DOWNEND Cricket Club’s first team season so far has produced some amazing moments but also a few valuable lessons.
Our five wins and four defeats reflect the mixed bag that the season has produced: some outstanding individual and team performances but also games where we have fallen below the standards we expect of ourselves.
Injuries and other setbacks have tested the side, but the response has shown what this club is all about: every player has played with 100% commitment and given their all.
Experienced players have continued to lead the side, new signings have made a great impact and we have been able to bring some young talented players in, with four first-team debuts.
With the 1st XI sitting fourth in the league, there is plenty still to play for.
Downend 2nd XI have had a challenging first half of the season following promotion to the WEPL Bristol & North Somerset, the highest level the side has ever competed at.
A combination of poor player availability and adapting to a stronger league made the first few games difficult. With the side rarely able to field its strongest XI, wins have been hard to come by. There was finally cause for celebration in July, as we secured our first victory of the campaign with an impressive win over Knowle 1st XI.
Downend 3rd XI have had mixed results in the first half of the season. After losing the three of the first four games, we managed to win the next four.
We have settled into our new home ground at Tockington Manor School.
The highlight so far was a 142-run win vs Coalpit Heath 2nds, who were top of the league at the time, with an outstanding knock of 135 from just 82 balls by Matt Pound. Temoor Naeem took 4-20 with the ball.
Downend have been proud to field a 4th Xl this season in the Bristol & District Division 9: a return to league cricket for the first time since 2019.
It’s been an excellent opportunity for a mix of more social players and some of the Downend Youth teams to play cricket, picking up two wins so far. Several players have also been able to make the jump to the more senior squads.
The women’s section has enjoyed another fantastic season, with both teams excelling on and off the field.
The Women’s 1st XI have made an outstanding start to their campaign, winning six of their opening eight league matches to sit top of the league with just two fixtures remaining.
Their success has also extended to the cup, where they have reached the semi-finals and host Aston Ingham at the WG Grace Memorial Ground on July 26 from 1pm.
The Women’s 2nd XI have also impressed in their debut season, with players making significant strides in their cricket while enjoying regular competitive matches.
Their efforts have been rewarded with a second-place position in the league and a place in the semi-finals of their cup competition.
The continued success of both teams reflects the rapid growth of women’s cricket at Downend.
Miles Davis