The 2024 season for Rainhill Cricket Club’s newly formed Academy XI will be remembered for its outstanding displays of growth, teamwork, and determination.
Comprised mostly of under-18 players, the Academy XI entered senior cricket with high expectations, showing resilience and flashes of brilliance throughout the campaign. Supported by one or two senioer players for each match, until the final three matches when every player was U18 and the team demonstrated both maturity and skill, producing individual brilliance as well as solid team performances under the captaincy of Nathan Lawler.
Every player contributed to a memorable season filled with personal milestones, match highlights, and a growing sense of team unity.
Rainhill’s season kicked off with a thrilling one-run victory over Liverpool 3XI SL, where Lawler’s all-round heroics set the tone for what would be a standout season. Opening the batting with Sid Ram, the pair put together a 111-run stand, with Ram contributing a patient 29, and Lawler going on to make a majestic 100 not out*. His maiden 50 and his maiden century in one innings, featuring 10 boundaries, showcased not only his technical ability but his temperament under pressure. Rainhill declared at 194-3, leaving the most thrilling finish of the season, where Lawler, with the ball, captured a stunning 5-26, taking the last wicket of the match on the final ball of the innings. Tejas Sirikonda chipped in with an impressive 3-35, while Owen Morrissey, Keiran Rose, and Sirikonda were sharp in the field, contributing with important catches.
The second match saw Rainhill Academy face Merseyside Sports and Cultural Club, where the bowlers were again in fine form. Jack Tyms led the charge with 3-31, supported by Finn Millar who bowled with superb control, finishing with 2-14. Amber Bowie bowled economically, making it difficult for the opposition to score freely.
In response to MSCC’s 151 all out, Rainhill’s batting lineup fought hard, with Lawler once again top-scoring with 38. Ram and Sirikonda showed grit, hanging around to provide support, but Rainhill fell agonisingly short, bowled out for 135 in a close contest that emphasised the team’s fighting spirit.
A highlight of the season came against St Helens Town, where the Academy XI put in a comprehensive performance. Nathan Lawler was once again the star with the ball, taking another 5-wicket haul (5-36), while Amber Bowie delivered a fantastic performance, claiming 4-11 in a devastating spell of bowling. The fielding was sharp, with catches from Harry Ball, Rose, and a stumping by Freddie Foulkes. In pursuit of St Helens’ modest total of 106, Tejas Sirikonda anchored the chase with a composed 25, while Darren Tyms finished on 53 not out*, steering Rainhill to a five-wicket victory.
Lawler’s dominance with both bat and ball was a theme throughout the season. His second century came against Bootle CC, where he made a crucial 103 in a rain-affected match. His opening partner, Sid Ram, contributed a patient 15, while Foulkes added a valuable 30. In the bowling department, Finn Millar stole the show with 3-15, while debutant Finlay Venables impressed with 2-21. Though Bootle chased down Rainhill’s total of 177 in a nail-biting finish, the match showcased the potential of the young side.
In another memorable encounter against Mossley Hill 3rd XI, Rainhill’s bowling once again took centre stage. Jack Tyms led with the ball, taking 4-42, ably supported by Sirikonda, who picked up 2-7. Rainhill set a competitive total of 198, with contributions from Lawler (54), Sirikonda (30), and Harry Ball (25). Lower down the order, Millar and Tyms added quick runs to push the total, and the bowlers ensured a comfortable win, restricting Mossley Hill to 175.
Consistency across all three disciplines marked the performances of Rainhill’s players. Freddie Foulkes, the team’s wicketkeeper, was crucial behind the stumps with 7 catches and 2 stumpings, while his middle-order batting added 165 runs, including an unbeaten 63 against Whitefield. Keiran Rose, with 5 catches and some important lower-order runs, was instrumental in several tight situations, offering agility and sharp reflexes in the field.
Tejas Sirikonda was another key figure, finishing with 171 runs and 12 wickets. His all-round ability was showcased in critical moments, none more so than his unbeaten 51 against Liverpool Lions, which ensured the team held out for a hard-earned draw. Sirikonda also provided vital wickets throughout the season, often breaking through in the middle overs.
Harry Ball played an important role at the top of the order against Wavertree, scoring 42, giving Rainhill a much-needed solid start. Finn Millar also impressed with the bat, making a crucial 48 in the same match, further strengthening Rainhill’s position. April Jones contributed lower down the order with a high score of 28 and took 3 wickets, including a standout performance of 3-31 against Merseyside Sports, showing that she could be relied on in both batting and bowling. Additionally, her agility in the field made her a valuable asset throughout the season.
The emergence of young bowlers like Finlay Venables, who took 3 wickets in his debut season, and players such as Owen Morrissey, who contributed 6 catches, was a highlight of the season.
In the season finale against Wavertree 4th XI, Rainhill’s bowlers had the opportunity to shine again. Although they were chasing a modest total, Jack Tyms (1-4), Keiran Rose (1-11), and April Jones all chipped in with wickets, showcasing the depth of the team’s bowling attack. Nathan Lawler led with the bat, scoring 27, but the team ultimately fell short of the target, ending a season that had exceeded expectations.
Conclusion
Rainhill Academy XI’s inaugural season was defined by a true team effort, with every player contributing to the side’s success. The squad gelled well both on and off the field, creating a supportive and cohesive unit that thrived on their shared passion for the game.
This season laid a strong foundation for the future, as Rainhill’s young stars look to build on their achievements and continue their development in senior cricket. The Academy XI has shown they are not just a group of juniors, but a team ready to challenge the more experienced sides in the league.
A Thank You to Our Volunteers and Parents
None of these matches or this season’s successes would have been possible without the tireless efforts of our volunteers and parents. From coaching and organising to scoring and managing, your hard work behind the scenes ensures that these young cricketers have the opportunity to thrive and develop their skills. We extend our heartfelt thanks for your dedication, time, and support throughout the season. Your contribution makes all the difference to Rainhill Academy XI.