Having qualified for finals night in fourth place for the NatWest Under 16 Indoor League at the Ageas Bowl, we were rank outsiders at the off. Two performances of great intensity and tactical awareness saw us take the trophy against top opposition.
Throughout the season, we have been amongst the leaders of a hard fought league. However, having lost only once in the first seven matches, three defeats in our final four saw us slip out of contention.
We couldn't have got off to a worse start on finals night. Struggling to bowl a line, we conceded 44 runs in the opening three overs having inserted Parley Sports. Two wickets in the fourth over proved pivotal as we then bowled beautifully and fielded magnificently to restrict the league champions and cup holders to 132 for 5.
Harry and Elliott provided the perfect platform and Sam the substance in the middle. All three retiring before Harry returned to finish a two wicket victory with three balls to spare.
The Hampshire under 15 development squad then comfortably defeated Basingstoke & North Hants in the second semi.
Fielding first again in the final, we bowled excellent lines to ensure the league's top batting team were forced to work hard for their runs. The first three all retired, with hardly an extra on the board. After the expected final flurry, the innings closed on 137.
Our reply was simply magnificent. Once again, the openers set things up, both retiring. Sam and Tom built upon that splendid start. They too both retired before Nicho deflected, lapped and ramped us home for a perfect 6 wicket victory with ten balls remaining.
Two performances of the utmost quality. Well done guys.
Throughout the season, we have been amongst the leaders of a hard fought league. However, having lost only once in the first seven matches, three defeats in our final four saw us slip out of contention.
We couldn't have got off to a worse start on finals night. Struggling to bowl a line, we conceded 44 runs in the opening three overs having inserted Parley Sports. Two wickets in the fourth over proved pivotal as we then bowled beautifully and fielded magnificently to restrict the league champions and cup holders to 132 for 5.
Harry and Elliott provided the perfect platform and Sam the substance in the middle. All three retiring before Harry returned to finish a two wicket victory with three balls to spare.
The Hampshire under 15 development squad then comfortably defeated Basingstoke & North Hants in the second semi.
Fielding first again in the final, we bowled excellent lines to ensure the league's top batting team were forced to work hard for their runs. The first three all retired, with hardly an extra on the board. After the expected final flurry, the innings closed on 137.
Our reply was simply magnificent. Once again, the openers set things up, both retiring. Sam and Tom built upon that splendid start. They too both retired before Nicho deflected, lapped and ramped us home for a perfect 6 wicket victory with ten balls remaining.
Two performances of the utmost quality. Well done guys.