The weather forecast was not the best and the seven teams drove through torrential rain as they made their way to Clyst Hydon Cricket Club on Friday 31st July to take part in the under 13s Super 8s Tournament. Paul Garnham and his team had worked tirelessly, preparing and covering wickets so that there was every possibility of getting the game on for everyone.
Whilst the teams gathered, the rain continued intermittently and everyone was finding shelter. Whilst the managers and umpires met in the machinery shed, parents were checking weather APPs and the ground staff were out with the super soaker and sawdust. Discussions were had and all teams agreed to sit it out and within the hour the covers were off and the girl's were playing on both pitches. A great amount of thanks should go to the ground staff at Clyst Hydon - without their hard work and determination, the tournament would never have gone ahead.
The schedule was a tight one with all 7 teams playing 3 games each to see who would get into the Playoffs at the end of the day.
Teams entered: Bovey Tracey, Exeter, Hatherford (Chagford and Hatherleigh), Ipplepen, Paignton, Plymouth and Whottery (Whimple and Ottery)
As the day progressed, play continued, the weather improved and the cricket was very competitive. In a tense last match, the 4 play off teams were decided with Plymouth and Exeter playing again to see who would take the title, whilst Bovey Tracey and Hatherford went into the 3rd/4th play off game.
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Paignton's young team looking forward to returning next year |
Ipplepen's team after their win against Paignton |
Hatherford had been unbeaten all day and with another convincing performance against Bovey Tracey they ended the day without losing a game. With Daisy Rowe retiring for the second game in a row taking the team to 82 and good fielding from the Hatherford team in Bovey's innings, the win for Hatherford always looked likely. Hatherford would have been in the final, but Exeter pipped them to the post on runrate.
Exeter had beaten Plymouth in the game before and having played one game more than all the other teams, Exeter went into the final looking favourites. . Exeter won the toss and elected to field, bowling Plymouth out for 74, which was a score they could reach. Exeter started strong, with a retirement from Grace Golsworthy, but Plymouth rallied in the field and with tight bowling and fielding, Exeter ended the game 20 runs short of the total needed.
As the light faded, the girls came up to claim their prizes and Managers nominated their players of the tournament. It was a long but very enjoyable day. Alot of great cricket had been played.
Teams: Hatherford (3rd), Exeter (2nd), Plymouth (Champions), Bovey Tracey (4th)
Manager's Players: Charlotte Greenwood (Bovey Tracey), Grace Golsworthy (Exeter), Daisy Rowe (Hatherford), Kate Sampson (Ipplepen), Bracken Endacott (Paignton), Immy Prickett (Plymouth), Lydia McLeod (Whottery Owls)
Many thanks need to go to
Lucy Tyson, who scored on Pitch One for the day
Niall leahy, Damian Price, Lewis Fountain, Alex Presswell and Jack Harman who umpired for many overs
Clyst Hydon Cricket Club, who worked so hard to get the games on and despite having the longest day of cricket ever at their club, have already booked the event in for next year!
All the parnets, coaches and player who came for the day and showed commitment to their sport in what were challenging conditions for all. See some of you again next year!
