, you seemed to be concentrating well and you were rewarded with three run-outs and took some good catches. The team was well led by Travis and assisted by Benjamin.

I think at times we tried to bowl too fast and that resulted in us bowling too short, which gifted them runs. I would rather you bowl too full than too short. We'd like to see the pace bowlers trying to bowl a good length to a full length on our outside the off stump.

Before the game we talked about values, one of which was respect and the other sportsmanship. I was very pleased to see that in action today, for example, when you clapped Manukau's best batsman off the field after he was out and after he had batted well.

Overall this was a very good performance though and you should be proud of yourselves.

North Harbour Black 188/3 in 40 overs.
Manukau 102 all out in 27 overs.


Burgundy's game

Burgundy batted first and struggled early on in the face of some good, tight bowling. Generally speaking, 30 off the first 10 overs is a minimum target, but it took us until the 16th over to reach 30 and by then we were two down.

Ryan Schierhout came in at number four and scored an excellent 45 ret from 48 balls which provided some great momentum to the innings. Asher 20 (27), Kieran 22n.o. (54), and Nathaniel 23n.o (36) finished the innings well and we ended up with a very respectable 150 from our 40 overs, although I think we could have pushed it more in the final five overs.

The batting learning points, as with Black, are that we need to work on turning the strike over by looking for singles, particularly early in the innings, and we need to always be aware of the game situation and the fact that we need to change our play in different situations. In particular, we need to pick up the scoring rate when the game requires us to.

The bowling and fielding effort started reasonable well with Manukau restricted to 25 off ten overs. However,as the rain fell, and the ball got soaked, it made bowling very difficult. Manukau were able to both pick up their run rate and conserve their wickets. To give Manukau credit they batted well as they turned the strike over and put the bad ball away.

There were some very good bowling performances amongst our bowlers, Kieran 4 overs, 3-18, Asher 2 overs, 0-2, Jack 2 overs, 0-5, Ryan Quinn, 4 overs 0-7, Jonty 2 overs 1-3 however Manukau comfortable reached the target in the 35th over.

The fielding/bowling points: I saw too much short bowling, which was easily picked off. The same comments as for Black apply: pitch it up.

The fielding was reasonable, but I think that you need to make sure you are concentrating on the game and are staying fully "switched on" for the whole game. The conditions were difficult, but you need to focus on the job.

Overall though, again, a good improvement from the inter-squad and while, of course, we want to win games, it is the improvement we are looking for.

North Harbour Burgundy 150 in 40 overs.
Manukau, 150/5 in 35 overs.


A big thanks to the Coaches "on duty" today, Layne, Grant and Peter, to the scorers - Peter Robb - a full game, Matt Hawkins and Kelvin Stevenson with a half game each, and the umpires including Layne, Grant, Peter and Dave Vukets.

v. Manukau, November 15th

The two games against Manukau will be played on November 15th. The matches are to be held at Sunnynook Park.

There is car-parking in the car-park off Sunnynook Road.

We are intending to get started at 9:00am, so please be there by 8:15am at the latest. We intend to be finished by about 1.30pm.

Burgundy (to play Manukau "A")
Dylan Stevenson
Ryan Quinn
Benjamin Beecroft
Angus McKenzie (c)
Ryan Schierhout
Gray Hardy
Mitchell Bremner (wk)
Asher Robb (wk)
Kieran Young
Adrian Young
Liam Brown

Black (to play Manukau "B")
Toby Robb
Keegan Russell
Jacob Scott
Grant Celliers
Ashton Howard
Greg Vukets (wk)
Jonty Hawkins (wk)
Mitchell Watts
Jack Collinson
Travis van Gysen (c)
Nathaniel Law

Unavailable
Jack Clothier
William Cole

Make sure you bring your CRICKET BOOK, whites, your full gear bag, hats, sun cream and plenty of water.

Inter-squad photo's

Many many thanks to Kevin Russell for getting these shots for us.

Note: double click on the slide show and it will open up in a new window showing all the photo's which you can then enlarge, making it easier to see.

Inter-squad game

We had some great weather today and the boys were able to show some of their potential. Black batted first and there was some good tight bowling from Grant and Liam which saw Black struggling at 22/3. A couple of good partnerships followed with Benjamin (30) , Asher (14) and Jack Clothier (22) getting Black back into the game, although Black were eventually dismissed for 111 in the 31st over. Greg and Ryan Q finished with a couple of wickets (both 2-7) and Angus, Toby and Gray had very economical figures. The catching was stunning, one in particular from Jacob, and some other fantastic catches were taken.

