Over the past few weeks Middlesex have been hosting trials for their County Age Group Girls’ squads, as they build and plan for the 2022 season, with over 115 young players nominated from schools and clubs across the county network.
Trials were held on five consecutive Mondays around the county for Under 11’s through to Under 15’s age groups, and Middlesex would like to thank Richmond Cricket Club, William Perkin School and Harrow Cricket Club for hosting the trial sessions, and to North London Cricket Club who would have done so had the rain not intervened.
It was fantastic to see the enthusiasm and excitement on the faces of all those involved and to witness so many talented young cricketers enjoying the game.
The process now evolves to the next stage, with invitations being sent to players to take part in a number of trial games throughout this month, after which a winter training squad will be selected. This process has already begun, with the Under 11’s and Under 13’s having their first game on Sunday 29th August at Belmont School, where players were split into two even teams to play 20 over matches.
The Club would also like to thank all who helped coach at the trials, including Nikki Little, Esther De Lange, Piya Yadav, Swara Patel, Laura Tomlinson, Sangy Theivendra, Mohammed Kazim Sait, Stuart Gingell, Sharon Eyers, Johan Da Silva and Kamaljeet Sembhi.
Johan Da Silva, who ran the Under 11’s trials commented:
“Sunday’s games were a great chance to see the talent that is being produced through the hard work of clubs at grass roots level. It was fantastic to see so many girls nominated and then taken through the second stage of trials, and the quality of batting, bowling, and fielding was impressive. We have enjoyed seeing the girls on two occasions in game situations and I’m looking forward to working with those selected throughout the coming winter”.
The Under 18’s and Senior trials have also taken place, at Hornsey Cricket Club on two consecutive Monday evenings, under the watchful eye of Middlesex Women’s Head Coach Sanjay Patel, assisted by Guy Ashby. Current Under 18’s who are re-trialling will be invited to play trial games taking place from now until the end of September.
A special congratulations goes to Sonali Patel, who was selected to play in the school games in Loughborough, played earlier this month, from the 2nd to the 5th September.
Upon completion of the trials process, the Girls’ and Women’s programme now turns to planning winter training that kicks off in November.
