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

SJCF U16 Bowl Final v Ansty

Worthing 210 for 6 (off 45 overs) beat Ansty 150 All Out (off 39.4 overs)

Worthing U16s scored a rare achievement with back-to-back wins in the Sussex Junior Cricket Festival Bowl Final, following up on their success in 2011. The match, once again, was hosted by Arundel Castle C.C., a truly fitting venue for this historic competition, and played out, for the most part, in glorious sunshine.

Worthing won the toss and chose to bat but this decision looked to be ill-judged when opener Michael Askew was dismissed in the first over. Mason Crane joined Harry Dunn at the crease, both looking to steady the ship and patiently re-build the innings. Slowly but crucially this pair saw off the next 20 overs without the loss of another wicket until a mix-up in the middle saw Dunn run-out for 30. Although the score had only reached 58 by the end of the 21^st over, the platform for the middle order was provided as the teams enjoyed an early lunch while thunder and lightning, and a brief shower temporarily interrupted play. At the resumption, Aaron Tugnutt joined Crane in the middle in what would prove to be a decisive performance. Batting through to the close, Tugnutt scored 68 not out off 57 balls with some lusty blows to all parts of the ground. James Allen (18) and Harvey Von Biel (11) played their part, but the arrival of Nick Ballamy who scored 32 in just 18 balls was pivotal. In just under 7 overs the 5^th wicket put on 60 runs in what was probably the turning point of the match. Ansty did well to keep the run flow in check with Jack Best the pick of the bowlers conceding just 16 runs off 6 overs but in general there was some great work in the field preventing the further loss of runs as Worthing’s batsmen looked to add to the total in the closing stages. Worthing concluded on 210 with 6 wickets down in their allotted 45 overs which was a creditable effort, given their slightly nervy beginning.

Ansty made an assured start reaching 66 without loss at tea after 16 overs. Although Worthing had bowled well and kept the run rate down to a manageable level, Ansty’s openers looked untroubled with no real hint of a chance in the session before tea. Worthing resumed the attack after the interval with a double bowling change immediately introducing their two left-arm spinners. This proved to be a key moment as first Harry Dunn, aided by a smart low catch from Martyn Swift to dismiss Will Wright for 28, and then James Allen, made breakthroughs in successive overs taking a wicket apiece as the first hint of optimism for Worthing. Key to Ansty’s chances was Ed Coombs, but when he was finally undone by leg-spinner Mason Crane on 62 with the total on 121, game was all but won for Worthing. As runs became hard to find, Ansty began to lose wickets and two calamitous run-outs proved to be their undoing. Harry Dunn claimed two further victims to finish with best figures of 3 for 32 but perhaps, fittingly, it was Jamie Piper who took the last wicket having bowled superbly all week; Ansty finishing on 150 all out in the 40^th over.

Ed Coombs rightly collected the man-of-the-match award for his innings and captaincy of the Ansty team, but Worthing were deserved winners of the final which should live long in the memory of this group of boys who have grown up together on and off the field.

U16s v Chichester U16s SJCF - 17.8.12

Worthing 267 for 5 dec (off 34 overs) beat Chichester 140 All Out (off 34.1 overs)

Worthing made their way into the final with an assured win at the Manor Ground on what was a fine summer’s afternoon. Having lost the toss, Worthing were put into bat and immediately began to pile on the runs at a brisk rate. All of the Worthing top order got good starts and on another day would have perhaps got a hundred but the occasional slack short combined with some good catching gave the visitors a measure of control. The pick of the batsmen were Aaron Tugnutt and James Allen both scoring 61 against a varied Chichester attack who were willing to give everyone a bowl on the last day of the week. Allen’s 24 in the 34^th over including three sixes was the trigger for the declaration.

Chichester started steadily enough as their two openers took the score into the mid 40’s but a double bowling change in the form of Nick Oxley and Jamie Piper, each bagging a pair in quick succession, effectively saw the end of Chichester’s hopes of reaching Worthing’s total. With the field in, James Stemp and Charlie Futcher cashed in on some indifferent slow bowling but the return of the seamers saw the last 4 wickets go down in as many overs, Martyn Swift finishing on 3 for 22. Another great performance from the U16s, particularly with the bat, who now look forward to a final against Ansty on Sunday.