The main lesson to learn is to make sure you use up all of your available overs in the future.

Burgundy started well with a solid opening partnership that saw Angus (24) and Toby (6) retire after ten overs. The bowling from Adrian and Travis was tight. The "two Ryan's" batted well before both retired with 21 and 18 respectively. There was some other good tight bowling through this period from Ashton, Jack Clothier, Asher and Benjamin, and Keegan chimed in with 2-15. Burgundy though eventually passed the Black score in the 32nd over for a good win.

Black created many chances but there were several catches dropped. Ultimately this was the difference. Catches win matches.

Black 111 all out in 31 overs
Burgundy 113/3 in 32 overs

A big thanks to the coaches, umpires (Kelvin and Leon), and scorers (Jos and Lisa), Bill for the fine BBQ, and Sarah for providing the medical kit.

A little bit of cricketing "homework" boys, try and learn the main fielding positions shown by the red dot on the image below.




A good day had by all and well done to all the boys and parents and I'll be seeing you all again soon.

Inter-squad game: November 1 2009 @ Wainoni Park North, Greenhithe

The inter-squad game is to be held at Wainoni Park North, in Greenhithe, off Churchouse Rd. We are playing on Field 1 - the bottom field closest to the road.

We are looking to get started at 9:00am, so please be there by 8:30am at the latest. This will be a 35 over game played under NHY6 Saturday rules. We intend to be finished by about 1pm.




View Larger Map


The Teams

Grant & Daryl’s XII
Angus McKenzie
Toby Robb
Ryan Quinn
Gray Hardy
Ryan Schierhout
Jacob Scott
Kieran Young
Greg Vukets (wk)
Jonty Hawkins (wk)
Mitchell Watts
Grant Celliers
Liam Brown

Layne & Peter’s XII
Dylan Stevenson
Keegan Russell
Mitchell Bremner (wk)
Benjamin Beecroft
William Cole
Asher Robb (wk)
Jack Clothier
Jack Collinson
Ashton Howard
Nathaniel Law
Travis Van Gysen
Adrian Young

Please let me know if you are unavailable as soon as possible to allow me to organise replacements. Make sure you bring whites, your full gear bag, hats, sun cream and plenty of water.

North Harbour Year 6 squad: 2009/2010

The North Harbour Year 6 squad of 24 boys has been selected. Firstly, for those of you who didn’t make the squad this year, don’t worry. Many cricketers weren’t involved in rep teams until they were older including Shane Warne, for example, who was 15 when he was first involved in rep cricket. You guys are only 10.

I will be keeping a regular eye on all boys through-out the coming season and seeing how you progress. I will also need to bring boys into the squad from time to time as injuries and other commitments will mean that the squad is short of players.

It is also worth being aware that with-in two years (PSB – Year 8) we’ll be looking for a squad of 48 players to play in the Auckland regional tournament. There are plenty of opportunities to come.

If you can take two things away from the trials, the first is to make sure you continue to enjoy your cricket. The second is that, in order to really making a big improvement, it is a great idea to start working hard on your technique – particularly batting technique. It is then a matter of practice, practice, practice, play, and enjoy.

Thanks and have a wonderful season.
North Harbour Year 6: 2009 / 2010

Adrian Young (Hibiscus Coast)
Angus Mckenzie (North Shore)
Asher Robb (East Coast Bays)
Ashton Howard (North Shore)
Benjamin Beecroft (East Coast Bays)
Dylan Stevenson (East Coast Bays)
Grant Celliers (East Coast Bays)
Gray Hardy (North Shore)
Greg Vukets (East Coast Bays)
Jack Clothier (East Coast Bays)
Jack Collinson (North Shore)
Jacob Scott (East Coast Bays)
Jonty Hawkins (Birkenhead)
Keegan Russell (Takapuna)
Kieran Young (East Coast Bays)
Liam Brown (Kumeu)
Mitchell Bremner (North Shore)
Mitchell Watts (North Shore)
Nathaniel Law (Birkenhead)
Ryan Schierhout (East Coast Bays)
Ryan Quinn (East Coast Bays)
Toby Robb (North Shore)
Travis Van Gysen (East Coast Bays)
William Cole (North Shore)
To those boys who have made the squad, congratulations, there is a lot of talent amongst you. I'll be in contact shortly with details regarding our inter-squad game on Sunday November 1st.

Craig Beecroft

Second trial: Thursday October 22nd

The second trial is confirmed for Thursday October 22nd: 4.30pm to 6.00pm at the Massey University, Albany nets. Please be there by 4.15pm.

