Howzat For A Season? Juniors Lead By Example At Dinting Cricket Club

There is an air of excitement at Dinting Cricket Club this season, as the club's talented juniors are in contention of delivering silverware to the Simmondley Lane trophy cabinet.

At the halfway point of the season, the first team occupy third spot in the Derbyshire and Cheshire division one, having won seven and lost two of their opening nine league fixtures. Likewise, the second team occupy third spot in division four, with four victories and four defeats to their name. 

However, it's Dinting's youngsters who are leading by example, with three of their age groups on track for potential greatness.

Having played as a team for three years, the Under 13s have developed as a group and have the opportunity to secure two trophies this season. The squad has reached the County Cup final and will face off against Sandiacre CC at Denby CC on Friday, July 8. Victory in the final will crown Dinting as the county champions of Derbyshire. In the process,  it will see them represent the county in the national competition against the winners of other county competitions.

What's more, the Under 13s have also secured their place in the Derbyshire and Cheshire League finals day, which is scheduled to be played on Sunday, July 17 at Hawk Green. 

However, before that game, there is the important matter of a finals day for the Under 11s this Sunday (10th). If they beat Hayfield in the semi-final, Dinting will face the winners of Buxworth and Woodley in the final.

The Under 15s were also involved in county cup action, but were unfortunately beaten by Eckington on a bowl out after the game was rained off. They, too, will also be competing at the finals day, which will be held at Dinting on Sunday, July 10. 

Reflecting on a memorable season so far, chairman Martyn Knight heaped praise on the youngsters and told Chronicle Sport: “Having all three teams reach their respective league finals days is something we have aimed for since we implemented our junior plans 4/5 years ago and we managed this last year too, but never did we imagine it would be done so dominantly and so quickly. This is testament to the hard work that our junior coordinator, Matt Parker and his enthusiastic, and knowledgeable coaching team.

"We have around 60/70 Allstars and Dynamos attending coaching sessions on Friday evenings alongside our 35/40 junior contingent, meaning our volunteers are absolutely key in making this happen and ensuring we are able to backfill the conveyor belt of enthusiastic juniors to represent the club in the future.

"The most important thing in all of this is that the boys and girls are taking the success all in their stride and are simply enjoying playing the great game of cricket with their friends and doing it all with a smile on their faces.”

Pictured are: (Back Row)Billy Coleman (scorer), Riley Knight, Archie Wood, Matt Parker (Junior coordinator & U13’s coach), Travis Giles, Alex Matthews, Chris Lawton (Umpire)

                     (Front Row) Thomas Draper, Will Matthews, Scott Sharp, Jacob Townley, Luke Herrington, Oscar Marsh.