The Ospreys have stepped up their preparations ahead of next week's 20/20 challenge match against Mumbles Cricket Club, with the likely team starting to take shape.
The game will take place at Mumbles’ picturesque Marespool Ground at Plunch Lane on Friday 7th August, with the first over to be bowled at 4.30pm, subject to weather conditions.
With the sun breaking through occasionally this week, the keen cricketers in the Ospreys camp have had a rare opportunity to show their skills, and with the competition for places now hotting up, a final squad for the fixture is starting to shape-up.
Ospreys Head Coach Sean Holley now has a 12 man provisional squad for the fixture, providing a mix of youth and experience, although there may still be one or two additions closer to the day. Names confirmed are as follows:
Sean Holley
Scott Johnson
Ian Evans
Tom Smith
Jamie Nutbrown
Marc Breeze
Marty Holah
James Hook
Filo Tiatia
Jerry Collins
Barry Davies
Jonathan Thomas
Speaking ahead of the game, Holley commented:
“We’ve got a very competitive group of players here and this has definitely crossed over into preparations for this match. The cricket bat and ball have been out at the training ground this week and a few overs have been bowled as everyone has tried to show what they can do. The game is a bit of fun, but that doesn’t mean that they aren’t taking selection seriously between themselves. We’ve got some decent players amongst the group and it’s sure to be a good evening, weather permitting.
“There is a serious side to the game though, We are always keen to give something back to the local community wherever and whenever possible, and are particularly keen to help local sports organisations in whatever way we can given the excellent work that they do in their own areas. Mumbles Cricket Club are a particularly good example of this, with a particularly active junior section, so we’re all looking forward to visiting next week.”
Mumbles Cricket Club’s history extends over 100 years and today it fields three League XIs on Saturday’s, a Midweek League XI, and seven Junior League sides. In 2008, the club was awarded with the prestigious ECB Clubmark accreditation. The Marespool ground has Minor Counties status after hosting one-day cup fixtures for Wales.
Admission will be by programme, costing £2, and there will also be a barbecue on the evening.