The players to attend are:
Alex Kelly
Conaugh Jacob
Giles La Ville
Greg Vukets
Jack Clothier
Jack Collinson
Jacob Scott
Jonty Hawkins
Joshua Simpson
Max Dewe
Mitchell Watts
Nathaniel Law
Nick Francis
Tom Barham

We look forward to seeing you all there.

Preliminary NH Yr 6 Match Schedule

Confirmed fixtures

Sunday November 1st: Inter-squad game; @ Wainoni Park. Greenhithe, time tba

Sunday November 15th: v Manukau; @ Sunnynook Park, Sunnynook, time tba

Sunday November 29th: v Cornwall; @ Melville Park, Epsom, time tba

Sunday December 13th: A possible date for another match although this will be subject to parents views.


Post Christmas Preliminary Match Schedule

A team from the squad will be selected to attend the Wanganui tournament.

Sunday January 3rd: v Taranaki; in Taranaki (Warm-up game)

Monday January 4th to 7th: Wanganui Tournament

Sunday Trial Time change, Cricket Bats

Sunday Trial Time

The Sunday trial times were originally listed as being from 10.30am to 1.30pm. Please note that the times are now Sunday: 1.30pm to 4.30pm.


Your Cricket Bat

As the new season approaches, some of you may be thinking about getting a new bat. If you are, I have a couple of suggestions.

Firstly, the bat should be made of English Willow. English Willow is far superior to any other wood type. Try and stay away from Kashmir Willow. With a good bat, you get value for your shots. With a poor bat, you can play a good shot, and the ball will not leave the bat with any power.

Secondly, bat size, don't ever get a bat that is too big with a view to "growing into it". If anything a bat should be slightly smaller than what you need. The size you choose depends upon how it feels to you, your height and strength.

The problem with a bigger bat is often, if you're not physically up to handling it, you have less bat speed and you will find the ball is past you before you've completed your shot. You'll also lack control and finesse, and not be able to play a range of shots as effectively.

With a smaller bat you are likely to get greater "bat speed" through the ball and the bat speed propels the ball away.

I know a boy (and his father) who last season thought the boy needed a new bat. He used a Size 3, so of course they got him got a Size 5 thinking if he was ready for a Size 4 then he may as well get a Size 5. Champs told him they didn't really think he needed a new bat. He swung it around in the shop and was really happy with it. After he'd knocked it in and had a few net sessions he played a few games and his timing was completely out (as was he cheaply a few times). He's now back using the Size 3, still not ready for the Size 5, and probably won't be until next year at the earliest.

Buy English Willow, and don't get a bat that is too big.

North Harbour Year 6 trial details

The purpose of North Harbour Year 6 representative cricket is to provide the boys with the opportunity to experience representative cricket, encourage player development and ensure player enjoyment.

I am currently arranging approximately eight (8) games for the squad against other regional teams and other Auckland Club teams. The games will be held on a Sunday during the period November to December this year, and February to March 2010. A team will also attend the "Wanganui" tournament in late January 2010.

In this first year of representative cricket I am seeking to select a group of boys that have the potential to be developed over the coming years. The key attributes I am looking for are therefore:

* Talent and potential,
* Positive attitude and enthusiasm,
* Good technique

The trials are to be held at the Massey University, Albany, indoor net facility which is contained within the Recreation Centre.

The trials will begin with a basic fielding session followed by a general net session where all boys will bat and bowl. The boys will need to wear their whites and have their full gear bag with them.

I'd like all boys to arrive 15 minutes prior to the commencement of the session and take a seat one level above the nets at the back of the training area.

I look forward to seeing you all there.

Saturday October 17th, 10.30am to 12.00pm
Conaugh JacobsGreg Nimmo
Jack Clothier
Jacob Scott
Jarrod Fish
Jasper Edgar
Keegan Russell
Logan Parkinson
Mitchell Bremner
Mitchell Watts
Nathaniel Law
Ryan Quinn
Tom Barham


Saturday October 17th, 12.00pm to 1.30pm
Angus Mckenzie
Benjamin Beecroft
Caleb Hogan
Dylan Stevenson
Greg Vukets
Jonty Hawkins
James Maber
Joey Barnett
Mathew HansonNathan Curran
Ryan SchierhoutThomas Rangihuna
Trent Baker



Sunday October 18th, 1.30pm to 3.00pm
Alex Kelly
Asher Robb
Ashton Howard
Campbell Knowles
Corbin CantelJonathon Kemp
Keiran Young
Max DeweTimothy Henderson
Timothy Morton-Jones
William Cole


Sunday October 18th, 3.00pm to 4.30pm
Adrian Young
Brandon Le Gros
Ethan Schaumkel
Giles La Ville
Grant Celliers
Gray Hardy
Jack Collinson
Liam Brown
Matthew Cox
Nick Francis
Toby Robb
Travis Van Gysen

Once the first series of trials are completed, further trial(s) may be called. Details will be provided in due course.

