Topic: Your Season 2023 (Read 28718 times)

marsbug · « **Reply #180 on:** September 18, 2023, 08:57:07 AM »

Quote from: billyb on September 17, 2023, 11:44:37 PM

Thank you, I appreciate your kind words and support! I hope I find a good cricket team at some point soon, but I'm okay with it being when we eventually relocate elsewhere in the US. Maybe things will be better one day. In good news, it sounds like there is a chance I could play for Harvard, which would be pretty cool! I would be more protected because it is a university, too. Fingers crossed!

Best of luck with it! I hope it goes well.

cobweb1510 · « **Reply #181 on:** September 18, 2023, 09:30:34 PM »

I stopped updating on here through the season as Ollie was playing so much cricket it felt like I was spending a lot of time here, and updating myself! So I have gone for the season summary.

2023, 13 years old and a first season in the seniors.

Under 13s.
This has been tough, for surprising reasons. As I have posted before- it's a weak squad with Ollie as a stand out player. They play pairs cricket in a weak league. Ollie said he wanted to play when he was available as he gets to play with his friends. He played 5 games, out of 14 played. He scored 246 runs with a strike rate of 332. League top scorer. Wicket keeping stats not available. So why was it tough? Parents. Opposition parents complaining about him (despite having their own interleague players playing), and even some of our own have been a bit snotty about it. The problem is we don't have enough for an U11 team, so they are playing up in the 13s; and there is a loud and complaining parent of an U12 keeper who seems to think Ollie playing his own age group is disadvantaging his own son somehow. I've seen him hit a 6 and there be silence around the ground. To be completely fair- the coach was always good with him (I know they had some pressure applied), and the other players (at least on our team) enjoy playing with him and look up to him as a role model. To be honest, I'm glad he's leaving this behind, but he enjoyed the freedom to have fun with his friends.

Under 13 interleague
He made the best of the interleague team, which we were all delighted by (and a bit surprised by). He finished as the top keeper in his league (6 games, 5 catches, 4 stumpings), but was probably lighter on runs than he wanted to be with 93 runs. The higher quality bowling exposed weaknesses in his technique that he is working on. Meeting players of his own age, that are as good as he is, has been excellent for him. It's forced him to refocus and think bigger than the village cricket club. He's fit in well to a group that (despite being a new group) were effectively the interleague team for a different league last year and all knew each other. He's become part of the group, and fits in well.

Under 15s.
League champions!
Unfortunately play cricket stats are very incomplete for the season. I think Ollie finished top scorer in the team, or was at least close. His performances behind the stumps were consistently high quality. This is probably the area where Ollie enjoyed his cricket most. The boys are all good friends, having played together for 4/5 years as a small squad, but being older means there is also a level of challenge he enjoys. The team breaks up this season, as the boys go over age, and it's a shame there's no sensible U18 option open.

3rd XI.
League champions!
Top scorer for the team! 3rd top scorer in the league. 9 matches played, 208 runs scored at an average of 35. Strike rate of 75. 8 catches as wicket keeper.
This has been a great first season for Ollie. It was tough at first, with him both keeping and opening. He has moved to #3, and things seem to be better- although he insists he wants to open. What has been seen this year is his resilience and determination to improve, and you can see his scores reflect his gradual adapting to senior cricket. His scores have improved through the summer. What has been fantastic to see is his evolution from going out there and struggling to survive to an attacking batter looking to dominate bowling. He has hit 3 sixes, and 24 4s. His contributions have won games for the team- which has been incredible to watch. Most of the U15s also play in this team, which makes it a fun place to play cricket for him.

2nd XI
9 innings, 78 runs at an average of 10, with a top score of 23. Strike rate 46. 14 catches and a stumping.
This has been a tough summer in the 2nds. Saying that, Ollie loves it- he says he likes it better than the 3rds, but that might be ego talking! He really enjoys the extra focus and commitment from this group of players- he likes to take things very seriously sometimes! Similar to the interleague- the better quality bowling has challenged his batting technique. There have been a couple of times where you could see a bowler laying a plan against him. Less bad balls to attack (although 2 6s show he's capable), and tougher fielding is slowing his scoring. Luckily for him he is being incredibly well supported by those around him, and he's very happy. On the positive side, his glovework has been exemplary so it doesn't feel like there has been any pressure on his position in the team, with the club being happy to allow his batting to develop in time. He's bouncing around the order a little depending on player availability- from opening to as low as 7; but he seems fine with that.

