The 2017 season was one of the more successful in recent years for our Colts teams competing in the Middlesex Colts Association Leagues, with 2 teams finishing second in their leagues and 2 more going one better finishing top of their league and looking forward to promotion (as far as I’m aware only the side finishing first in their league will be considered for promotion). A lot of hard work by lots of people involved has put our Colts section in it strongest position for a long time and this is now being seen with the results on the pitch - things can only improve in the seasons to come. Below is a brief overview of how the Colts season panned out for each age group and the final league positions can be found here.

U10s
First the first time since I have been involved with TCC the U10s teams in the Middlesex west area were placed into two leagues with Twickenham placed in the upper league - this meant there wasn't going to be any easy matches for this group of talented players. The team got stronger as the season went on seeing good wins over Sheen Park and Kew and a confidence boosting close match against Richmond. The experience gained from their first season of hard ball competitive cricket, plus the positive performances put in by this group of players, all points to good things next season when they’ll compete as U11s. Big thanks to Dermot Moloney, Adam King and John Sanders to coaching the players at the weekends and especially Dermot for managing the team for the matches.

U11s
An end of season decider saw our U11s come out on top of their league and gain promotion to the top division. After last season’s encouraging performances this side really pushed on this year with 3 good wins including the carnage of the match on Kew Green which saw 15 wickets fall and only 56 runs scored in total. The success achieved was the result of a real team effort with all the players contributing in some way and making this coach & manager very proud. A winter of hard work and excitement awaits as this age group prepares for life in Division 1.

U12s
A unpromising start to season against Teddington came round full circle as the U12s finished top of their league. The U12s went into the season looking forward to playing Teddington, Chiswick & Whitton and NPL three times each. Just before the season started NPL withdrew from this small league and an extra fixture was arranged with Teddington and Chiswick & Whitton creating an eight match league season. The U12s age group is where the players first take on the responsibility managing themselves on the field (prior to this the on field coach/ umpire can help set fields and can nominate the bowlers). Ali Jennings stepped up to the Captain role and guided the troops through the matches with confidence. When Ali wasn’t available Cameron Capper was a more than able deputy. The season will be remembered for the clashes against Teddington with honors shared evenly with 2 wins for each side in the 4 match ‘series’. As well as helping with coaching, Mark Sudbury took on management duties – a calming influence to really help the players through the season.

U13s
If not for an abandoned match due the rain U13s might well have seen themselves finish joint top of their league. A squad of players who have really developed over the last few years achieved 5 good wins including a notable win against Barnes. Coached and managed by Al Forward and Liam Tebb this age group keep making great progress and performances indicate a team ready to make a push for promotion next year.

U14s
After dropping a division from last season, 2017 provided a great opportunity for a fresh start for this ag group. Manager Conrad Muraszko could confidently bring into the side a numbers of U13s all who made good contributions to the team. Along with 3 wins an incredible low scoring tied match against Indian Gymkhana will live long in the memory of those who were there. The side finds itself in a good place to take on next season.

U15s & U17s
No details of the contests faced by these sides but the final league positions show that both these teams did struggle, though there was a highlight as the U17s finished their season with a win against high flying Teddington. Onwards and upwards for these age groups as next year's U17s will be bolstered by this year's U15s moving up into the U17s squad. Many thanks to Gavin Wheeler and Steve Cowley to guiding these age groups through the season.

All the success wouldn’t be possible without the help, support and encouragement of all our parents and our gratitude goes out to everyone who helps and comes along to our matches.

Paul