U16 Champions League Final

Worthing (140 for 5 off 20 overs) lost to Bexhill (141 for 3 off 17.5) by 7 wickets

The U16s finished off their season under the floodlights at the County Ground, Hove enjoying a unique opportunity to play at this historic venue in the final of the Champions League. This would turn out to be one game too far for this team which after such good season is no disgrace just failing to meet the challenge set by Bexhill. Having chosen to bat, Worthing got off to a good enough start as both openers, Harry Dunn (57) and Michael Askew (48) built an excellent opening stand of 115 before the fall of the first wicket in the 15^th over. However, the middle order struggled to put bat to ball in the last few overs and although the total set by Worthing of 140 was respectable it was perhaps 20 or so less than was looking likely at one stage.

Bexhill got off to an excellent start as they wasted little time to reel in Worthing’s total. Spearheaded by Liam Bryant, who hit 7 fours and 3 sixes in his brisk 59, Bexhill had already reached 79 by the time he was out in the 9^th over. A 2^nd wicket for Mason Crane in the same over gave Worthing a glimmer of hope for a way back into the match but the damage had already been done. Nick Ballamy and Jamie Piper bowled with pace with no reward while Nick Oxley managed to eke out another wicket for the leg-spinners club but it was all to no avail. Bexhill’s captain, Cameron Burgon, having survived a stumping chance earlier on, steered his side home comfortably enough with a couple of overs to spare. However, the result didn’t dampen what was otherwise an excellent occasion hosted by Sussex CCC.

Scorecard 

U16 v Horsham Trinity - Chamions League - 8.9.12

Worthing (139 for 4 off 20 overs) beat Horsham Trinity (132 for 8 off 20) by 7 runs

A fine sunny afternoon greeted the two teams for what would be a thrilling encounter at the Manor Ground for a place in the final at Sussex CCC, Hove on Wednesday. Having lost the toss Worthing were invited to bat and got off to a solid start as Harry Dunn (20) and Michael Askew (27) took the score to just shy of 40 before the fall of the first wicket in the 6^th over. Aaron Tugnutt coming in at No.3, continued his form with the bat this summer hitting 36 in just 35 balls, including 6 fours, ably supported by James Allen with a useful cameo of 24 not out. However, with just 17 runs coming off the last 3 overs, the total, while challenging, was not the ‘Everest’ Worthing were perhaps hoping for.

Horsham Trinity also got off to good start equalling Worthing’s 37 in the opening 5-over power-play. Two well-taken low catches by Martyn Swift, off the bowling of James Allen and Jamie Piper, was enough to see the demise of the two openers while Nick Oxley, perhaps the pick of Worthing’s attack, bowled economically making runs hard to come by in the middle of the innings. However, David Rogers was batting well for his side and was the mainstay of Horsham’s pursuit of victory as they closed within 12 runs of the target at the end of the 19^th over.  With the game in the balance, a truly match-turning moment as Rogers appeared to hit a straight six only for James Allen to pluck the ball one-handed above his head running round from the long-off boundary. It was a catch in a million for James and effectively won the match for the home side. Due credit to Horsham Trinity who batted well throughout their innings, who never gave up and took the manner of their defeat graciously having been so close to winning. On such small margins……

Scorecard

Senior Results - 1.9.12

The first team retained their place in the Sussex Premier League for season 2013 despite a frankly abject performance at Priory Park in Chichester. Worthing opted to bat first having won the toss, needing a score of 175 or more to reach safety, but could only manage 162, largely thanks to Michael Gould's breezy 41 from just 30 balls, Brad James' patient 23 as those around him perished, and a good partnership for the tenth wicket between Stuart Carter (36) and Mason Crane (14 not out). Most batsmen got themselves out as with ill-advised shots, although the hosts bowled tight lines with a little bit of movement.

The bowling/fielding display from Worthing was generally below par as Chi raced to 149 without loss whereupon they lost two quick wickets to Mason Crane before cruising to their target. As a result both sides were safe from relegation, Bexhill and Eastbourne going down, the latter due to Mohammad Akram's comment to an umpire earlier in the season.

There was heartache for the two's in a winner takes all game at the MCG. Whoever lost this game went down to Division Two. After a disastrous start Worthing were 8 for 5, but a terrific innings from Gareth Challen, in conjunction with skipper Justin Watts and the tail got the home side up to 150. The visitors reached their target with the loss of 7 wickets.