Paignton advance to National Finals
In a fantastic day of cricket at Weston-super-Mare Cricket Club Devon's champions Paignton beat Bristol in the semi-finals and South Wilts in the final to reach the National finals of the MCC Under 13 competition. In temperatures of 36°C in the shade Bristol batted first and scored 114 with George Yates bowling his four overs taking 2-18 and Gordon Watton taking 2-20 in his spell. At 97-4 with Watton (22) and J.P.Simonetti (20) Paignton were well placed but four quick wickets had them wobbling and their supports biting their nails on 110-8 but Yates and Gubbin kept their nerve and saw the South Devon side home.
In the final after winning the toss Paignton once again decided to field, a difficult decision in view of the heat. The bowling was accurate and well supported by some good ground fielding despite the conditions. The Paignton bowlers did a good job of containing what looked like a strong batting line up and the introduction of George Yates who bowled 4 overs 2 for 4 was the turning point in the innings. A score of 102 always looked reachable but the early loss of Connor Bryan and George Benton put Paignton on the back foot. At 18 for 2 the game could have been in the balance, but a captains knock of 30 retired from just 20 balls, from Chris Kelmere put Paignton back into the driving seat the run chase was then taken up by George Yates 20* and with spirits high Paignton reach the total for the loss of 7 wickets with an over to spare. The final is at Oakham School, Leicestershire, next month.
Paignton Retain Title
Thanks to the amazing co-operation of host club Heathcoat, the MCC Spirit of Cricket Under 13 final was completed with just one short interruption for rain. The weather forecast had warned all week of heavy overnight rain on Saturday night and it was nearly bang on cue. It was therefore with some trepidation that an early morning call was made - no problem the pitch is covered more rain might cause some difficulties. Heathcoat were marvelous hosts and the competition's strict time table has been adhered to thanks to their magnificent help and assistance.
The reigning champions Paignton won the toss and invited Hatherleigh to bat. They made the worst possible start on 1 when they lost their talisman captain Andrew Collier well held by Wotton at backward point off Bryan. His fellow opener Paul Winthorpe kept his head and watched Will Searle, run out, Seaton and Letherton out before he had to retire for a well constructed 30. Jack Stanbury scored a quick fire 11 and extras contributed 22 in the final total of 108-6 Three Paignton bowlers - Bryan, Wotton and Davis took a wicket a piece. Hatherleighs running and Paigntons fielding were both exceptional.
Paignton did not loose a wicket chasing down the target in 17.5 overs with some positive and adventurous batting. Both openers - Richard Ashworth and Connor Bryan retired on 30 and George Benton (10) and captain Chris Kelmere (18) saw the champions home. All that is good in youth cricket was on display and the sponsors would have been proud of the spirit the game was played. Paignton now go on to play the Somerset champions on 19th July at Weston-super-Mare Cricket Club.
Hatherleigh Under 13s MCC Runners-up
The Paignton Under 13 side who retained the MCC Devon Title