Scorecard 

U16s v Arundel15.8.12 - SJCF

Arundel 110 All Out (off 32.1 overs) lost to Worthing 111 for 4 (off 30 overs)

An early morning downpour made this another good toss to win as Martyn Swift once again came up trumps with the call and duly invited Arundel to bat. Worthing’s seamers, Nick Ballamy and Jamie Piper were the pick of the bowlers each taking 3 wickets during the innings but everyone played their part as Worthing’s bowling and fielding made it difficult for the opposition to score runs quickly on what was a slow outfield. Keelan Shoulders batted well for his 29 and Matt Clynes chanced his arm for a quick-fire 31 before he was undone by a slower delivery from Nick. One or two lapses in the field were the only real blemish on what was otherwise a very good display from the Worthing eleven.

Aaron Tugnutt and Mike Askew opened the reply for Worthing and both looked in good touch as they set about building an innings. However, some excellent catching in the deep saw Arundel halt Worthing’s progress as both openers and subsequently James Allen, all holed out to big shots that were well taken by the fielding side. After a slightly nervy start, Harvey Von Biel and Ollie Carpenter settled in to begin a partnership which would prove decisive. Harvey hit eight 4’s on his way to an unbeaten 40 and Ollie hit 25 including a 6 over long-on before being stumped 3 runs shy of the target. Josh Wood, playing his first game for the U16s, came in to hit the winning runs to give Worthing another strong win in the group.

Scorecard 

U16 v Bognor SJCF - 14.8.12

Bognor 102 All Out (off 42 overs) lost to Worthing 105 for 0 (off 18 overs)

After the disappointment of a scratched game at the start of the week, Worthing’s U16 Festival campaign got off to an emphatic start beating long-time rivals Bognor by 10 wickets. Some overnight rain had made the pitch a little lively so having won the toss Worthing had no hesitation putting Bognor into bat. Worthing’s attack made the most of the conditions bowling tight lines making runs hard to come by. Wickets fell steadily during the course of the innings as Worthing’s bowlers and fielding continued to apply pressure on the vistors. Michael Harris offered stern resistance batting for over half the innings and Adam Robinson weighed in with a sprightly 25 not out towards the end of the innings to help Bognor’s total into 3 figures before the last wicket fell on the last ball of their allotted overs.

The bright sunshine and warming air of the early afternoon had clearly improved the condition of the wicket and by the time Worthing began their innings the pitch was less threatening. Worthing opener Harry Dunn (29 not out) supported a fine innings by his partner, Michael Askew, who went on to score 57 not out, hitting 12 fours along the way in another commanding display.  On another day Bognor may have bagged a couple of wickets but the result was never really in doubt as Worthing eased passed the target at the end of the 18^th over without loss. A great start to Worthing’s week but will still need to be at their best during the week for further successes.

Scorecard

Photographs

U16s v Arundel - 1.7.12

Arundel (93 for 6 off 25 overs) lost to Worthing (94 for 3) by 7 wickets (off 18.2 overs)

A sharp early morning shower (you were up before me then - Ed) made it a good toss to win and an easy decision for Worthing’s captain, Martyn Swift, putting Arundel into bat on a damp wicket. Opening bowler, Nick Ballamy took full advantage of the difficult conditions taking 3 wickets for just 8 runs in his 5 over spell. Arundel’s Ben Roberts, hit back with some powerful hitting scoring 21 including 4 fours and after his departure, Sam Temple contributed with a well-judged innings of 26 not out, providing the mainstay of the innings.  However, Worthing’s bowlers stuck to their task as Jamie Packer, Jamie Piper, Harry Dunn and Sam Brice all bowled tight lines, the latter three taking a wicket apiece. 93 under the circumstances was a reasonable total but unlikely to be enough on a drying wicket.

By the time Worthing’s innings began, the mid-morning sun had made batting conditions more benign as opener’s Michael Askew and Harry Dunn set about chasing down the total. Despite some good bowling by opening pair Keelan Shoulders and Spencer Morris, neither Michael nor Harry offered much in the way of chances as both posted retirement scores on their way to an opening stand of 70. With Worthing in touching distance of the target, three wickets in three overs, including a fine caught and bowled by Temple, made for a flurry of excitement but Worthing were all but there and it was left to Robbie Anderson to hit the winning runs in the 19^th over.

