Lindfield CC U12s County ‘Champions League’ triumph

They were up against strong favourites Eastbourne, who boasted a number of u12 county players in their side, but through an excellent team performance in the field and unselfish batting in the chase managed to deliver a deserving victory.

Winning the toss, Lindfield’s skipper, Ross Pedley, had no hesitation in bowling first on an excellent looking wicket, which was right in the middle of the square, and led by example with a miserly opening spell. His final figures of 4 overs for 15 runs did scant justice for his performance. Eastbourne’s opening batsmen were solid at the crease but never threatened to score at a dangerous rate and the introduction of the Lindfield spin bowlers was a major factor in keeping things in check. It was leg spinner Thanvi Choudhury who was the standout bowler; his 4 overs only going for 11 runs alongside 2 crucial wickets, while fellow leg spinner Josh Murphy took the all-important wicket of u12 County captain, Scott Lenham, for 25 thanks to an excellent catch by Joey Bines.

Eastbourne was indebted to a fine innings from Harrison Tagg. He batted superbly for an unbeaten 51 at better than a run-a-ball, but neither he nor any of the batsmen could cope with Tom Hinley’s slow bowling at the end, nor the Lindfield side’s tigerish fielding, as they struggled to an end of innings total of 123-3 in their 20 overs.

Lindfield’s response did not get off to the greatest of starts as they lost their u11 Sussex players, Charlie Weir and Freddie Longley, cheaply and were quickly 23-2.

At the halfway stage, things didn’t look that great either with the score 53-3 and still 71 to win at just above 7 an over. Fortunately, in James McCammon, Lindfield had arguably the best player on show and he batted with a calm authority throughout the innings, featuring in a crucial stand with Tom Hinley of 47 which got the side to 86-4 and then to the stage where they needed 29 off the last 5 overs. The remaining Lindfield batsmen were selfless in their approach, risking everything for the win as Hinley, Choudhury and Castle were all dismissed.

That left the stage set for Danny Bulgin to come in and play a few crucial blows to help get the side close and for McCammon’s calm and ruthless finishing skills to ensure victory with 9 balls to spare.

The victory capped an amazing season for the U12s with them having already won the Identilam North League title and the Sussex County Junior Festival Bowl. Everyone within the squad has made a contribution throughout the season and they can justifiably claim to be the top U12 side in Sussex.

Scoreboard

Eastbourne CC 123 for 3 wkts in 20 overs (Harrison Tagg 51 not out, Scott Lenham 25; Thanvi Choudhury 2-11)

Lindfield CC 124 for 6 wkts in 18.3 overs (James McCammon 41 not out)