1st XI
2 matches, did not bat.
A long drive to away cup fixtures made a number of 1st teamers mysteriously unavailable! Ollie was very nervous, but kept to the 1st team!

Overall, it's been a wonderful summer of cricket for Ollie. It's been tough in places- both socially as a 13 year old in teams of strangers (interleague) or adults (only junior in the 2nds most of the time). However there have been real highs- his interleague selection and subsequent county training. His keeping was already going well, but it's improved to even greater heights. Every challenge he has faced, his keeping has been up to the task- and he's pushing himself to get better all the time. Batting, has shown areas for improvement. He's perfectly at home against the 3rds, but quality can work him out. He is also making mistakes. But he's recognised this- and wants to work hard in the nets to get better. This is one of Ollies great strengths- he's not afraid to put the work into improving. I was watching him at club training last week, stood off to the side chatting away with a 20 year old student who plays in the 3rds. I don't think he would have done that last year.

This season has really fired him up. For the first time he is thinking about pushing for the county squad. Personally, I'm not fussed if he gets there or not, although I'd love him to get exposure to the quality of players and coaching to help him be better himself. From there he can do whatever he wants.

billyb · « **Reply #182 on:** September 19, 2023, 01:24:02 PM »

Quote from: cobweb1510 on September 18, 2023, 09:30:34 PM

I stopped updating on here through the season as Ollie was playing so much cricket it felt like I was spending a lot of time here, and updating myself! So I have gone for the season summary.

2023, 13 years old and a first season in the seniors.

Under 13s.
This has been tough, for surprising reasons. As I have posted before- it's a weak squad with Ollie as a stand out player. They play pairs cricket in a weak league. Ollie said he wanted to play when he was available as he gets to play with his friends. He played 5 games, out of 14 played. He scored 246 runs with a strike rate of 332. League top scorer. Wicket keeping stats not available. So why was it tough? Parents. Opposition parents complaining about him (despite having their own interleague players playing), and even some of our own have been a bit snotty about it. The problem is we don't have enough for an U11 team, so they are playing up in the 13s; and there is a loud and complaining parent of an U12 keeper who seems to think Ollie playing his own age group is disadvantaging his own son somehow. I've seen him hit a 6 and there be silence around the ground. To be completely fair- the coach was always good with him (I know they had some pressure applied), and the other players (at least on our team) enjoy playing with him and look up to him as a role model. To be honest, I'm glad he's leaving this behind, but he enjoyed the freedom to have fun with his friends.

Under 13 interleague
He made the best of the interleague team, which we were all delighted by (and a bit surprised by). He finished as the top keeper in his league (6 games, 5 catches, 4 stumpings), but was probably lighter on runs than he wanted to be with 93 runs. The higher quality bowling exposed weaknesses in his technique that he is working on. Meeting players of his own age, that are as good as he is, has been excellent for him. It's forced him to refocus and think bigger than the village cricket club. He's fit in well to a group that (despite being a new group) were effectively the interleague team for a different league last year and all knew each other. He's become part of the group, and fits in well.

Under 15s.
League champions!
Unfortunately play cricket stats are very incomplete for the season. I think Ollie finished top scorer in the team, or was at least close. His performances behind the stumps were consistently high quality. This is probably the area where Ollie enjoyed his cricket most. The boys are all good friends, having played together for 4/5 years as a small squad, but being older means there is also a level of challenge he enjoys. The team breaks up this season, as the boys go over age, and it's a shame there's no sensible U18 option open.

3rd XI.
League champions!
Top scorer for the team! 3rd top scorer in the league. 9 matches played, 208 runs scored at an average of 35. Strike rate of 75. 8 catches as wicket keeper.
This has been a great first season for Ollie. It was tough at first, with him both keeping and opening. He has moved to #3, and things seem to be better- although he insists he wants to open. What has been seen this year is his resilience and determination to improve, and you can see his scores reflect his gradual adapting to senior cricket. His scores have improved through the summer. What has been fantastic to see is his evolution from going out there and struggling to survive to an attacking batter looking to dominate bowling. He has hit 3 sixes, and 24 4s. His contributions have won games for the team- which has been incredible to watch. Most of the U15s also play in this team, which makes it a fun place to play cricket for him.

