Under 12 News
May 28
Jim Parker says: 'You should by now all have received letters confirming the final 13 for the first two games against Wales and Gloucestershire. If you haven’t you need to ring me ASAP! As I have said in the letter, the final selection was a nightmare for me and coach Andy Fairbairn, and those who have not made it can count themselves extremely unlucky.
'The squad is not set in stone for the summer so keep banging on that door. You will notice that Sam Witheridge is a new name. Sam has done extremely well in the district games and we thought he deserved a chance with the county. We said at the start of the winter workshops that we intended to start with a blank sheet of paper. Nobody was guaranteed anything and we would be looking to introduce new recruits to the squad if they were worthy of selection. Sam is a prime example of that policy. Josh Newman and Ollie Higgs will also be making their county debuts. We wish them well.'
The squad for the first two games is: Sam Wyatt-Haines (captain), Richard Harvey (wkt), Ollie Higgs, James Maxwell, Josh Newman, Tom Richardson, Ollie Sale, Will Sobczak, Callum Watkins, Alistair Chilcott, Gillum Crouch, Sam Witheridge, Dan Escott.
Jim adds: 'I have spoken to the Wales manager and he is quite happy to rotate all 13 players in the field so everybody gets involved. Obviously, only 11 can bat, which we will decide on the day. I am hoping to do the same for Sunday's game.'
And just a reminder... Please wear smart clothes to the games and bring training gear and plenty of fluids.
Finally: The side are in need of a scorer for all their games.
May 22
Letters to all boys confirming details of the squad for the first two games of the season, against Wales and Gloucester, were posted today.
Jim Parker says: 'May I pass on my congratulations to those selected and, at the same time, give a big thanks to those who have not made the 13. Making the final selection was very tough this year, and coach Andy Fairbairn and I have had several long discussions.'
Details of the squad will be posted on the website once letters have arrived.
May 16
Congratulations to all those who have done well in the district competition this year. I was at the East v South game and the West v East while Andy went to the East v North clash and we talked to the relevant managers/coaches.
There was some good cricket played and congratulations must go to the South for winning the championship.
We have seen some good individual performances which will, of course, have a bearing on the final squad for the summer season.
The plan is to sit down in the next few days and go through all information gathered and select a squad of 13 for the county games and festival.
I hope to write to all the boys with details of the final squad within the next week or so so we have plenty of time to prepare for our first game against Wales at North Devon on May 29. This year’s selection will be particularly difficult and I would like to say a big thank you to all of you for your effort, commitment and enthusiasm.
By the way the game against Somerset is being played at Cleeve CC and the game at Gwent will be played at Sudbrook CC. I am still waiting for a venue for the game at Gloucester.