Writes Mr Tomos Fowler, Head of Cricket Performance
The U15A (now 5ths) cricket side capped off an amazing season by winning the English Schools Cricket Association T20 Cup final on Tuesday. This was the second national final that they were in this season, which is testament to the hard work of the boys and the staff throughout the year.
The semi-final was a tight affair, with captain Rishane W. winning the toss and electing to bowl.
After a great start with the ball, Eshan C. bowled brilliantly, conceding only 10 runs from his 4 overs. He was well supported by Rishi M. (3-0-12-1), Arnav T. (4-0-18-2), Adam K. (4-0-28-2), and Rian M. (4-0-21-1).
With some excellent deep fielding from Yusuf A., Aman B., and Arjun N., the Taylors’ boys restricted Altrincham to 105-7.
The boys started well, with Adam K. and Cooper M. putting us on the front foot in the powerplay. Although we lost three quick wickets in succession, the calm and composed duo of Rishi M. (45*) and Zak F. (29*) steered the ship home, securing a seven-wicket win with one over to spare.
In the final, Rishane W. once again won the toss and, this time, elected to bat against a strong Repton side.
Cooper M. and Adam K. started well, but after losing some quick wickets, we needed a rebuild from the lower middle order. Cooper M. continued to bat well and was brilliantly supported by Yusuf A. (20) and Arjun M. (15).
Cooper M. eventually departed for a vital, match-winning 43 from 37 balls, bringing the tailenders to the crease, who scrambled some very important runs.
Now it was over to the bowlers to defend 125. Slightly less than we wanted, but still a target to defend.
Rishi M. and Eshan C. started well, and both bowled brilliantly throughout the innings, picking up key wickets at important moments. Eshan C. finished with 4-0-29-2, while Rishi M. claimed 4-0-16-3, including the run-out that won us the match in the final over.
Next came the spin duo of Adam K. and Arnav T., who both bowled superbly. Adam K. (4-0-19-2) picked up two vital wickets during the innings, while Arnav T. (4-0-20-2) was, as ever, reliable and claimed two more key wickets.
Despite immense pressure from the Repton tail and some exceptional fielding from Arjun N., who was like a man possessed, the boys held their nerve.
Rishane W. then called upon our secret weapon, Zak F. Normally a decorated wicketkeeper, Zak F. is also a battle-hardened competitor who relishes the big occasion. He bowled brilliantly when his team needed him most and, with Repton requiring eight runs to win from the final over, delivered the goods. Alongside a perfect throw from Rishi M. from the deep, he helped create the decisive moment, running out the last batter to seal a famous victory for the Lambs.
Thank you to all the teams we faced along the way. We enjoyed some highly competitive fixtures; all played in the true spirit of cricket. Congratulations on a brilliant team effort from all the boys and staff involved.
