Champions 2022!

A warm late summer’s day greeted the team as we travelled to Stony Stratford for the annual Super Sixes tournament. A slightly different format to what we’re used to with each side bowling seven overs with everyone bowling an over except the wicket keeper. From a batting point of view, it was “when you’re out, you’re out” with retirement at 20.

Our first match was against Stony Stratford Braves. An easy start with a convincing 7 wicket win. The bowlers limited the opposition to 35 all out. Wickets were spread evenly amongst the bowlers but the stand out over was from Eashaan who got 3 wickets. In response, Joe retired on 20no and Gurshaan and Eashaan saw us home with 3 overs to spare. The second group match was another straight forward victory. We batted first posting a formidable total of 109-1. Joe, Gurshaan and Harry all retiring unbeaten. In response, Finedon only managed 36-5. An excellent 74 run win.

Having topped the group, we played our old foes ONs in the semi final. They decided to bat first but tight bowling and committed fielding meant that we were set a target of 40 to reach the final. Gurshaan and Joe knocked off the runs within 5 overs with Joe hitting a huge six into the beer garden! A seven wicket win meant we went into the final with a lot of confidence.

Having beaten Finedon in the other semi final, our opponents were defending champions, Stony Stratford Steelbacks who were also unbeaten. We won the toss and decided to bat first given the deteriorating light. We posted 68 from our 7 overs with Gurshaan and Joe retiring on 24 and 22 respectively. Skipper Harry added a lively 11 to boost our total. In response our miserly bowling put Stony under increasing pressure which resulted in 3 run outs. Eashaan and Harry bowled the final 2 overs and their accuracy and pace was too much for the frustrated Steelbacks. Their final score of 56 confirmed a win by 12 runs and with it the trophy!

It was a pleasure for Gary and I to coach the boys throughout the day. They were fantastic. Focused on the job in hand, showing great togethernesses and team spirit, they thoroughly deserved their win. As well as winning the trophy, there were individual awards for Joe who topped the batting rankings and Eashaan who topped the bowling rankings. What a brilliant end to the season! Thanks to all the parents for their support throughout the day, it was a long one!.

Horton House U11 Team for the day; L-R Top Row; Sam Ripley, Manpreet Singh, Eashaan Nune, Harry Spencer (c), Gurshaan Singh Kullar, L-R Bottom Row; Noah Fraser-Allen, Joe Maw, Alex Monk, Oscar Herbert, Jeremy Jesu.