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 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 batted.

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
Coaches' Player: Willow Nicholls
Spirit of Cricket: Billy Slee
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.