The Under 14s are the champions of Sussex. How good does that sound!
Having lost the toss and being stuck in to bat things started badly as we lost Jackson and Trees early. After five overs we were 22-2. Three overs later it was 36-3, Charlie Woodage the latest victim, gone for 9. When Buddy fell for 13 we were 62-5 although Sam Stace was looking good 21 not out. He went next for 27 with the score on 72. Some late runs from the tail, in particular a run-a-ball 18 from Jacob Aichroth got us up to 95-8. Not a total we had hoped for but a total nonetheless and one that was certainly defendable.
Jacob Aichroth struck early! Hurst 6-1 in the third over but a strong partnership then threatened to take the game away from Chilt. However Benji Jackson had other ideas and an incredible spell of 4-20 in four overs swung the game back in Chilt's favour - Hurst 61-5 off 12 overs. What then followed was a rollercoaster of a finish. Hurst fought back, always slightly ahead of the required run rate, this was important as the rain was a constant threat as the light faded and the lights came into full force. A deluge saw the players running for cover but they were quickly back on and in the drizzle Chilt continued to take wickets. 61-5 became 74-6 and then crucially three wickets for no runs on 82 as Jenna Jackson and Dylan T-C took one each followed by a run-out by Buddy Capel. Hurst needed 14 to win, three overs remaining but only one wicket left. A big over took Hurst to 93 and the verge of victory, but Dylan held his nerve to bowl Hurst's last man and victory was Chilts. Cue dramatic scenes, pitch invasions and to their credit fantastic sportsmanship as the two teams congratulated and consoled each other in what was a wonderful game of cricket played in the most fantastic of spirits. Both sets of players are a credit to their clubs and the sport.
Huge thanks to our travelling army of supporters who were fantastic, to Matt Parsons and the Sussex Cricket Foundation for organising such a great tournament, to the two umpires and scorers and of course the Sussex CCC groundstaff for their efforts.
The Tim Monday Memorial Cup, presented by son Jack Elliot-Monday (anyone know him?), will sit proudly in the WCTCC trophy cabinet for a year at least. Well done lads and ladies.