2nd XI
9 innings, 78 runs at an average of 10, with a top score of 23. Strike rate 46. 14 catches and a stumping.
This has been a tough summer in the 2nds. Saying that, Ollie loves it- he says he likes it better than the 3rds, but that might be ego talking! He really enjoys the extra focus and commitment from this group of players- he likes to take things very seriously sometimes! Similar to the interleague- the better quality bowling has challenged his batting technique. There have been a couple of times where you could see a bowler laying a plan against him. Less bad balls to attack (although 2 6s show he's capable), and tougher fielding is slowing his scoring. Luckily for him he is being incredibly well supported by those around him, and he's very happy. On the positive side, his glovework has been exemplary so it doesn't feel like there has been any pressure on his position in the team, with the club being happy to allow his batting to develop in time. He's bouncing around the order a little depending on player availability- from opening to as low as 7; but he seems fine with that.

1st XI
2 matches, did not bat.
A long drive to away cup fixtures made a number of 1st teamers mysteriously unavailable! Ollie was very nervous, but kept to the 1st team!

Overall, it's been a wonderful summer of cricket for Ollie. It's been tough in places- both socially as a 13 year old in teams of strangers (interleague) or adults (only junior in the 2nds most of the time). However there have been real highs- his interleague selection and subsequent county training. His keeping was already going well, but it's improved to even greater heights. Every challenge he has faced, his keeping has been up to the task- and he's pushing himself to get better all the time. Batting, has shown areas for improvement. He's perfectly at home against the 3rds, but quality can work him out. He is also making mistakes. But he's recognised this- and wants to work hard in the nets to get better. This is one of Ollies great strengths- he's not afraid to put the work into improving. I was watching him at club training last week, stood off to the side chatting away with a 20 year old student who plays in the 3rds. I don't think he would have done that last year.

This season has really fired him up. For the first time he is thinking about pushing for the county squad. Personally, I'm not fussed if he gets there or not, although I'd love him to get exposure to the quality of players and coaching to help him be better himself. From there he can do whatever he wants.

Wow, what an amazing season! I loved hearing about how he has matured and changed as a person over the season too. That must be a delight to witness as a parent. It sounds like he will go far in the game for as long as he enjoys it. Congratulations, Ollie! I look forward to next season's review.

CTS_Alex · « **Reply #183 on:** September 20, 2023, 10:01:15 AM »

End of the season and another successful league champion finishing unbeaten all year.

Final stats 451 runs average of 34.7 in 18 innings. Strike rate of 89.05 and high score of 136*

Bowling: 13 wickets in 52 overs, economy of 3.7 and an average of 15.

A successful season all round even though bowled much less then I�d of liked.

golders · « **Reply #184 on:** September 20, 2023, 09:38:18 PM »

Ended the season playing for The Metronomes, a wandering side who play cricket to have fun and raise money for charity.
I made my debut last Sunday against The Degenerates and played at St Albans CC.

And what a joy it was! I honestly haven�t felt so at ease in a club since my youth days in Surrey.

Oppo batted first. We were due to play 2X T20�s in a test match format, over two innings. However rain intervened.
Oppo played shot roulette and were 7-4, but got up to 139, before declaring their innings after 18 overs!

I was next in at 3, with a new bat in tow, before the heavens really opened. As the umpires inspected the wicket, and then wandered off for a somewhat bizarre and very intense private convo, they came back to inform us that as 5 overs had been bowled, (it was only a friendly!) The Metronomes won by 6 runs on Duckworth Lewis!

As they announced the result, the sun peaked out.

We, The Metronomes have had good luck messages on social media from Adam Hollioake and Simon Doull.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cw1v53UIl4g/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

I had so much fun and bowled one over and didn�t bat! :-)

mohawks94 · « **Reply #185 on:** September 23, 2023, 06:39:35 PM »

Bit of a disjointed season for me. Missed two league (and two Frogs) due to injuries at different times, plus all the rain. Ended up spending a lot of my first season as club captain playing twos after my first injury as the young leggie who took my spot came in and performed the two weeks I was out at that point. Back in the 1s last game of the season and got the thumb on my bowling hand broken in my 4th over, knew it was bad but not how bad so finished my ten overs and fielded.

Season highlights are my first league 50 for Beaconsfield, career best figures of 7/3/7/9 and a new Frogs PB of 80. Couple of 50s in the season, a few 40s, one five fer and a load of 4fers. Had the privilege of playing for the Runs4Research side at Sarisbury as well. For me though, the true highlight was seeing how a club that was in a really bad way, under fresh management this year, has trusted youth and turned fortunes around. Proud as punch that in my first season as club captain, 3/6 senior XIs have been promoted - men�s 1s and 3s plus ladies 1s. Ladies 2s and mens 4s came might close to going up as well.

