Lancashire U13s Indoor Cricket – Lancashire Cup Success by Mr D. Brooks
Audenshaw U13s had reached the finals day after winning well in the regional round, the final was held at the indoor centre at the home of Lancashire CC, Old Trafford.
The winning eight teams from the regional rounds were in attendance, including some of the counties most prestigious cricketing schools.
Our boys were placed in the "group of death" which included Lancaster RGS, Bolton School and Ormskirk School. A slow start meant a first group game defeat to Lancaster, falling just 3 runs short of the target total but that was to be the only defeat of the day. Tactical changes were made and the improvement was huge. Scoring 111 runs against Ormskirk in just 8 overs and then chasing down Bolton’s total of 85 with an over to spare.
Semi final success came against Altrincham Grammar (winners of Group B) which was a great game with high scores being put up by both teams, Audenshaw winning with 5 balls to spare.
The final was a repeat of the first group game against Lancaster RGS, our group winners. We batted poorly, losing vital wickets early on but an outstanding last man stand from Aaron Wood getting the boys a score to defend. Lancaster were held back by some brilliant bowling from Sonczak and Moriarty and with the last over approaching they still needed 14 runs. With two balls left 9 runs were needed and a front foot no ball from Kilburn, hit for 3 gave just 4 needed with still two balls remaining.
The next ball was missed bringing the last ball of the game and 4 runs still needed for Lancaster – thankfully only two runs were scored and the Audenshaw boys had made school history winning the indoor competition for the first time.
The way the boys handled themselves throughout the day was a credit to the school and the effort put in to play as a team rather than individuals was the key factor to their success. Every boy played a major role in each game, all doing their part and playing the game the way it needed to be played. Hopefully the boys can now take this into the full 11 a side season and bring more silverware to the school.
Well done to all involved.
Mr D Brooks