Ospreys name 20/20 team

With preparations for Friday's 20/20 challenge match against Mumbles Cricket Club well underway, the likely Ospreys XI is starting to take shape after a series of training sessions at Llandarcy.

 

Team captain Jonathan Humphreys will lead the side into action at Mumbles’ picturesque Marespool Ground at Plunch Lane on Friday (6th August), with the first over to be bowled at 4pm, subject to weather conditions.

With the sun breaking through occasionally this week, the squad have had a rare opportunity between pre-season training sessions to show their skills with bat and ball, and competition for places has been hotting up as the big match approaches.

There are a number of survivors from last summer’s 41-run defeat in the XI, most notably man-of-the-match Marty Holah, who top-scored with 35 to go with his one wicket and two catches.

The squad includes a mix of youth and experience, with Head Coach Sean Holley joining Humphreys in the squad, and youngsters Kristian Phillips and Ben John at the other end of the scale. Regular cricketers Jonathan Thomas and Mike Phillips are also included, and the players donning their whites will be supported by the full Ospreys squad and management, who will be turning out to back their colleagues and meet supporters on what promises to be a memorable evening for everyone.

The Ospreys XI to face Mumbles CC has been named as:

1 Sean Holley

2 Jonathan Humphreys

3 Marty Holah

4 James Goode

5 Jamie Nutbrown

6 Jonathan Thomas

7 Mike Phillips

8 Ian Evans

9 Kristian Phillips

10 Andy Lloyd

11 Ben John

Ospreys Managing Director, Roger Blyth, said that everybody at the region is looking forward to the game:

“It’s going to be a great evening. Last year was the first time that we’ve been down to Mumbles for a 20/20 match and it was a wonderful occasion, despite our clear shortcomings on the pitch!

“All the spectators present enjoyed the entertainment and the opportunity to mingle with the players, whilst Mumbles did a great job of hosting the match, ensuring a substantial figure was raised for charity. With the whole squad going to be present on Friday evening, and the boys having had a bit of practice over the summer, we’re all really looking forward to the game and I’m sure there’ll be a good crowd present. If we get the sunshine like we had last year, then that will be the icing on the cake.”

The Ospreys will be out for revenge after suffering a 41 run defeat last summer, finishing all-out for 146 as they chased the Mumbles total of 187.

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 for the game is just £2 with U16’s getting in for free, and there will also be a barbecue and bar facility on the evening, as well as a presence from the OSC.