The Northern Cricket Union (NCU) Under 11 squad (sponsored by PwC) have completed a tour to Taunton (King's College), England, to compete in the Under 11 Cricket Festival.

It was a case of a step too far for the NCU Under 11's against Buckinghamshire, losing by four wickets in their last match at Taunton. Losing the toss the NCU were asked to bat, and found themselves up against some very accurate bowling.

The NCU posted a total of 95 runs with captain Harry Dyer being the only batsman to really get going with a well constructed 24 runs.

In reply the NCU bowled and fielded with great skill and determination, as they have done during all of their games, and indeed gained much admiration for their skills in this area.
Buckinghamshire managed to reach their victory target with the loss of six wickets. In hot conditions ten NCU bowlers were utilised, and all bowled proficiently. The wicket takers were Angus Carson (two), and Ross Minford, Yuv Pahuja, Ben McCausland, and Harry Dyer all picking up one wicket each.

The Under 11's squad has been great ambassadors for the Northern Cricket Union and have won praise for their skill levels, and the manner in which they play the game. The standard of under 11 cricket has been high at the Taunton Festival, and winning two of their three games was a great achievement. Indeed this is something that the players can be very proud of.

The squad now has a practice game against the NCU Under 12's on the 10th of August, prior to commencing the defence of their Irish Inter-Provincial title on the 16th and 17th of August.