2008 u15s review
Following a campaign that involves winning the Sheffield & District league, followed by matches against other rival champions, the 2008 u15 side were crowned Yorkshire champions on Sunday July 6th at Moorlands CC, Mirfield.
Having seen off the champions of Doncaster and Leeds areas to qualify for finals day the squad arrived at New Farnley with hopes high. In their semi final against South Yorkshire rivals Barnsley, the side recovered from a dreadful start of 8-2 off 6 overs to post a competitive 97-7 . James Schofield top scored with 46 and was backed up by skipper Ollie Law with 35.
They defended their total with a tigerish performance in the field and, once the top 3 had been dismissed, ran through the Barnsley line up, dismissing them for 79, to win by 18 runs. Star with the ball was Paul Revill with 4-5 off just 2.2 overs and ably supported by Tom Knight with 3-7 off his full 4 over allocation. This qualified the side to the final, but severe rain meant this was delayed to the following week. (view semi-final scorecard)
So to the final against Driffield, and again the West Yorkshire weather threatened to ruin it all, but a superb attitude from the host club Moorlands CC got the game going. Revill and Schofield opened up and underlined their quality with a opening partnership of 52 for the first wicket, in 10 overs. After such a solid start, the middle-order were able to score freely and contributions were made all the way down the order. Schofield top scored with an excellent 42 and skipper Oliver Law chipped in with 28*. United finished on 134-4 from their 20 over allocation.
A good start was needed with the ball, and Zafran Ali delivered, bowling Driffield captain Walgate with the first ball of the innings - repeating his feat from the semi-final. Will Cooper also bowled accurately as the Driffield batting line-up was ripped apart at 22-5. The second string attack kept up the pressure and, despite a quickfire 19 from Holmes, Joe Marshall and Tom Knight reduced Driffield to 46-9, before Matthew Burgin completed the victory, cleaning bowling Hopper. United ran out winners by a comprehensive 88 runs. (view finals scorecard)
"This was a superb performance from the team who have shown great consistency at high levels throughout," said team manager Martin Hill. "They have a great work ethic and will to win, and they all listen to advice and guidance that is offered. This is a group of lads that could go a long way in the game".
Skipper Law gets the trophy