21.8.11 - U16As v East Grinstead - SJCF Fianl

Worthing (150 for 9 after 45 overs) beat East Grinstead (118 All Out) by 32 runs

It was Worthing and East Grinstead who emerged as best group winners from their respective pools and who would battle to be outright winners for this prestigious trophy. In accordance with tradition, the U16s Bowl final would be played at Arundel Castle, a fitting setting for this county-wide-tournament, not won by Worthing since 1993.

East Grinstead won the toss and elected to field hoping to take advantage of some morning dampness. East Grinstead’s two opening seamers, Ben Davies and Will Taylor, bowled tight lines as Worthing’s batsmen found runs hard to come by. But Worthing’s opening pair of Harry Dunn and Bradley Lewis continued their good form with the bat this week, keeping the score ticking over at a steady pace until the 7^th over when Bradley was undone by a good length delivery. East Grinstead quickly introduced Nathan Bailey into the attack and soon had Worthing further on the back foot as he bowled with pace and accuracy, taking 3 wickets in quick succession as Worthing slumped to 59 for 4 in the  19^th over. Meanwhile, Worthing’s Dan Stuart, who came in at the fall of the first wicket was beginning to amass a score which would ultimately be critical to Worthing’s total. By lunch the score hard reached 75 with Dan on 27 at the end of the 29^th over

The resumption saw Worthing’s Ollie Carpenter immediately take the attack to the bowlers as he hit 3 fours in the first over of the afternoon session. However, two wickets in as many balls from East Grinstead’s Josh Hampson again hindered Worthing’s progress as Worthing looked to build a defendable total in the closing overs. Supporting knocks from Martyn Swift and James Allen gelled nicely with Dan Stuart’s fine batting performance as he passed his own 50 mark in the 41^st over. Dan continued to play superbly until the end of the innings, seeing Worthing grab a valuable 35 runs off the last 5 overs and while the total of 150 from their allotted 45 overs seemed low it did at least give them a total to bowl at.

The East Grinstead innings started with some drama as Martyn Swift opened the attack for Worthing only to see Ben Davies get dropped on his first delivery and then bowl their No.2 with a yorker with his second. Despite this, East Grinstead took the attack to Worthing, scoring in good time, Ben Davies making the most of his opportunity, playing nicely off his front foot including one tremendous six over long on. One further wicket for Martyn Swift and leg-spinner Mason Crane had done little to dent East Grinstead’s progress and by the time the game had reached the tea interval at the end of the 22^nd over, East Grinstead were in a strong position at 92 for 3 with Ben Davies on 40 not out.

The final session saw a change to the shape of the innings and to Worthing’s fortunes as their spinners began to take hold. Having bowled well all week, taking 27 wickets between them, the triumvirate of James Allen, Mason Crane, and Harry Dunn again proved. Today it was the turn of James Allen to take the plaudits in a spell that saw him take a match-winning 6 wickets for 17 runs. With 2 wickets going down straight after tea, it was the crucial wicket of Ben Davies, finally out for a fine 51, which proved the turning point. His departure at the fall of 7^th wicket to a perfect leg cutter with the score on 114 left too much for East Grinstead’s remaining batsmen. James collected the last three wickets and, deservedly, the Man of the Match award for his efforts.

And so, in the final analysis, Worthing won by 32 runs to take the trophy back to the seaside town but credit must go to both sides who won through to the final; an achievement in itself in a county where cricket is still a strongly contested sport and played in the best of traditions by many junior players at all levels across Sussex. As such, a big thank you must go to the SJCF Committee, Arundel Castle C.C., all participating clubs, helpers and parents for making this tournament what it is. Long may it continue.

Scorecard

18.8.11 - U16As v Steyning

Worthing (178 for 5 after 42 overs) beat Steyning (159 All Out) by 19 runs

The weather conditions for Worthing's final match and group decider against Steyning, were at best gloomy and with rain threatening later, it was no surprise that Worthing, having lost the toss (also no surprise) were asked to bat. Harry Dunn and Bradley Lewis again lead the innings taking the word 'steady' to new unexplored territory as Worthing eased their way past 20 in the 13th over. But in a strategy that has served the U16s well this week, they along with Dan Stuart, Worthing's No.3, provided a solid foundation on which to build. When Harry Dunn was out for 43, crowning an excellent week with the bat, the score had reached 75 in the 26th over allowing Harvey Von Biel and latterly Nick Ballamy to push the accelerator. Between them this pair hit 10 boundaries in an unbroken partnership of 74 for the final 12 overs; Harvey scoring 38 in 36 balls and Nick 44 in 39. Mixed with some excellent running between the wickets, they took the score up to a creditable 178 off the allotted 42 overs.

