Bagshot U17s 108-9 - 20 overs
Grayshott U17's 109-3 - 12 overs
Having narrowly beaten Grayshott in the league, another close encounter was anticipated. Chris Searle won the toss, and chose to bat as we had been successful doing that all season.
Matt Alexander and Ryan Funnell opened up, and Matt started off very positively. Grayshott's Kriehn, then found some real movement of the pitch, and Matt was clean bowled for 19. Shortly followed by Chris Searle and then Ryan Blake and then Ryan Funnell! It was Aaron Goss and Will Griffin who had to repair the damage and try to build a defendable total. They batted really well in trying to recover the position and score at a reasonable rate. With things getting back on track, we then had another mini collapse after Aaron was unfortunately caught for 26. Will tried to keep the innings going and in the end was run out trying to get hold of the strike. Josh Nakarja added a lusty four over mid on on the last ball which too us to 108-9.
As we had beaten them defending 110 in the league game, we felt we might have a good chance of winning. However, Grayshott bowling hero, Will Kriehn (6 wickets) then set about our bowling much as he had set about our batting! Chris Searle and Jared Palmer opened up but could not get the early wicket we craved. It was Matt Alexander (brought on to replace Chris) who go the first breakthrough with Jack Rowlett taking a good catch and give us some hope. He also got the second wicket finally removing Kriehn with Aaron taking a good catch for 32. The scoreboard however was ticking over at a relentless pace as our bowlers conceded a few fours and big sixes. Will Griffin managed to grab another wicket, but by then it was a question of when the would reach the target, which the manged to do at the end of the 12th over.
Disappointing to have lost in the final, but you could not fault the effort of the whole team on the day and also throughout the season in their matches. Their attitude, effort and desire was all very visible, so congratulations on a great season.
Players playing and attending on the day
Chris Searle (C)
Ryan Funnell (Wkt)
Matt Alexander
Ryan Blake
Aaron Goss
Will Griffin
Jack Rowlett
Gabs Dunnage
Jared Palmer
Josh Nakarja
Adam Hendries
Edward Butler
It is encouraging that almost every one of the above has played some senior cricket on Saturday and Sunday, many of them are now established in the 2nd and 3rd teams.
My thanks to Steve Theobald (umpiring), Jeremy (pitch), Derek (co-coach), parents, families and club members who came out and gave their support.
Thanks also to other U17's who have played regularly for the team this year in Haris Karimjee and Adam Leatherdale.
And the others from younger age groups, Matthew Funnell, Josh Balcombe, Harrison Button, Ollie Blake, and Will Gardner when we were short. Apologies if I have forgotten anyone!
I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at the dinner and awards on 24th September - Camberley Heath Golf club