The U15’s took a squad of seven, including five experienced players, Timothy and James Barker, Charlie Ramsden, William Cope and Alex Martin, alongside two promising juniors, Sebastiaan van Gilst and Joachim Schiodt. This tournament took place at the Bavarian International School (BIS) just outside Munich. An unusual layout, with the pitch laid diagonally across the gym, and narrow boundaries to aim for, provided a new challenge. Clear calling and good running would produce as many runs as trying to penetrate the deep set straight field.
The first opponents, Bratislava, were soon swept aside, a total of 57 providing a modest target, reached in the eighth over. Having sized up the other opponents from the balcony we felt the matches against Vienna would be the most challenging. Batting first against accurate bowling, we notched up 98 for 3, thanks principally to William (21) and James (34). It took barely six overs to dismantle a dangerous batting line-up for a mere 38. This comprehensive win, earning 13 points to Vienna’s one, would prove decisive. Batting first again against BIS Timothy (29), William (22) and Alex (19) took us to 104 for 4. BIS threatened briefly but three wickets for James and two for Joachim brought their innings to a close on 75. The last game of day one earned two wickets for Charlie in a modest Munich total of 52. Luxembourg made short work of this, reaching 55 for 1, Timothy contributing 25.
With a commanding lead of 12 points and only two matches remaining, the team dined at the Bierkeller in relaxed and confident mood! Talk of lifting the cup at the first attempt drifted through the air.
The repeat game against BIS assured it, thanks to a tournament best total of 137 for 4. Charlie (24), Timothy (33) and William (46) were virtually unstoppable. William then took time off from behind the stumps to take three wickets and Sebastiaan claimed his first victim as BIS struggled bravely to 48 all out. The final game, the second against Vienna, produced a most unlikely and tense conclusion. Luxembourg’s clinical fielding display, aided by two superb run outs and a lightning stumping, saw Vienna’s batting disintegrate again, to 36 all out. What should have been a stroll, though, suddenly almost became a nightmare. After a steady start four wickets fell quickly, two in consecutive balls. Surely we wouldn’t lose our 100% record now? The last pair came together, needing three for victory. A single followed by a wide brought instant relief and uncontained joy at an unbeaten tournament: six victories, every opponent all out in every match, and maximum bowling points.
Although the senior players provided most of the runs and wickets, Joachim and Sebastiaan’s contribution amply demonstrated the confidence shown in them and fully justified our rotation policy.
The presentation ceremony saw William receive the plaque for most runs and James for most wickets. The smiles as Timothy received the cup demonstrated the sense of satisfaction and were the real reward for a great team effort.
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Roger Barker