Match Report
Avoncroft Under 9’s performed above expectations to lift the South & Central District Finals Trophy.
The entourage of youth players plus the loyal band of parents travelled to Ombersley to compete against 4 other teams in a league style format.
In the first match against Kidderminster Avoncroft restricted Kidderminster to 218 for 4 wickets with a wicket apiece for Ben Huxley, Ben Athey, Jack Seers and Henry Greaves. Batting second Ben Athey and Callum Hooper got the team off to a great start and a good partnership between Oliver Smith and Ben Huxley helped post 266 for one wicket.
The second match was a close affair against Worcester with Avoncroft posting 240 for 3 wickets which was a hat trick for the Worcester player with Ben Huxley pulling a six over the hedge but then getting bowled after scoring 12 runs.
A tight bowling performance then restricted Worcester to 235 for 2 wickets one each for Joseph Billig and Rhys Pate.
Against Feckenham Team Ben led the way again Ben Huxley scoring 11 and Ben Athey 10 and with solid contributions from all batsmen a score of 270 for 1 wicket was posted. Another good bowling display restricted Feckenham to 229 for 2 wickets with one a piece for Ben Athey and Henry Greaves
The final match against the hosts Ombersley was a winner take all match and did not disappoint. Ombersley won the toss and decided to bat and were restricted to 235 with 4 wickets lost one apiece for William Cartwright, Rhys Pate, Henry Greaves and a run out with a direct hit from Ben Athey. In reply William Cartwright led the way with 9 runs against a very good bowling side and as the innings ebbed and flowed Avoncroft needed to block out the final two balls from the leg-spinner to win the tournament. Ben Huxley swung and missed the first ball much to the parents anguish who were quickly shouting block the last ball-the ball was tossed up and there was hush as Ben lofted the ball straight down the ground for four wins to win the tournament followed by a pitch invasion and a few relieved parents breathing out.
A great win and credit also to the players who couldn’t make the finals but contributed along the way notably Hayden Smith, Sam Bennett and Oliver Cattell.
As always thanks to the parents for their support over the season and we still have the Regional Final plus Under 8 Finals to go.
Match Report by Jason Huxley, 12/8/2017
For full scorecard details of the match and all other matches, use the below button to be directed to the club results page, hosted by Play Cricket.
