Report from Wiltshire Cricket's U16 tour to the UAE, February 2023
Following a hugely successful start to the pre-season programme, it was time to swap drop feeds at Dauntsey’s for the deserts of Dubai. Wiltshire Cricket was delighted that 11 boys had accepted their invitation to join the County for a 12-day tour to the UAE.
Accompanied by Wiltshire’s Head of Talent Pathway, Tom Morton, U16 coach Jack Mynott and umpiring diamond duo of Dave Young and Barry Aitken, the squad met at Gatwick airport on February 7th ready to head to the sunshine. A lot of excitement meant that a few weary eyes landed at 07:30 the following morning, but there was little time to catch up with sleep as only a few hours later the boys were in the nets at a local academy. Hard wickets and lush green grass provided a brilliant opportunity to familiarise themselves with local conditions. Unfortunately, a skyer in a catching drill fell on one of the boys’ fingers and, following a quick trip to the local hospital, it was confirmed that it had been badly dislocated. At this point, I’d like to highlight the resilience and admirable spirit shown by Daniel Rafiq to support, enjoy and make the most of the remainder of the tour with an ever-present smile! Although he’ll be back opening the batting when the finger’s fixed, I have no doubt that his newfound ability to score with effortless ease will come into play later down the line. That night, it was back to the hotel to unwind and refuel with thanks to the superb buffet provided by the beachside hotel.
Day 2 saw us travel 40 minutes North to the Emirate of Ajman, to a ground called MCC 1 that played host to two T20 matches against a local academy. Bowling first in the early morning heat, Wiltshire fielded brilliantly to restrict the opposition to 93 for 8 off their 20 overs. Alfie Johnson, Isaac Bogg and Thomas Barrett all bowled well taking 2 wickets each. It took only three batsmen to see us home, the score being reached in the 9th over with Adam Cutler finishing on 30* and Alfie Johnson 12*. Before then, Rory Lyttle struck a powerful 53 off 24 balls that included seven 4’s and two monster 6’s. After a spot of lunch in the shade, the floodlights were switched on and Wiltshire went into bat in the 2nd of the day’s games. Off 20 overs, Wiltshire finished on 181 for the loss of one wicket. Joel Kirby found gaps with ease to finish on 38*, but the highlight of this innings was an effortless 118* from Thomas Barrett who struck fifteen boundaries and two 6’s in a brilliant mature innings! The opposition never quite got going in return due to tight bowling from all, particularly Isaac Bogg (3-22), Fin McNaughton (2-17) and Thomas Barrett (2-7). A highlight of this fielding performance was a direct run-out from Joel who turned and threw simultaneously to leave the off-stump on the floor as the batsman carried on running back to the pavilion.
It was an early start on the 3rd day of the tour. We headed back to the brilliant facility in Ajman that was to play host to all of our games, albeit different pitches, to play a 40-over match against a different academy. Batting first, Wiltshire blasted their way to 307/5 off their 40 overs. Thomas Barrett was once again in the runs with a quick 58, but a partnership that cemented the innings so well was that of Rory Lyttle (129) and Alfie Johnson (95). Both boys batted superbly in faultless knocks that included some excellent stroke play. 307 proved a few too many for the opposition who finished 40 runs short. An opening stand of 70, however, had Wiltshire worrying but two quick wickets from Alfie (2-44) and a quick spell from Rory (2-48) rattled the academy which later led to their demise.
After a full-on introduction to the UAE, the boys were delighted to have a morning at the hotel the following day. Splashing in the sea, cricket in the pool and an introduction to padel tennis on the beach proved the perfect way to unwind and enjoy the sunshine. A highlight of the tour came later in the afternoon when a range of 4x4’s took the touring party to the dunes of the desert to slide, skid and speed up and down the sand. How the trucks didn’t flip no one knew, but once down on the flat we were taken to a camp in the middle of the desert and treated to a traditional buffet accompanied by a range of local performances.