Onwards and upwards! Also thanks as always to @Neon Cricket for looking after me one again with some ridiculous kit. Rest assured there will be several of my colts applying for the scheme for 2024 having seen how good the bats are!

billyb · « **Reply #186 on:** September 29, 2023, 08:46:17 PM »

I'm officially in the Harvard Regionals squad! We will play Yale, Northeastern, and MIT in October. I really hope the weather holds!

billyb · « **Reply #187 on:** October 14, 2023, 11:33:53 PM »

Well... that didn't go to plan. No hard feelings towards the team, I think. I'll hopefully play for them again in the near future.

It somehow ended up being a special day though - you might like the story.

cobweb1510 · « **Reply #188 on:** November 19, 2023, 11:16:39 AM »

A very late final season update.

Friday saw the inaugural NWCL presentation evening.

Ollie won the Development division (3rd XI) batting award!!

So that's a senior league award to go with a senior club award and a literal armful of junior awards.

billyb · « **Reply #189 on:** March 15, 2024, 03:32:07 AM »

I've been training, playing, and coaching (a bit) with the Harvard Cricket Club for much of the winter. Each session has been in a bubble within Harvard's historic stadium, which is definitely the coolest place I've played cricket.

It looks like this outside:

host image online

and it looks like this inside:

It has been fun, and in the last couple of sessions I've started to feel the part, too. Not enough to justify calling myself an athlete/player/coach to the parking staff to get a discount, but I do it anyway

. There's been a few moments of discomfort with the rest of the athletic world there, but the people at the club have been kind to me for sure.

I was part of the squad for the US-wide nationals tournament, which would have been an awesome experience playing against other quality college sides from across America. I really wanted to play, but unfortunately the tournament is being held near Houston in Texas. Texas is a fundamentally scary, unsafe place to be a trans person now, and so I had to decline. Which sucks, right?

There is some sort of regional women's team called the Boston Lobsters that is being established here later this year. I'm hoping to contribute, maybe helping out with coaching. It would be cool to train in a safer environment, too.

Finally, earlier in this thread I posted and then deleted a link to my blog about a strange but wonderful day where I went to play cricket, did not play, and then something pretty amazing happened. I'm posting it here again because I think it is meaningful, that you might enjoy it, and that it might help some kid out there. Read gently!

https://billieburton.medium.com/a-predictable-disaster-an-unexpected-miracle-96381fcae26c?sk=efc1dc9c36d2583fa2733b7874320374

Billie

billyb · « **Reply #190 on:** March 15, 2024, 03:57:18 PM »

And with that, my time on this forum comes to an end.

I have been here for more than a decade in which I have bought far too many bats, fawned every year over the new season�s offerings, and learned far, far too much about the industry. I have seen many brands come and go, and a stalwart few flourish in all weathers. I have seen more repeated arguments about the England test side than you can imagine (is Ollie Pope a young Ian Bell?), and I have lived vicariously through members who have been to the games and through those that are just far, far better than me at cricket. Hasn�t it been fun?

At the start of my decade on this forum, I was an extremely depressed trans kid with no support, no way forward, and only one way out. Yet on this forum, I discovered Robert Pack and his pink-stickered New Wave bats. I bought a very nice one - it was my tiny act of rebellion in a dark time. I loved that bat and it helped a bit too.

When I carried that pink bat to university, far away from home, I earned a place in a Cornish Prem side for the first game of the season. I was more free there, and I was slowly - very slowly starting to make steps to being who I have always been. The night before the first game, my first XI captain texted me to say that if I wanted to play in the first XI again, I would have to perform sexual favors for him. It killed cricket for me and it killed me too.

Almost exactly a decade later, I finally got access to gender-affirming care in Boston, Massachusetts - the world leader in such things. It has been wonderful to access high-quality therapy, medication, and in the future - surgeries. At the same time, it has been exquisitely painful - the lost decade was extremely traumatic and it burns away at me inside even now. It has profoundly affected my life, and it resulted in unpleasant but necessary mental health treatment.

This has all taken place during my time on this forum. Cricket is a sport that I have always loved, but it has never loved me.

I am writing here, though, because I know that in the future some transgender kid is going to stumble on this thread as they search for their place in this beautiful sport too.

