Another year of growth in 2023 saw another record of 113 teams entering Middlesex Cricket’s Player Transition Competitions, namely, Middlesex Development League (MDL), Under 19 T20 and Youth Cup (MYC) with the inclusion of the Girls Youth Cup.
These competitions are aimed to aid clubs in the retention of their younger players, with statistics showing that many players are dropping out of the game as they transition between youth and open age cricket. Each competition plays its own part in targeting those young players, and giving them the platform for them to continue to enjoy their cricket as they get used to a new environment.
The MDL, celebrating its twelfth season, saw two strong teams compete in the Trophy Final, as Richmond took on Stanmore at Old Dear Park, Richmond. Batting first, Stanmore, never really got going losing regular wickets were all out in 37 over for 178. It took Richmond 32 overs to overhaul the total required to win, just four wickets down, to be crowned Trophy winners for a second consecutive season. Meanwhile, Chiswick hosted the Shield Final with Barnes taking on Hampstead. Hampstead batted first, and scored 121 all out in 32 overs. Barnes chased down the target comfortably, within 19 overs, to win by nine wickets.
MDL Trophy Winners: Richmond. MDL Shield Winners: Barnes
The Vitality Under 19 T20 competition concluded with both the Trophy and Shield Finals Day on the August bank holiday Sunday. These games were played at Stanmore and North Middlesex respectively. Both clubs laid on fantastic occasions with plenty of food, DJs, and many supporters cheering the young players!
The Trophy semi-finals saw Stanmore beat Eastcote by 85 runs, before Harrow came out on top over Bessborough by 69 runs. The Trophy Final was then spectacular, as both Stanmore and Harrow scored 140 in their twenty overs to tie the game. A Super Over then took place, where Stanmore scored 22, which proved too many for Harrow to chase down.
At North Middlesex contesting for the Shield were Enfield, Uxbridge, Hayes and Brondesbury. The final saw a strong Brondesbury side take on Enfield, where they managed an incredible 228 in 20 overs. This proved too many for Enfield, who scored 162/3, as Brondesbury were crowned U19 T20 Shield Winners.
U19 T20 Trophy Winners: Stanmore. U19 T20 Shield Winners: Brondesbur
The Youth Cup finals were held on the Friday evening of the August Bank Holiday weekend, as North Middlesex hosted Indian Gymkhana in the Trophy, whilst Highgate hosted Brondesbury in the Shield.North Middlesex chased down 116 with an over to spare to claim the Trophy, whilst Brondesbury chased Highgate’s score of 78, in just nine overs to take the Shield.
MYC Trophy Winners: North Middlesex. MYC Shield Winners: Brondesbury
The Youth Cup Girls Trophy final saw Harrow host Richmond. Richmond batted first, scoring 121/6 in their 20 overs. Harrow struggled in their chase, only managing to reach 85/5 from their allocated overs, as Richmond claimed a 36 run victory.
MYC Girls Winners: Richmond