Craig Beecroft, Convenor

North Harbour Year 6 trialists 2009/2010

The boys listed below have been nominated by their Clubs to trial for the North Harbour Year 6 squad for 2009/2010. A squad of 24 boys will be selected.
The trials will be held in October, with details to follow.

Nominees:Adrian Young
Angus Mckenzie
Alex Kelly
Asher Robb
Ashton Howard
Benjamin Beecroft
Brandon Le GrosCaleb Hogan
Campbell Knowles
Conaugh Jacob
Corbin Cantel
Dylan Stevenson
Ethan Schaumkel
Giles La Ville
Grant Celliers
Gray Hardy
Greg NimmoGreg Vukets
Jack Clothier
Jack Collinson
Jacob Scott
James Keene
James Maber
Jarrod Fish
Jasper Edgar
Joey BarnettJonathon Kemp
Jonty Hawkins
Keegan Russell
Keiran Young
Liam Brown
Logan Parkinson
Mathew HansonMatthew Cox
Max Dewe
Mitchell Bremner
Mitchell Watts
Nathan Curran
Nathaniel Law
Nick Francis
Ryan Schierhout
Ryan Quinn
Thomas Rangihuna
Tim HendersonTimothy Morton-Jones
Toby Robb
Tom Barham
Travis Van Gysen
Trent Baker
William Cole

Craig Beecroft

Welcome to NH Yr 6 2009/2010

I'm Craig Beecroft, and I am the North Harbour Cricket Year 6 Convenor for the 2009/2010 season.

I'm "taking over" this blog from Rupert Lewis, who has moved onto the role of Year 7 Convenor.

I'm in the early stages of planning for the season ahead. Some of that work includes organising trials, selecting a squad, and organising representative games for the squad over the Summer.

The work on organising the trials and receiving nominations has commenced, and I'll be sure to stay in touch through this blog.

I hope you are all looking forward to what should be a fantastic season ahead!

Games v. Northland (Summary)

Northland turned on the BBQ and the weather for a great day of cricket for our last game of the season. Everyone made the two hour trip in good spirits and the boys looked excited and keen to show off the skills they have developed over the season.

Northland have not had the opportunities that our boys have had and it was a credit to them that they were able to organise two teams from a large region. They were clearly excited about the chance of playing their first representative game and were a really enthusiastic bunch who played the game in the right spirit and kept fighting to the end.

At the end of the day, we had won both of our games easily and I was impressed by the way that we went about winning the games. We have come a cropper a couple of times this season against teams that we shouyld have beaten and it was satisfying that the boys concentrated and saw out the victories in both games. We played the full 30 overs, even though we had won the game, and it was great to see that this fact did not stop the Northland boys from giving 100%.

Andrew's XI
Northland batted first and there was a flurry of early wickets which had everyone thinking that it might be over sooner rather than later. However, they mustered well and one of their boys, Jake, set about going after our short pitch bowling. We were playing on full wickets and boundaries and many of the boys were not used to this, so it took a while to get our bowling lengths sorted. However, we did and Angus Nicoll and Steven Newey finished off a very strong end to the season with a fine bowling performances. The bowling was backed up by some very fine fielding - 10 catches and a run out! Having toppled their batting order in the 23rd over, we offered them the opportunity of making sure that everyone got a good bat and went on to 30 overs - which is why they ended up with 94/11.

It was a total that could have caused us a headache or two - the danger was that we would get bogged down thinking that we had plenty of time and not knock the runs off. However, Matt Strain and Chris Woodard started superbly and ticked the score over with some aggressive running between the wickets. After 10 overs we were 48/1 and were well on our way - in the end we were only to lose three wickets and managed to score 159 in our 30 overs. Everyone got a bat, even Faisal - who kept telling me he was never going to get a bat at number 11!

