Tunbridge Wells win U15 National Final

The TWCC U-15 Dream continued, and climaxed in a performance in the Finals which was both clinical and ultimately of the highest standard.

Losing the toss in the first Semi-Final, TWCC were inserted on a wet top, and, had several early chances been held, might have been troubled. Mansfield (Nottinghamshire) were unable to translate these moments into dominance, and handed Tom Elliott and Chris Williams the initiative, and these two needed no second invitation. After ten overs, 102 delightful runs had been posted, and Tom had retired with an undefeated 53. Chris, as so often is the case, followed soon after, but the innings pushed on to a massive 158-5 after the 20 overs, and Mansfield had it all to do.

Opening spells of great speed and accuracy from Sunny Mohammed and Caspian Paget were augmented by clever spin from Tom Elliott, and the ever-miserly Tom Jenner, and the Nottingham boys had no answers. The innings never got going, and wickets fell regularly. A final total of 66-9 propelled Wells into the Cup Final by a stonking 92 run margin.

Newport (Wales) this time promised sterner opposition, and, batting first, raced to 80-0 after 12 overs, skipper Imran Hassan spearheading the effort with a retired not out 50, but thereafter Wells contained the run scoring so well that the target was held at 124 and 5 wickets were captured. This pony had only one trick, however, and Wells showed why they have persevered so successfully throughout the competition, as a splendid recovery was mounted after the early loss of Chris Williams. Needing to bat out 18 overs and maintain an asking rate of 6.3 runs per over, and faced with 6 men on the fence from over 8, Sam Stickler and Tom Elliott played handsome mature cricket and did all that was asked as 100 runs were added for the second partnership. Sam retired for an unbeaten 50, then Tom was needlessly run out, but these two lads had piloted the innings to 118 off 18.3 overs and a four from Max Thorpe nailed the Trophy as Wells romped home by eight wickets. The Elliott/Stickler partnership was almost professional in its concepts, execution and finesse, and deservedly set the basis from which the victory was achieved. Thus it was that the Cup came - for the first time - to a Kent XI, and TWCC could be justly proud of their players and coaches, and the massive complement of well-wishers who made the journey to Bournemouth in support. A day not to be forgotten by participants and parents alike, made memorable in the outcome and in the all round sportsmanship displayed by a very fine set of young players.