Following a last-over success in the league at Banstead, Sutton U13s defeated Reigate Priory by 6 wickets to reach the area final of the MCC ‘Spirit of Cricket’ National Cup with one ball to spare at Hartswood.
Reigate, who won the league and cup double in 2008, won the toss and elected to bat first. The hosts were soon on the back foot however as Sam Wright returned figures of 3 for 15 in a lively opening spell. James Fenwick bagged 2 for 22 and Dhiraj Patel kept the middle order at bay with two maidens in four tight overs of leg-spin. Sutton’s ground fielding was exemplary and two crucial run outs, including a direct hit from Tom Fleck, restricted Reigate to a below-par total of 100 for 9 after 20 overs.
In reply, Sam Wright and Harry Allen shared a 55-run opening partnership before Wright holed out in the deep for 23 in the 12th over. Allen top scored with 30 (retired) and Dhiraj Patel hit a brisk 16 as Sutton kept up with the asking rate. With 5 required off the final over, James Fenwick struck a timely boundary and a single to steer the young Popinjays home.
The boys can be proud of their success over a particularly strong Reigate side who remained undefeated in all league and cup matches last season. We await news of our opponents in the final.
Well done to all the lads and good luck for the final.
See scorecard here.
Cheers.
