Laurelvale U11's reach cup final

Laurelvale under 11’s, or should that be under 12’s, won a thrilling semi final against Hollywood on Thursday 5^th June.

With last summer ending in floods and constant rain the Vale’s youngest ever representative team reached the semi-final of the Quoile Plate only to be denied their chance for glory by the weather. The NCU however decided to postpone the semi-final until this season and so it was that what could now be described as Laurelvale under 12’s played in the semi-final of the under 11 competition. Almost a year older the boys travelled to Holywood on a glorious summer evening.

Jamie Curran, Laurelvale’s captain, won the toss and asked Holywood to bat first. Jamie and Lewis Jenkinson opened the bowling and immediately pinned the home side’s openers down, conceding just 8 runs from the first 4 overs. Christian Brown replaced Jamie at one end but it wasn’t until the introduction of Lee Elliott that the Vale took their first wicket. Lee bowled straight and with great control and his 4 overs were to prove crucial to the outcome of the game. Christian played his part by taking 2 wickets; one helped by a fine catch from Alex Webb. Lee however took 4 wickets, all bowled, for just 4 runs in his 4 overs (4 for 4 in 4). Ryan Dane also bowled well as did Jamie Curran who picked up 1 wicket for 5 runs in his 4 overs. An excellent fielding display helped restrict the home side to just 60 runs in their 20 overs with special mention going to wicket keeper Scott Rae, Christopher Hull, Peter Pearson and Callum Russell.

Chasing 61 for victory and a place in the final, Jamie Curran and Alex Webb started confidently. After 4 overs the boys were on track at 16 without loss. Jamie in particular was looking confident but when he was bowled for 11 in the next over the match swung back in favour of the opposition. Lewis Jenkinson was bowled for 1 followed by Peter Pearson for 3, Ryan Dane for 2 and Callum Russell for 1. Alex Webb was holding the innings together and when he was joined at the wicket by Callum Best 12 runs were needed with just 2 overs left. At this stage Holywood were favourites as a run rate of 6 per over was higher than either side had achieved so far in the match. A combination of some excellent shots and speed of foot between the wickets earned the Vale 7 runs from the penultimate over. Alex and Callum were putting pressure on the opposition with their running and with the help of some confusion in the Holywood ranks a quick 3 followed by a well run 2 saw the Vale side home with 4 balls to spare. Alex and Callum contributing 24 not out and 6 not out respectively. Cue much jumping up and down and cheering, mostly from the parents, and Laurelvale’s first ever under 11 team were in the final.

Carrickfergus are the opponents in the decider which looks likely to be played in Belfast during the week beginning 15^th June.