U15 national T20 semi-finalists
Commiserations to our U15 cricket boys who, despite their best efforts, suffered an agonising final ball defeat to Whitgift School in their ESCA T20 semi-final at Arundel on Sunday (1 September).
The boys travelled down to the sunny south coast in good spirits having been crowned South and West Regional Champions following a thrilling regional finals day at Taunton Vale Sports Club back in July.
Against the beautiful backdrop of Arundel Cathedral and the South Downs, upon winning the toss, Bradfield elected to bat.
Sheridon (12) and Anthony (8) made a solid start to the innings before both fell in quick succession to leave the score at 25-2. Crofton (38) who was ably supported down the order by Ben (22) and Kishore (14) held the innings together. Wicket keeper Sam struck the final two balls of the innings for four, helping Bradfield to post 138-7 from their 20 overs.
The bowling attack made quick inroads into Whitgift’s batting line up with the score at 5-2 inside the first two overs. Joshy took three wickets from his four overs and was backed up well by Kishore, Oscar and Finley who bowled very economically.
After 15 overs, Whitgift were 87-5 and Bradfield sensed victory. However, an excellent partnership between their No.4 and No.8 propelled Whitgift towards their target of 139 with our boys unable to stem the flow of runs.
Despite the nature of the defeat, the boys should be very proud of their achievements. It was the first time in a decade the College has reached this stage of the competition.
Congratulations to Man of the Match, Sam who took two excellent stumpings to go with his end of innings cameo.
