Following last year’s successful launch of the Under 13 competition this year we launched an Under
15 equivalent for boys in years 9 and 10. In its first year, the U15s indoor competition captured the
attention of a fantastic number of state schools looking to enter a team. In total 18 schools this year
took part, with each of the finalists having had to compete in both preliminary rounds and further
knock out rounds in order to secure their place at the County Final.
In the first semi-final Wellsway kept St Katherine’s to 67 for 4, an excellent effort with the ball
making it difficult to score throughout. Strong batting performances from three of the top four
Wellsway batsmen, with three of them retiring having reached the allotted 15 runs, saw the team
reach their target with 10 balls to spare.
The second semi-final saw the second highest total of the day as Haygrove set Sexeys 87 to win with
three of their top four retiring and re-entering with scores of 20+. In reply, Sexeys lost regular
wickets making it difficult to maintain the required run rate. There was however a strong innings
from Captain Tommy Stewart to see Sexeys to total of 54 before falling as the last wicket for 26.
St Katherine’s and Sexeys then competed in a third place play-off. Sexeys were to bat first but the
loss of regular wickets again halted their run scoring as they posted a total of 38, all out after 5.2
overs. Despite the efforts of the Sexeys bowlers the ruthless St Katherine’s batsmen made short
work of the chase reaching their target after 3.4 overs and losing no wickets in the process.
So it came down to the County final. The Haygrove boys once again impressed with the bat. Despite
the loss of a wicket on the 4th ball of the innings they stabilised and kept wickets in hand to push
towards the later overs. Captain James Salt was particularly impressive reaching 32* after retiring
and re-entering to finish the innings on the highest total of the day, 90-3. Undeterred, Wellsway
took to the middle with a positive and determined attitude to set about their chase. However, a
ruthlessly impressive first two overs from the Haygrove bowlers reduced Wellsway to 6-4. Despite
Wellsway batsman Joe registering the 2nd highest individual score of the day (30) Haygrove
continued to pile on the pressure and Wellsway were dismissed for 48. This left Haygrove to
celebrate a 42 run win and their confirmation as Indoor County Champions; an accolade which will
sit pride of place next to last summer’s fantastic National Title in the Chance to Compete format.