Northland 94/11 (Angus Nicoll 2/5, Steven Newey 2/7, Donald Coleman 1/13, Harry Bartlett 1/3, Rory Douglas 1/13, Chris Woodard 1/6, Matt Strain 1/9 and Luke Dewar 1/4) North Harbour Andrew 158/3 (Chris Woodard 32, Matt Strain 12, Kieran Seedal 22*, Rory Douglas 17*, Donald Coleman 11*)

Colin's XI
A similar story was unfolding on the other pitch although the wickets were not tumbling quite as quickly. The bowling and fielding was good, as the young Northland side struggled to get to grips with the higher level of cricket. A very creditable performance by Northland and, in particular, one young lad, Lewis, who fought bravely and retired on 33*. Everyone contributed in some way, however, they lasted the 30 overs and with 3 wickets in hand and it would have been nice to have bowled them out.

When it came to batting, we needed 93 to win from our 30 overs, this is the sort of total (as above) that can be awkward. We started slowly and probably could have learnt from Andrew's XI about pushing the singles. That being said, Northland were throwing themselves around in the field and did very well to keep the pressure on and Scotty Gannaway and Evan Cronje gave us a good start when we did not want to lose early wickets. They had some useful bowlers but, once our boys started to get on top, it was just a matter of time. As with the other game, everyone got a chance to bat, even though the game was finished by the 19th over. At the end of the innings we had scored 176/3 with some really strong batting performances from Evan Cronje, Eru Hudson, Max Lewis, Bjorn Wojt, Cole Briggs and Asher Robb.

Northland 92/7 (Bronson Marshall 1/6, Max Lewis 1/2, Evan Cronje 1/11, Jack Stevenson 2/12, Sam Hinds 1/14 and Cole Briggs 1/6) North Harbour Colin 176/3 (Scott Gannaway 12, Evan Cronje 27*, Eru Hudson 17*, Max Lewis 25*, Cole Briggs 12*, Bjorn Wojt 25* and Asher Robb 18*)

And finally ...
At the start of the day I asked the boys for two things - firstly, I wanted them to finish the season on a high with some good cricket and secondly, and most importantly, I wanted them to enjoy themselves. I am very happy to report that both were "ticked off". It has been a privelage to work with the boys over the season, they have been like sponges. I looked at the Northland sides and saw us about six months ago and then looked at how far they have come over this time. This is down to hard work from the boys and the commitment from you, the parents. It was a great way to end the season and hopefully you all have enjoyed it as much as I have. When I glanced over at Andrew's XI and saw that they had 8 slips and a gully in position for the final over, I gathered that they might be enjoying themselves a little bit.

Finally, I would like to thank Don Hastie and Colin Marshall, without whom it would have been a complete nightmare. We worked together as a team and discussed, sometimes late in to the night, technical (and not so technical) issues. Don't let them fool you in to thinking that they were back room staff - none of this would have been possible without them. Equally, Sue/Andrew/Nigel/Peter/Chris as scorers/umpires/photographers and you guys as support on the sidelines have been fantastic - do not underestimate the importance that you have all had on the development of the team.

Right! 2008/2009 Season is now officially closed - see you all in a couple of months time!

All the best,

Rupert

Gazebo?

Apparently one of the pitches we are playing on does not have any shade - if anyone has a gazebo shade thing and wants to bring it up, that would be great.

Games v. Northland (29 March 2009)

We are all go for this Sunday's game against Northland up at Kensington Park, Whangarei - the start time will be 10:30am, so we will need to try and be there for around 10:00am. I realise that this means an early start and it looks like a few people are looking at starting very early (7:00am - 7:30am) and then stopping at the BP Service Station (coffee) and then in Wellsford (breakfast) or something similar.

Kensington Park is massive, so the directions we have are: Entering Whangarei (Gull petrol station on left) stay on SH1 for approx 5kms (past Burger King on right) still on SH1 (aka"western Hills By-pass), as the dual lanes get to top of hill, turn right into Kensington Avenue (park should now be on your left). Just after the netball courts turn left into Park Avevue, past the new athletics track and you will see the Marist Rugby Club on your left - pull in to the carpark and you will no doubt see us/them hovering around there.

We will be using the Inter-Squad teams as the basis for these games and Colin Marshall and Andrew Nicoll will be managing these teams:

Colin's XI
Asher Robb
Bjorn Wojt
Bronson Marshall
Cole Briggs
Eru Hudson (Capt)
Evan Cronje
Jack Stevenson
Kit Freeman
Max Lewis
Sam Hinds
Scott Gannaway

Andrew's XI
Angus Nicoll
Chris Woodard
Donald Coleman
Faisal Ganchi
Harry Bartlett
Jake Skellern
Kieran Seedall
Luke Dewar
Matt Strain (Capt)
Rory Douglas
Steven Newey


Unavailable
Reid Hastie
Ben Reidy
Oliver Peterson

Inter-Squad Game (Slideshow)

... fantastic day!

