WP Invitational cruise to victory against Devon (UK)

A WP Invitational XI with a strong emphasis on youthful develpment squared up to a somewhat older touring side from Devon in the UK at the Primrose Cricket Club in Kenilworth today.

With some regular players from last year's WP U13A side being unavailable it allowed the WP selectors to blood some new talent in Tyla Scarles, Jesse Christiansen and Mika Ekström against a team consisting of a blend of boys between the ages of 14 and 16.

In the past four meetings between these two sides Devon has apparently won on all occasions. Today was a different story as the youngsters provided some impressive performances.

Top of the pile undoubtedly was the majestic 109 runs scored by Murray Commins opening the batting. It was an innings providing solid evidence of the exciting talent that exists locally amongst our youth. He was retired after making his third century already at the start of this season to allow some of his team mates to spend time in the middle.

Valuable supporting roles were provided by Muzammil Sheik who scored 32 before also being retired and a patient 18 from Dayaan Galiem.

The remainder of the required 212 for victory were accumulated via extras (31) and the middle to lower order as WP Invitational won by 3 wickets in the final of their 50 overs.

Earlier some good bowling by the WP side saw them restrict the older boys to 211 off their alotted overs. Opening the bowling, Mika Ekström managed to take 4 wickets for 59 runs off his 10 overs, being smashed for 15 runs off his final over during the 5 over powerplay at the end of the Devon innings. Jesse Christiansen also impressed in claiming 3 wickets bowling with guile and flight.

There was a marked difference in the standard of the fielding between the two sides as WP only put down one catch while their opposition must have spilled at least four or five opportunities.

WP seems blessed with bright young cricket stars!