Match report, Livi CC Under 14 away to Carlton Under 14

Encouragement in defeat for Livi Under 14s at Carlton

On a cold but bright evening at the Peffermill cricket oval, a gallant Livi CC under 14s lost by 66 runs to a skillful and experienced Carlton CC under 14s.

Livi turned up at the Edinburgh University ground with a couple of players short but were ready for the challenge after a winter of indoor nets and practice as well as having a number of players who have been receiving additional training at Eastern Knights and Forth Valley. Robert Burgess once again took the responsibility and honor of Under 14s captaincy; he subsequently won the toss and invited the opposition to bat.

Livi opened the bowling with the skip plus Arsh Jindal (who has also been playing a very high level of football this winter). Early wickets didn’t come but the bowling was tight and the quality of the opposition was high, with a number of powerful front foot shots bisecting the field. Livi fielding was a little cold, but most definitely improved upon last year. However, Arsh showed that second-sport-sharpness is part of a player’s development by being quick to the ball at midwicket and throwing down the stumps for a wonderful run out.

Wickets didn’t come until the introduction of Aditya Chary and Jagat Tatineni. Both bowled quick and accurately resulting in one LBW each as well as further scalps which were bowled. Further bowling excellence was given by Marc Vettese and Adit Gupta. Young Ryan Gordon fielded manfully in the deep on the on-side and saved a number of runs from getting to the boundary.

After the allotted 20 overs, Carlton set a challenging target of 165 to win having hit 164 for 7 wickets. Pick of the bowlers (actually all night) was Aditya with 3 overs, 3 wickets for 5 runs. Notable due to the change in format (come along on 2^nd May to learn more) was that there were only 14 wades bowled.

In response, Livi lost a few quick wickets. Opening were the left hand right hand combo of Ryan and Adit. Both got excellent balls from a very quick and accurate opening bowling attack and were bowled. Disappointment for each was clear, but the opposition were very good and should recall the words of Aditya at the top of the game: “we’ll win or we will learn”.

Jagat got a first ball duck, popping one up for an easy catch for mid-off. The under 12s skip will sleep on this and get over it. He is clearly a cricketer, fielding with aggression, in particular off his own bowling, and runs will also compliment his all round game as the season progresses.

Of particular delight and encouragement for the team was the performance of the middle order. Whilst England may have Stokes, Bairstow, Ali and Woakes….Livi have Aditja, Marc, Robert and Arsh….which is as much red hair as England but with more class.

Each of the batsmen played themselves in and played an excellent knock with some educated shots. Aditja hit two wonderful 6s and a further nine 4s were hit by thecollective middle order. Shout out for both Arsh and Marc who carried their bat through their allotted 20 balls…this not only supports the batsman at the other end but gives additional learning time in the middle. Arsh ended on an excellent 17 after his two innings (having been invited back as the sun was going down). The Livi coach had been seen to be harsh on Arsh referring to his preference for footy training over the cricket….and Arsh’s positive response was welcomed.

Livi CC ended their evening and the game with the run out of Arsh on 98 all out (albeit the umpire was signaling a no ball for the fielder’s chat during the run up and delivery stride but just gave up on that thought…it should have been a dead ball…or something)

Speaking afterwards, Livi CC coach David Vettese said “the kids were great tonight and clearly showed that the time spent over the winter practicing, listening and learning from Fraser, Bobby and Mark has subsequently been turned into runs and wickets. The new junior format for the under 14s is clearly working too…although its still early days to make conclusions…but the length of the wickets and the new shorter boundary made for a game. I am thoroughly pleased with every player’s performance and look forward to the next game….but let it be known I didn’t sleep well given that LBW decision ….”

Looking forward to the next game, DV continued: “We take a number of the u14s into the u12s match this Friday. I believe that the experiences they gain at this level will translate to more runs and wickets at u12s…we should look forward to Friday where the class shown will come out again. Stay classy scheme team”.

Next match for Livi under 12s is to the Grange at Dresselrigg on the 4^th of May. Entrance is free, chairs can be provided and the bar is open.

Next match for Livi under 14s is at Stewart-Melville’s at Inverleith on Monday the 7^th of May.