Inter-Squad Game (22nd March) - BBQ

BBQ Update - I think that this is going to be quite difficult to organise effectively at this stage, so will just say that there will be a BBQ available and we will leave that everyone should bring their own (particularly if they are bringing the family or have special dietary requirements) and I will try and make sure that we have sasuages and bread for the players to have something after the game.

Inter-Squad Game (22nd March)

The inter-squad game will be selected from the following players:

Asher Robb
Angus Nicoll
Bjorn Wojt
Bronson Marshall
Chris Woodard
Cole Briggs
Connor Stuart
Donald Coleman
Eru Hudson
Evan Cronje
Faisal Ganchi
Jack Stevenson
Jake Skellern
Kieran Seedall
Kit Freeman
Luke Dewar
Matt Strain
Max Lewis
Oliver Peterson
Rory Douglas
Sam Hinds
Steven Newey

Unavailable
Reid Hastie (Umpire)
Ben Reidy
Harry Bartlett

Season 2008/9 - Part 2.1.1.1

Sunday 22nd March; Inter-Squad Game @ Devonport Domain #4 (9am Start)

Sunday 29th March; Games v. Northland @ Kensington Park, Whangarei (TBC)

Please keep an eye on this, as it will change!

Games v. Western Districts (15 March 2009 Slideshow)

Once again a big thanks to Chris. I keep forgetting to thank him in advance at the games but, as always, he brightens up my chat. The only photo opportunity he missed was the "Family Umpire" ... Don and reid umpiring at the same time from the same end on different pitches (obviously). Would have been great to have got them both giving a batsman out at the same time - Chris you need to think about these opportunities or at least get photoshop working all night!

Games v. Western Districts (Summary)

Before the game we spoke about how we wanted to do the basics right and how important it was that we worked together as a team. I am extremely proud to say that boys took everything we discussed on board today with both teams producing excellent performances. We will come across stronger sides than Western Districts but, we still need to work hard at our game to make sure that we play effectively and put these teams to the sword. This we did today and everyone contributed in some form or another. Well done to you all.

North Harbour Black

Having been beaten by this side a couple of weeks ago, there are a couple of ways that a team can react. Fortunately, North Harbour has the type of boys who know that they can do better and this was a particularly impressive performance. I have noted, in previous blogs, that the key to success lies in the strength of the team. We really proved this today with everyone giving their all in the field and in supporting their team mates.

The bowling was good although we did just lose a little focus after the drinks break and, if I was being hyper critical, I would still target the 18 wides and 9 no balls as an area that I would want us to work on. However, that aside, we seemed to take a wicket every 10 runs and at drinks we had them 68/6 but, like I said, the time after drinks is such a key period - you can either kill off the game or let them back in ... and we did the latter. Nothing dramatic but, at 82/8 it would have been nice to keep them under 100. Everyone bowled well and it was good to see Jake Skellern (2/11), and Connor Stuart (3/14) take wickets. As always, Angus Nicoll (1/27), Asher Rob (1/18) and Faisal (1/6) bowled with fire and brimstone - nothing better than quick bowlers charging in and hitting the deck hard.

We were left with a chase of 124 and Kit Freeman (15), Connor Stuart (24) and Kieran Seedal (26) did the majority of the damage - at 108/3 it left a little mopping up by the rest of the team with everyone doing what was asked of them. What was particularly impressive, was the way we were able to move things on - we did get bogged down but, just after the break we began to enjoy ourselves - like I said above, the break can be crucial and this time we used it to our favour and we finished the game off in the 25th over.

Once again a big thanks to Connor Stuart and Scott Gannaway for stepping in - both of whom have represented North Harbour a couple of times and have shown the strength in depth that North Harbour have. Scott Gannaway bowled and fielded very well but, did not get a chance to show his batting skills and Connor Stuart, as you will have read, had an excellent all round game - well done!

Western Districts B 124 All Out (Angus Nicoll 1/27, Faisal Ganchi 1/6, Asher Robb 1/18, Jake Skellern 2/11, Harry Bartlett 1/6, Connor Stuart 3/14) North Harbour Black 125/6 (Kit Freeman 15, Connor Stuart 24, Kieran Seedall 26)

North Harbour Black won by 4 wickets

North Harbour Burgundy

Batting first, having won the toss, Eru Hudson and Donald Coleman lead the team out with hopes of reaching the dizzy heights of 200 plus like our last game against Western Districts. This time it was not to be, they had strengthened their side and, had they not dropped so many catches, could have had us in a great deal more trouble. Eru was run out to a decision that I would have liked to have seen referred to the third umpire but, this is cricket and you are always going to get decisions that you don't agree with. Eru took it on the chin and to be fair the umpire was in a better position to see than we were. This meant that Chris Woodard was brought to the middle earlier than we would have liked. Chris has had good club form and for no real reason, struggled a bit at NH, so it was great to see him bat well and score a classy 24. At the other end Donald was peppering their fielders and made a useful 16 but, needs to learn to keep the ball on the ground.

