Donald selected for England U16 Winter Programme

Congratulations to Aneurin Donald (Gorseinon CC, West Glamorgan and Wales U15’s) who has been selected as one of ten boys to take part in the England U16 Winter Development Programme at Loughborough.

Donald’s selection comes following a challenging week at the Bunbury U15 Festival at Repton School, Derbyshire, during which the Wales & the South West of England team played their counterparts from the North of England, the Midlands and London & the East.

Wales & the South West started their campaign on the Monday against the Midlands with Matthew Jones (Newport CC and Gwent) taking 5 for 43, to help restrict the opposition to 226 for 8. Unfortunately, in reply, Wales & the South West could only manage 164 for 9.

The following day saw Wales & the South West bat first against London & the East and post 210 for 9 with Jack Thorpe-Yon (Newport CC and Gwent), scoring 36. Despite a spirited performance with the ball from Wales & the South West, London & the East successfully chased the target down for the loss of 7 wickets.

Wednesday was T20 day and a further defeat for Wales & the South West. A total of 125 for 8 was never going to be enough against the North of England (126 for 3).

Thursday saw a return to the 50 over format and a final high-scoring game against the North who batted first and amassed 294 for 5. Wales and the South West responded well but finished just short on 288 for 9 with Callum Eakins (Gowerton CC and West Glamorgan) scoring 41 not out.

Despite a tough week at the Bunbury Festival the four young Welsh players involved will have learned a great deal about what is required to further develop themselves as cricketers. They will return to representing Wales as better players for the experience, and we wish them and all our other national level players best wishes for the remainder of the season.