Sunday 19th July saw the return of youth cricket matches to Shaw’s Bridge.
The 11s and 13s hosted Holywood on the top and bottom decks.

On the top deck, Holywood U11s batted first. A spritely start by Holywood was curtailed by some accurate Inst bowling. Holywood amassed a total of 76 in the pairs format. Pick of the bowlers were Anna Ellerby, David Agnew and Luke Crothers. Great to see debutants Vidhath Geddam and Nicholas Shaw bowling really well.  In reply, we ended up with 160 with Nicholas Doran top scoring.
Holywood 76 (A Ellerby 4-2, D Agnew 4-0, L Crothers 3-8)
Instonians 160

Meanwhile, on the bottom deck, a strong performance by the 13s led to a 100+ run winning margin.
Batting first, George Craigan and Max Willmott opened up aggressively, setting the tone for the day. Both were retired early, leaving Ben McCausland and debutant Annie Irvine in charge. Annie showed great potential while Ben batted with intent before he too retired. Daniel Henry seized the opportunity to show the progress he has made over the winter. Daniyal Bonass looked in good nick, as did second debutant Lucy Ly.
In reply, those who didn’t bat were first up with the ball. James Nelson and Harry Luke partnered well before handing over to Faris Wasif and Aaron Russell. Both found decent areas. Lucy claimed 2 wickets and the best bowling figures of the day. Holywood were bowled out for 72.

Instonians 183-2 (G Craigan 30*,  M Willmott 32*, B McCausland 30*, D Henry 30*, D Bonass 21*)
Holywood 73 (O Feely 19, J Nelson 2-13, L Ly 2-0)

The most pleasing thing across both matches was that all the kids had an opportunity after a long break due to Covid 19! Thanks to Holywood for the matches and great to see the boys and girls enjoying their cricket.