Evan Cronje, similarly looking for NH form, and Steven Newey put on an excellent partnership and moved us to 84 before Evan (18) was bowled. After the departure of Evan and then Steven (25) we lost our way a bit and, credit to Western Districts, they really put the pressure on us. Our target total kept dropping ... 170 - 160 - 140 - 120!

Finally, we were turned over for 118 and we knew that we were going to have to bowl and field well. However, this is not a side that gives up easily and our strength throughout the season has been in this area. The boys did not disappoint! As is becoming our trademark, we put on a really spirited performance in the field. Right from the first ball we were on target and by drinks (17th over) they were 27/3. Everyone bowled well and the fielding was of the high standard that I have, almost, come to expect. At the end of the game, we had given away only 9 extras. It is difficult to single anyone out in particular but, Steven Newey and Chris Woodard both had double wicket maidens. However, the bowling figures were all outstanding and we bowled them out for 62.

I spoke to their coach afterwards and he talked about their missed chances, in particular early in our innings, but he had to admit that our bowling and fielding gave them absolutely nothing - they just could not get in to the game because we gave them nothing to hit.

North Harbour Burgundy 118 All Out (Donald Coleman 16, Chris Woodard 24, Steven Newey 25, Evan Cronje 18) Western Districts A 62 All Out (Oliver Peterson 1/12, Steven Newey 2/2, Max Lewis 1/14, Bronson Marshall 1/1, Jack Stevenson 1/14, Chris Woodard 2/0, Donald Coleman 1/4)

North Harbour won by 56 runs

Season 2008/9 - Part 2

Unfortunately, it looks like our games against Northland and Hamilton will not now be happening. So that leaves us with the game this weekend against Western Districts ... however, I have managed to book Devonport Domain #4 (grass wicket) for the 22nd March and would like to finish the season with an inter-squad game.

I think that this would be an appropriate way to finish as this is how it started way back in October. What I would like to do is to mix the teams up and make sure that those that have not had much of a bat get to do so and similarly, those that have not bowled get a good chance to show what they can do. I might try and get the BBQ down there and perhaps, we can have a drink and a sausage after the game - let me know what you think.

For this weekend, we will make any calls on weather by 7am to allow for travelling time to Rosebank Road. Keep an eye on the old blog - only a few more weeks to go and you can get rid of me!

Games v. Western Districts (15 March 2009)

This Sunday's game will be played at Eastdale Reserve in Avondale. We are looking at starting at 8:30am, so will need you guys there for just before 8am. Once again, if this changes or if the weather starts looking grim, I will keep you updated through the blog.

Bad news, I am afraid: Reid has broken his thumb and will be out for the rest of the season. I am sure that you will all join with me in wishing him a speedy recovery and hope that he will still come and cheer us on from the sidelines. This is a big loss to both North Harbour and ECB White, he has been a great captain, player and team mate - it has been a pleasure to have him in the squad. Further to this, I have just heard that Ben Reidy will be out for the rest of the season as well - equally, I would like to thank him for his valuable contribution to the squad. Fortunately we have no one else with "Reid" in their names, so we should be OK for the rest of the season.

North Harbour Burgundy
Eru Hudson (Captain)
Sam Hinds
Chris Woodard
Jack Stevenson
Evan Cronje
Oliver Peterson
Donald Coleman
Bronson Marshall
Cole Briggs (wk)
Max Lewis
Steven Newey

North Harbour Black
Angus Nicoll (Captain)
Kit Freeman
Kieran Seedall
Rory Douglas (wk)
Harry Bartlett
Jake Skellern
Bjorn Wojt
Asher Robb
Faisal Ganchi
Connor Stuart
Scott Gannaway

Unavailable
Reid Hastie
Matt Strain
Ben Reidy
Luke Dewar

Games v. Western Districts (Slideshow)

My blog would be a very boring place if it wasn't for Chris Newey's photographic skills - I would like to thank him personally for his commitment to making this season's blog a much more interesting place to visit. Please remember that he misses half of Steven's game to take these photos - so don't be frightened going up to him at games and thanking him.