Steyning suffered an early set back losing their power-broker in the 3rd over to one of 3 catches bagged by Bradley Lewis on the day. Their next wicket wasn't to fall until the 29th by which time their score had risen to 105 and Worthing's spinners Mason Crane and James Allen had bowled well enough to keep the run rate down and the pressure up. With the chance of an outright win for Steyning slipping away the target of 162 to secure a winning draw became their objective. As the bat began to swing and running between the wickets became ever more frantic the wickets started to tumble. With one ball remaining Steyning required a 4 for the winning draw while Worthing needed one wicket for an outright win. As it was Nick Ballamy had the final say claiming his 7th stumping off the week as Nick Gwilliam's valiant innings of 28 came to an end. All in all, it has been a fine week for this side punching well above their weight against some good opposition. The fate of the gods will now decide whether they achieve the ultimate prize of a final spot at Arundel castle on Sunday.

Scorecard

17.8.11 - U16As v Horsham

Worthing  (198 for 7 after 42 overs) beat Horsham (178 All Out) by 20 runs

A tightly fought game saw Worthing achieve their 3rd win of the week with another good all round team performance with everyone playing their part. Having lost the toss, Worthing were invited to bat and true to form, Worthing's openers, Harry Dunn and Bradley Lewis built a steady opening partnership against some good bowling. Two quick wickets in the 12th over brought Harvey von Biel to the crease as he set about scoring possibly his best innings for the club. His 51 in as many balls got Worthing's innings back on track aided and abetted with by Robbie Anderson (14) and Ollie Carpenter (12) who both played good supporting roles. When Nick Ballamy came out to bat at the fall of the 5th wicket, Worthing's score was 131 in the 31st over. By the end of the innings he had scored 44, including 8 boundaries, and taken Worthing's score to a decisive 198.

Horsham got off to a flyer intending to make short work of Worthing's total. By the 10th over the score had reached 74 albeit for the loss of two wickets, as Horsham's batsmen set about Worthing's seamers. And so it was to be that once again the spinners would hold sway. The trio of Mason Crane, James Allen and Harry Dunn all made life difficult on a turning pitch and today it would be the turn of Harry to take the headlines with a match winning spell of 5 for 24. Some of the fielding is worthy of note, particularly Martyn Swift's sharp catch at mid-wicket, Harvey von Biel's well judged catch at deep square and again Nick Ballamy's impressive work behind the stumps including two stumpings. Some of it was less so, with at least 7 chances going down and a number of glaring mis-fields all of which added to the tension as Horsham continued the run chase. For a while their No.9, Nick Klein, looked as though he might get them there but as he ran out of partner's so did his patience as he made one charge down the pitch too many. A good match to watch but Worthing will need to work on their fielding if they are to get to the very top.

Scorecard

16.8.11 - U16As v Stirlands

Stirlands (154 for 9) lost to Worthing (155 for 1) by 9 wickets

Worthing sealed back-to-back wins performing strongly with both bat and ball away at Stirlands in their 2nd match of the week. Having been asked to field, Martyn Swift and Nick Ballamy started strongly for Worthing, again bowling tightly to restrict Stirlands to just 24 after the first 11 overs. In response, Stirland's No.3, Ed Clarke, took up the challenge and opened up with some fine front-foot stroke play. At 91 for 1 in the 27th over Stirlands were well positioned to post a large total. However, Clarke's departure on 68 signalled a mid-order collapse as Mason Crane once again helped himself to 4 wickets while Nick Ballamy claimed 3 victims behind the stumps having switched duties mid-innings. Despite a late rally by Stirlands, with some free-style batting, a total of 154 at the end of their allotted overs was less than what should otherwise have been.

In reply, Harry Dunn lead the Worthing innings from start to finish, playing as well as at anytime for his club and posting an undefeated 81; his best score at any level. Opening bowler, Robert Clarke found some pace in the pitch which on another day may have earned a wicket, but from hereon, Worthing's batsmen dominated the innings. Harry, ably supported by Bradley Lewis; the two openers rarely looked troubled and after a steady start found batting very much to their liking. Bradley was eventually caught out in the deep for 43 but by this stage, with the score on 124, there was only going to be one outcome. Worthing eased past the target at the end of the 29th over as Harry struck his 8th boundary of the day.

