NDCC Yearbook 2026 - Flipbook - Page 43
U11’s Coach Jan Witheridge
It has been a genuine pleasure to manage the U11 side
this season. We played ten league matches between May
and August and finished as North Devon U11 League
2025 champions. The players improved match by match,
showed excellent sportsmanship, and made the season a
real joy. We played ten league fixtures and eight of those
were played in fine spirits with steady improvement
NDCC 2025 u11’s
throughout the campaign. Our batting depth was a real
strength — we were never all out in a league match — and we made a deliberate effort to give
everyone a chance to bowl and bat. The U11 rule allowing retired batters to return eased pressure
on the lower order and helped us rotate players so everyone gained valuable experience.
Captains: Stan Hill and Charlie Flood both deserve special mention for their leadership,
sportsmanship, and for ensuring teammates had opportunities. Wicketkeeping: At the start of the
season we had no keeper, so Charlie Flood stepped up and was ably supported by William
Spencer-Wortley. We were short of genuine U11 players at times and relied on the generosity of
Oliver’s U10s and the eligible U12 and U13 girls, who stepped in regularly and when needed.
Their support was crucial to raising a full side on many occasions.
Memorable Matches
Filleigh (narrow loss) — We lost by three runs in a thrilling game. With only ten players and a
short boundary we posted 120 and bowled superbly, with Josh Ratcliffe taking three wickets. Their
star batter returned and scored 37 of their 123, handing them a narrow victory. Despite the result,
it was arguably our best performance: intense, well-disciplined, and full of teamwork.
Barnstaple and Pilton (final match, favourite of the season) — A superb team performance with
excellent bowling restricting them to 68 for 9 in 20 overs. I reversed the batting order to give
everyone a chance and after a shaky start we recovered brilliantly. Jack Tamlyn led a lively
innings, joined by sister Emilia, and contributions from Max, Oli, and Sebastian completed a
perfect junior match: everyone bowled, everyone
Managing a junior team takes time, thought, and often sleepless nights. I am deeply grateful to
the parents for their support and to the volunteers who made the season possible.
Special thanks to:
• Dom Carter, U13 Manager, for cooperation across age groups.
• Oliver Spencer-Wortley and Dan Hill for practical help and stepping in when needed.
• Simon and Tania for their tireless work keeping the Junior Section thriving.
To the players: I am proud of your development, attitude, and manners. You earned your reward
this season and should be proud of winning the league.
Under 11’s Awards
Batting award: Ross Lynd
/
Bowling award: Stan Hill
Fielding award: Lewis Whitting
Spirit of Cricket: Billy Slee
/
/
Coaches Choice: Willow Nicholls
Players Player: Charlie Flood
Congratulations to every player, parent, and volunteer who made the 2025 season such a
success. It has been an absolute privilege to be part of this group.
Jan Witheridge and Dan Hill
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