30/07/2026
🏏 That’s a wrap on the 2026 Hoylandswaine CC Under 11 season! 💙
Last night’s result didn’t quite go our way against a very good Emley side, but there were still plenty of positives to take. There were some superb boundaries, some excellent fielding and a brilliant catch by William Field from Jacob Ibbotson’s bowling to claim our only wicket. It wasn’t quite our sharpest bowling performance of the season, but this year has been about so much more than one result.
Looking back over the summer, it’s been a fantastic season and one that we’ve thoroughly enjoyed.
The boys have come on so much as cricketers. We’ve seen confidence grow, skills improve, matches go right down to the wire, some brilliant wins, some tough lessons and, most importantly, a group of lads who genuinely love playing cricket.
What makes this team special is that they’re not just teammates – they’re friends. Every one of them has a connection to Hoylandswaine, whether through living in the village or attending the school, and it’s been brilliant to watch them represent the club together. They’re a cracking group of lads and a credit to themselves, their families and the club.
A special mention goes to the four boys moving up to Under 13s next season:
🏏 William Field
🏏 William Raynes
🏏 Jacob Ibbotson
🏏 Thomas Vickers
They’ve been a huge part of this group and we wish them every success as they move into the next age group.
The future also looks really exciting. Alistair Field, William Shaw and Freddie Bestall all stepped up from the Under 9s this season and have shown they more than belong at this level. They’ll join a well-established group next year as the remaining boys head into their final season of Under 11 cricket. We can’t wait to see what they achieve together. 💪
A few thank yous…
👏 David Ibbotson, for everything you’ve done this year and over previous seasons looking after the team.
👏 Chris Vickers and, latterly, Iain Macfarlane, for giving up your evenings to score the matches.
👏 Chris Chavez and Liam, for all your coaching, encouragement and support throughout the season.
👏 Brian Marsh, our groundsman, who quietly prepares the wicket before every home game. Most people never see the hours that go in behind the scenes, but without people like Brian, junior cricket simply wouldn’t happen.
And finally, thank you to all of the parents for the lifts, the support, the washing, the scoring, the refreshments and everything else that goes into making junior cricket possible. It really is appreciated.
Junior cricket is about far more than wins and losses. It’s about building confidence, learning resilience, making friendships and creating memories. Looking back over this season, I think these lads have done all of that.
Here’s to 2027! 💙🏏
