This week in U19 saw a lot of one-sided matches and a few exciting close ones.
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Australia beat India twice. The first match they won by 10 wickets, the second by 48 runs.

England beat Pakistan twice, the first victory was by 10 wickets, the second by 55 runs.

The first match between South Africa and West Indies finished with a South African win by 305 runs.

The first match between Sri Lanka and New Zealand ended in a 7 wicket win for New Zealand.

All these matches had in common that the winner could be predicted after 25 overs in the second innings at least. With the last two matches, this is certainly not the case.

In the return between Sri Lanka and New Zealand, Sri Lanka posted 272 runs in their batting innings. Main run scorer was Agnes with 115 runs.

In the reply, New Zealand looked to be cruising to victory. After 46 overs, they were 251-3 and they only needed 22 runs to win. The next over, they hit 14 of them, but on the last ball of the over, a wicket fell. The 48th over saw 4 runs, only 4 runs were needed from 2 overs with 6 wickets in hand. A piece of cake...

Then in over 49, Karunasena pulled a rabbit out of a hat by taking 5 wickets in the over. Now New Zealand needed 3 runs to win, with only 1 wicket in hand. Anything could happen at this point, especially with the single of the first ball of the over, to bring the New Zealand no 11 at the danger end. But a leg bye and a single later, the New Zealand win was secured by the margin of 1 wicket.

The last match of this week was between the West Indies and South Africa. The West Indies batted first and posted 240 runs for the loss of 3 wickets.

The South African reply was interrupted by the regular tumbling of wickets. The first partnership of any significance was for the fifth wicket. When that partnership was broken, batsman no 7 came to the crease with still 127 runs needed for a win. This no 7, 5tar Marriott, stayed as cool as a cucumber and posted 121 runs together with his captain, The Rock Leacock. Together, they saved South Africa from the jaws of defeat. In the end, 5tar fell, but the match was won by South Africa with 4 wickets.

Thanks to Schorpie for this report.

BT has today released a Newbie Sticky and FAQ. This is essential reading for all managers no matter the level of BT experience you may have! The sticky contains helpful tips, recommendations and numerous links to helpful sites so make it your first port of call when you have a burning question or need a point in the right direction.

The Newbie Sticky/FAQ can be found on the Newbies Q's Sledging Board.

Just a little note to let you all know that the Founder of an Alliance can now remove naughty members if they deem it necessary. Use the "Kick Member" link on the Alliance menu.

Alliances are part of Battrick's membership package which can be viewed and purchased here.

Many of you may have noticed that your Net Run Rate has been calculated incorrectly over the past few weeks. We have now corrected this for all countries. Please bear in mind that your league position on your League page is the correct one, not what is indicated on your Pavilion page - this should automatically correct itself over the next week.

Round Four of the Battrick International calendar saw managerial errors, shock wins and interesting battles, as the smaller nations continue to close the gap on the giants.
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Ranking leaders Australia had few problems in seeing off India. In the first match at the MCG, a Baldwin century helped them to 276-7, before a well rounded bowling performance saw India skittled for just 98, Longthorn taking 3-1 off 3.5 overs to wrap things up. The return match saw India put up a better fight with the bat, skipper Chanderpaul’s 67 helping them to 245-9. However, it was not enough as Sepight’s 127*, coupled with half centuries for Convery and Davies saw the Aussies home with just under four overs to spare.

A shambolic error in the orders saw England line-up with a spinner opening and two strike bowlers in the middle overs at Eden Park. New Zealand took full advantage as Henshaw (83) and Duck (76) drove the Kiwis on to post 282-9. England’s batsmen toiled, Graham’s 79 and Stonebridge with a first international half century but fell ten runs short. The second game saw England put in a dominant batting performance, with excellent centuries for Atkinson and Cahill. The Kiwis weren’t going to lie down however, as Henshaw once again proved a thorn in the side with a run a ball century, but they fell just short with 300-4 as the series was tied.

South Africa’s poor start continued with a drawn series with resurgent Pakistan. The first game in Karachi saw Usman and Qambrani score 76 and 70 respectively as Pakistan posted 226-4. Despite a good bowling effort from Afridi and Organ, Malcolm’s 107 not out was enough to lead South Africa home with the loss of five wickets. The return game saw Awais take 4-40 as South Africa were dismissed for 187, only James and Carden putting up any real resistance with half centuries. Pakistan lost three wickets, but Qambrani’s 63 not out saw Pakistan cruise home with nearly seven overs to spare.

West Indies upset the odds to beat Sri Lanka on their own turf. Samarawickreme’s 89 was the highlight as Sri Lanka were dismissed for 250, Gray starring with 4-48. Julian’s marvellous 113 off just 92 deliveries saw the West Indies home. A dramatic return game at the Kensington Oval saw the Windies post 315-1, Seargeant starring with an unbeaten 157, ably assisted by East (58) and Dancy (95). In return, a well rounded batting effort from the Sri Lankans with a century from Chaturanga saw it all come down to the final over. With Sri Lanka on 312-7, four runs were required. Two wickets were lost in the first four deliveries with no runs scored, before Wickremasinghe nailed a vital single to put Agakhan on strike, who duly smashed a four on the final ball to finish with 67*.

Thanks again to RotweilerDan for the report.