Firstly, I want them to know that everything they are feeling is valid, and that it is going to be okay. I want them to know that they are never alone, for there is a whole world of people ready to nurture and love them unconditionally in there trans-ness and on their journey. I want them to know that things do get better. These are really hard times for our community, for you, and for me, but we will get through this together. We are here for you, we always have been, and we always will be.

Secondly, I have played a lot of club cricket. I have played in great teams, good teams, bad times, and even nasty teams. I have been inspired by good leaders and I have been infuriated by bad ones. Every trans person is on a journey, and I want to encourage you to try to find a kind, supportive dressing room and team. I encourage you to see that the level of cricket is secondary to that. I am not discouraging you from pursuing your cricketing dreams - if you think you are the second coming of Alastair Cook or Sarah Taylor, go for it!

I just think that cricket could and should be a fun, accepting space away from the real world - where you can grow as a person and an athlete. If you find that - supportive people, a supportive team - do not trade it for anything. It isn�t worth playing at a higher-level if that team does not accept you - protect yourself.

Cricket has never been that for me, but I know it can be for you. Finally, I know that a few LGBTQ+ sides are popping up in England - the Graces Cricket Club (London) and the Birmingham Unicorns, with more on the way. By definition, they will be welcoming, supportive spaces - get in touch with them! I�ve even considered making a Trans World XI to play those teams, but that might be a little complicated. And for what it is worth - I now have a beautiful Hell 4 Leather bat in pink with a pink grip. I love it.

So, trans cricketers (and all queer cricketers). I love you, and I hope you have so much fun on the cricket field. Just like everyone, you deserve that. My mental health treatment over the past year has taught me that I 'should not search for love and support where it will not be found'. Remember that. Friends, I am out here, waiting for you to shine. I am not hard to find so that I might help you one day. You've got this - see you on the field!

Forumites, I know many of you play roles of leadership as captains or within your clubs. Please foster an accepting, inclusive environment for all - you might just save a life. You must challenge those who discriminate - that is your duty as a leader, as with any minority. Don�t let them be hurt as I have been, and don't let them fall off the edge like me.

And forumites - it has been a pleasure. If you are open-minded, you might learn a lot about mental health, transgender life, and more at my blog here: https://medium.com/@billieburton/the-day-after-the-night-before-b1c94faf6ef1?sk=0b0a1391901959736c30d077bf33122c

If you aren�t, it has been a blast anyway.

Thank you for having me, and I wish you all nothing but the very best.

jonny77 · « **Reply #191 on:** March 15, 2024, 04:30:05 PM »

That's some set up, beats a high school sports Hall hands down! 😆

Hope things continue to work out at Harvard CC for you @Billie. Sport is for everyone, so hope you can continue to enjoy cricket and find some happiness. All the best.

thegowerwaft · « **Reply #192 on:** March 16, 2024, 07:41:00 PM »

Great read, @Billie.

Cricket is such an infuriating but amazing game. I gave up for a number of years because I was only finding clubs that I couldn't align with. I play cricket for an escape from the day to day - gorgeous settings and good people over standard these days. Now back playing (very) village Cricket with a drink at the end of the match as both sides catch up on life and their clubs' latest activities.

Hugely impressed by the likes of the Metronomes. Cricket played for the right reasons and encouraging everyone to get involved.

Best wishes for all life brings you. We are lucky to be involved in this silly, crazy, inclusive and brilliant sport.

thegowerwaft · « **Reply #193 on:** March 17, 2024, 12:07:19 PM »

Just seen this shared on social media. From a few weeks ago but captures the magic of winter nets transitioning to early rain soaked wickets. Enjoy:

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2024/mar/13/dusting-off-kitbag-cobwebs-and-limbering-up-for-the-cricket-season-spin

billyb · « **Reply #194 on:** April 03, 2024, 09:14:57 PM »

I wasn't expecting such kindness! Thank you, everyone.

With that, I really am gone.

See you out there!

Author Topic: Your Season 2023 (Read 28718 times)

marsbug

Re: Your Season 2023

cobweb1510

Re: Your Season 2023

billyb

Re: Your Season 2023

CTS_Alex

Re: Your Season 2023

golders

Re: Your Season 2023

mohawks94

Re: Your Season 2023

billyb

Re: Your Season 2023

billyb

Re: Your Season 2023

cobweb1510

Re: Your Season 2023

billyb

Re: Your Season 2023

billyb

Re: Your Season 2023

jonny77

Re: Your Season 2023

thegowerwaft

Re: Your Season 2023

thegowerwaft

Re: Your Season 2023

billyb

Re: Your Season 2023