Cricket coach praises Templepatrick youngsters

“It was a season that could, and probably should, have been all ours,” said Brown. “However, the boys can hold their heads up high for the exceptional improvement, team spirit and professionalism that they have shown. If we had started the season as we had finished it, I have no doubt that we would have gone on to win the league.”

The under-13s lost their first two games to Ballymena and Academy despite playing well on both occasions. The defeats put them on the back foot for the rest of the campaign leaving them to rely on other results going their way.

“We won our remaining four games in such a ruthless manner that the opposition never had a sniff of a chance. When the team ran out in their new Holm NI sponsored shirts for the final game to bowl Carrickfergus out for 28 runs they looked like a superb and professional outfit way beyond their age group. They proceeded to knock the runs off in five overs without losing a wicket,” said coach Brown.

The team’s bowling attack was spearheaded by the away swing of Andrew McAlmont who conceded just 28 runs during the entire season and the genuine pace of Jack Magee who took seven wickets at an average of 9.57.

Jonathan Ramsay also showed great control taking nine wickets at an average of 7.78 supported well by Owen Kirk, Scott Gault, Bruce Deyermond and Ryan McIlwaine.

With the bat it was Scott Gault who led the way at the top of the order racking up 81 runs at an average of 40.5 with an aggressive and hard-hitting style which consistently took away any pressure the opposition was trying to exert. McIlwaine (60 runs, averaging 20) and Magee (56 runs, averaging 28) were equally aggressive and Ramsay, Andrew McAlmont, Gerard Dargan and Deyermond were always ready to step up.

“This standard was achieved by putting in the hard work at weekly practice which was regularly attended by 20 or more players. Great credit must be given to all the boys for their efforts and dedication to improve their technical and tactical skills whilst maintaining a fun and relaxed atmosphere throughout,” added Brown.

Coach Brown thanked his assistants Mark Thompson and Jay Hunter and the players’ parents for their support and help with travel to away games.