It was a 26-over match played on the 5th day against Hertfordshire U15’s on a pitch that, by many, was considered the best of the tour. Adam Cutler (37) and Thomas Barrett (44) set the innings up with a good opening stand before Isaac (42) added impetus in the middle to help us finish on 194/7 off our 26. A huge straight 6 from Freddie Champion was a real highlight of this one! Although a few of the Hertfordshire batsmen showed their class, they could never quite get on top of the Wiltshire bowlers who bowled well to restrict them to 166 of their 26 overs. Two runouts and a super stumping from Joel showcased the improvement and effort that the boys continue to put into their fielding. This game was made slightly shorter due to a surprise that came in the evening. All the touring party were treated to an evening at the Dubai International Stadium to watch the final of the International T20 league that included some of the world’s best players. Great seats and an electric atmosphere made for a fantastic evening!
Another morning at leisure, making the most of the stunning beachside hotel, was the perfect opportunity to practice catching on the beach. For 30 minutes, the boys slapped on some sun cream, turned up the music and caught lots of balls to boost confidence when under the high ball. After another yummy buffet lunch, we jumped on the bus and headed into Dubai to be overwhelmed by the price of everything in the Dubai Mall! That night the boys were keen for an early night as the next day we were leaving for another new ground to play the National U16 side.
This, our 5th game of cricket, proved to be the toughest so far. With 4 wins from 4, spirits in the changing room were high, but there was a feeling that competition was soon to become much tougher. Batting first, Wiltshire scored 183 with Alfie Johnson batting beautifully, carrying his bat to an impressive 58*. Needing to start well with the ball, Noah Hanny (2-34) was the man! Noah struck twice in his opening spell to get Wiltshire off to a super start. The 1st wicket was one of the most memorable bits of cricket on tour. Noah came steaming in, delivered a quick ball that seamed away off the perfect length taking the outside edge, which was caught by Alfie Johnson at 1st slip! A big partnership from two excellent batters then set the UAE up for a win, but not before Cameron Iles came on to dismiss their best batter with a brilliant slower ball that saw him caught on the boundary. Although the boys were disappointed with their first loss, this was a hugely encouraging performance against a very strong side. Lots of positives were discussed following the game which meant the boys left with their heads held high.
Tough competition and a super effort from the boys meant that some time away from the cricket field was needed. All were ecstatic to head to the world’s biggest water park, the Atlantis, which proved to be great fun and the best way to enjoy themselves. Vertical drops, roly poly’s and rapid slides made for a fantastic experience that was finished off with a table-tennis tournament back at the hotel (sorry Joel).
Our last game of cricket on tour was once again against the UAE U16 National team. Another excellent ground, complemented by a hard wicket and a lush outfield was the perfect location in which to finish. The boys were fired up for this one, rested and refuelled from the previous fun-filled day. Fielding first in the fierce heat, the UAE batted very well to reach 233/2 off their 40 overs. Noah (1-41) and Cameron opened the bowling superbly, delivering the ball with control and attacking the stumps with every delivery. Fin took the 2nd wicket, spinning the ball past the bat to leave the leg-stump on the floor in doing so. Exhausted from fielding in the heat, the chase was going to need a solid, fast start. Rory (55) and Thomas (44) provided the boys with exactly this! An opening stand of 83 set us up for a run chase that now seemed much more achievable. Adam (21) and Isaac (25) added some great impetus in the middle overs, but some excellent spin bowling from the opposition saw us bowled out 50 runs short.
Voted for by the boys, the most valuable player on tour was awarded to Alfie Johnson, and for exemplary intent to better his skill throughout, the most improved player on tour was awarded to Finlay Mcnaughton.
I’d like to thank the boys for making this such a successful tour. Great progress has been made on the field, with friends and memories made, which together set this brilliant group of players up for a fantastic summer ahead!
With thanks too to Wiltshire Cricket and Lions Sports Travel, without whom this wonderful opportunity wouldn’t have happened.
Report written by Jack Mynott