Scorecard

15.8.11 - U16A v Chichester

U16 Bowl Match 1: Worthing (148 All Out) beat Chichester (123 All Out) by 25 runs

Worthing finished as victors from a game played in contrasting conditions and which for a long while could have gone either way. Worthing, having won the toss, chose to bat, starting the game in bright sunshine on what proved to be a slow wicket. With runs not coming easily, opener Harry Dunn set about building an innings that would ultimately provide the backbone of the innings and by the time he departed on 73 with the total on 140, his innings, including 9 fours, would prove pivotal to the outcome of the match. Robbie Anderson (16) and Harvey Von Biel (15 not out) played nice cameo innings alongside Harry but a madcap final 2 overs saw Worthing lose their last 4 wickets in quick succesion, including a hat-trick from Chichester's Elliott Davies as Worthing tried to boost their total.

By the resumption the sun had been replaced by overcast an murky conditions and Worthing's opening bowlers, Martyn Swift and Nick Ballamy bowled well enough to keep Chichester down to just 15 off the first 9 overs. The murky conditions were soon replaced by some light drizzle as Worthing's spinners took control of the game. Mason Crane and James Allen bowled in tandem in the 2nd half of the innings as Chichester tried to up the run rate but on a troublesome pitch and in difficult conditions the wickets started to fall. Ollie Greenless (42) starred with the bat for Chichester but when he was out for the 7th wicket the game was up. To Chichester's credit, they continued the run chase but to no avail with Mason and James both finishing with 4 wickets apiece.

Scorecard

12.6.11 - U16s v Findon U16s

Findon 109 for 7 after 20 overs lost to Worthing by 6 wickets, 110 for 4 after 17.1 overs

Persistent light rain was the backdrop for this match which perhaps should never have started but the willingness of the visitors to get the game underway had to be admired only if to question their sanity. With an agreement to shorten the game to 20 overs to give the teams more than an even chance of completing the match it was Findon who won the toss and chose to bat. As the rain continued, Findon amassed a commendable 109 off their 20 overs as Worthing struggled to control the ball in hand. Jamie Packer's 3 for 26 plus a sharp run out off his own bowling was the pick of Worthing's attack while M.Spokes and G.Meeney both achieved retirement scores giving Findon more than a fighting chance of victory.

Worthing had an ominous start when they lost their first wicket in the opening over but soon recovered as Dan Stuart joined Bradley Lewis at the crease and runs started to flow. Both were going nicely until they were each run out, presumably losing site of the their partners and the ball in the gathering gloom. The arrival of Luc Hinton and Harvey Von Biel, nonetheless, would prove to be the match winning partnership and by the time they had departed, both had achieved retirement scores and taken the score to 98 for 3; Harvey having hit five boundaries and Luc smashing a 6 over mid-wicket with the last shot of his innings. M.Spokes bowled well for Findon taking 2 for 16 but Aaron Tugnutt had the pleasure of hitting the winning runs in the 18th over as, mercifully, the game reached its conclusion.

Scorecard

29.5.11 - U16s v Bognor

Worthing 144 for 3 off 25 overs beat Bognor by 40 runs, 104 all out after 24.1 overs

An overcast morning with the very occasional light shower saw Worthing start the game after being invited to bat by the visitors. After an early loss, some expansive hitting from Harry Dunn, 30 no, Daniel Stuart, 30 no and Nick Ballamy, 32no, generating a total of 17 boundaries between them, saw three successive retirements as Worthing eased passed the 100 mark in the 20th over. Joe Ashmore was the pick of the Bognor bowlers going for just 16 off 5 overs trying to keep a lid on things, but some sprightly runs from the bats of Ollie Carpenter, Sam Wookey and James Allen towards the end got Worthing's total up to an impressive 144 for just 3 down at the close.

Bognor got off to sticky start and were already 3 wickets down in the 5th over as Bradley Lewis opened up with an impressive first spell. Alex Cooper lead a fine rearguard action for Bognor claiming his own retirement score, but the introduction of Mason Crane's leg-spin was the catalyst for the demise of the lower order. Cooper returned in the late innings but when he was out for the 10th wicket for 33, Bognor's total was still 40 runs shy of Worthing's. Bradley and Mason shared the same figures of 4 for 16 off 5 overs, capping a good all-round performance by Worthing in the field.

Scorecard