Games v. Western Districts (Summary)

North Harbour Burgundy

What a difference two weeks make! I kept going on about it but, you guys looked like cricketers - you were organised, sharp, worked well as a team and looked like you were enjoying it. Excellent effort by everyone and in particular congratulations to Sam Hinds for a fantastic 50.

We won the toss and Reid Hastie decided to bat; a brave decision on a wet wicket/outfield particularly as, second ball, he was castled by one that kept low and skidded off the surface . However, the belief was in our ability to defend a total and it was justified as a good decision (unfortunately he was forced to leave the field early with a dislocated thumb and was not there at the end to enjoy his team's success) - we all hope that it is not too serious and he will be back soon.

Eru Hudson, who looked much better than his total suggested, Steven Newey (15) and Matt Strain (10) made useful contributions. But, it was the partnership(s) that Jack Stevenson (48 Not Out) and Sam Hinds (57 Not Out) put together that allowed us to score an incredible 205 of our 35 overs.

Western Districts were left with a massive 6 an over required run rate to win. They were never really in it and were finally bowled out for 73 in the 31st over. We were very good in the field, with some excellent ground fielding (3 run outs) and some fine catching. Everyone bowled really well - if I was being hyper critical; there were a few too many wides and I would like these to be eliminated from our bowling. However, that aside, Jack Stevenson can be proud of his day's work with 4 wickets to add to his batting. All the other bowlers were miserly (Bronson Marshall (0/7 from 5 overs) Eru Hudson (0/4 from 3 overs)) and it was good to see Max Lewis, Steven Newey and Chris Woodard all chip in with wickets.

All in all, a very fine performance by a team that looked like they were enjoying their cricket and showed the potential that they have. A very promising sign for the future of North Harbour cricket.

North Harbour Burgundy 205/9 from 35 overs (Sam Hinds 57 Not Out, Jack Stevenson 48 Not Out, Matt Strain 10, Steven Newey 15) Western Districts A 73 All Out (Jack Stevenson 4/14, Max Lewis 1/3, Steven Newey 1/10, Chris Woodard 1/11)

North Harbour won by 132 runs

North Harbour Black

The step between club cricket and representative cricket requires either regular exposure or developing a strong team bond - preferably both. Unfortunately, North Harbour Black has lacked the consistency of a regular side and a recent weather affected club season, so it has been difficult to build on the obvious skills that they all have individually and create a really strong competitive unit. This being said, I thought that they did extremely well today and set the Western District side a good total, which would have been much better if they had taken all the singles on offer. However, at a required rate of 4 an over, the bowlers and fielders need to really be on their best game and we bowled too many loose and wide balls.

We started off batting steadily (Kit Freeman, Connor Stuart, Luke Dewar, Rory Douglas and Kieran Seedall all looked very comfortable - until they got themselves out) but, really needed to push on and put some pressure on the field. I have said it before, and will say it again (I am sure!), we must look at turning dot balls in to 1's and 1's in to 2's. The running between the wickets was poor and we were still going at just over 3.5 per over after 28 overs. However, Jake Skellern (21) and Bjorn Wojt (20) finally put on the afterburners and we gave our bowlers something the work with. Donald Coleman (18) and Asher Robb (11) were the next highest scorers but, everyone looked like they were in good form and it is just a case of what could have been if we had pushed the score along and run hard.

So with a "par" total of 145, we needed to bowl full and straight. Unfortunately, despite Colin's plea at the start, it took us till too late to realise this. We bowled too many wides and too many short balls - they ran well, particularly in the middle of their innings. At the end they had wickets in hand and, despite some full bowling (finally) from Asher Robb (2/14) and Bjorn Wojt (1/17), they were able to have a swing and, on a small pitch, knocked the runs off with ease.

So lessons to learn; our strength is in our team and we must start working together as a unit. This means that we need to start running/calling better when we bat. Our fielding/bowling needs to take a step up and we cannot keep bowling wides and short stuff.

North Harbour Black 145 All Out (Jake Skellern 21, Bjorn Wojt 20, Donald Coleman 18 and Asher Robb 11) Western Districts B 149/4 (Asher Robb 2/14 and Bjorn Wojt 1/17)

Western Districts won by 6 wickets

Finally, well done to both captains (Reid Hastie and Ben Reidy) and for the Black team there is a chance for revenge (Burgundy need to not get cocky - you guys have set a very high benchmark!) in two weeks time; we have a re-match at their ground!