[by Giles Francis] The second ACC U13 UK tour has just finished. Here a report, more pictures may follow later. It was based at our old friends North Moreton CC- the kids staying with parents of our Moreton opponents (kindly coordinated by Ed and Vicky Squires, who hosted up to six boys!) & the dads camping on site just behind the cricket ground.
Our team played 7 games in 3 days, starting with a 'cricket clinic 'followed by a mixed game with Moreton; then on to Didcot for an evening game on their brand new playing field. The following day we played at Warborough (scene of the BBC tv series the Midsummer Night Murders) & then immediately to Goring on Thames for our evening game.
On the last day of the tour we played a 'fathers and sons' game before going off to a 15 overs a side match at East and West Hendred returning quickly for the evening Tappin Trophy tournament at Moreton.
I can only say that our team did us and ACC proud - our 10 boys and a girl (Lonna Balk) convincingly won every game they played against youth opposition. An astonishing achievement given that English youth sides play much more cricket than us & given our inexperience on grass wickets. ACC consistently 'raised their ' several levels and played for each other like tigers. Us dads watched all 11 of our players whilst swelling with pride!
It was also a fantastic cricket education to play on generally decent grass wickets, & for the boys to stay with English families. North Moreton did us a great favour which we can hopefully return one day.
But to each and every one of you who helped sponsor the tour (and Rick, who coordinated it)- our profound thanks. It would once again not have been possible without you. Many thank to the following members and friends who helped donate nearly 1.000 euro. Plus a special thanks to Jim Dukker, who flew over for the tour to coach the boys and did a great job.
Hopefully there will be another U13 tour next year- & we heard reports of a very successful 3-day clinic for the U11s at ACC- so much so that there will likely be a repeat at the end of this season.
All (tour) smiles: Rehan, Lonne en Jan.
