THERE was no formally sanctioned league cricket on Sunday 5 October, however there was a full day's cricket on the park, which was shared between juniors who used Harlequins Main Oval in the morning and Umbilo Harlequins fourth team who played a match against a combined club team in the afternoon.
The junior match comprising mixed U11 and U13 teams played a 20 over practice match in overcast conditions, allowing coaches to assess players' skills and potential, but more importantly identify flaws and correct minor anomalies in technique. This was a highly successful exercise and credit should be given to Shane Manicom for his unfaltering endeavours and coaching expertise, as well as to parents who assisted him.
At noon Quins fourth team took on a mix of players from the first team third side and three capable juniors. The mixed team batted first and 185 runs were accrued with first side opening batsman Dylan Labuschagne retiring out with 53 runs to his credit.
Quins mixed team allowed all members to send down a few overs each and the fourth team were provided with 32 overs of valuable game time. Josh Henry delivered an extraordinary spell of slow left arm orthodox.
Like the junior session in the morning, the senior session was a fruitful exercise as not only did it provide an opportunity to get sight of new players' capability, it also served as a morale booster and catalyst for enthusiasm for the season ahead.
All eight Umbilo Harlequins teams will be engaged in league fixtures on the weekend of 11 and 12 October.
Junior coaching sessions will be held at the Harlequins nets at 5pm on Thursday. Contact Shane Manicom on 083 402 7964 for information on juniors.
Senior training will be on Friday at 4.30pm.
