Junior Under 9 Warriors - IBM Hursley Tournament

For the curtain raiser to the 2017 season Sparsholt U9s sent a 10-boy team on May Day to compete in The IBM Hursley U9s Tournament.  Competing against 11 other teams from across the county, the pairs format saw 8-over innings with the emphasis on bowling straight to keep the extras count down.  In a group alongside South Wilts, Hedge End and Hampshire girls academy side Nightshades, Sparsholt finished second in the group, losing out to Nightshades who were older and stronger and drilled to run a single virtually every ball.  At the conclusion of the group phase, Sparsholt had played 3, won 2:

Vs South Wilts – W – 216 to 209

Vs Hedge End – W – 254 to 218

Vs Nightshades – L – 217 to 250

Qualifying for the Trophy Quarter-Finals and drawn against St Cross, Sparsholt lost the toss and were made to bat against some straight and fast bowling, without a wide being bowled all innings.  The pace on the ball and some quick fielding saw St Cross limit Sparsholt to a low score, and subsequently batting very well for a convincing win.  In all, a great performance from all the boys who can hold their heads high for some great bowling and tight fielding.  More work required to connect with the bat, but all bodes well for the season to come.

Trophy Quarter Final:

Vs St Cross – L – 204 to 264 

Many thanks to parents Chris, Tim and Mark for helping out umpiring and scoring – much appreciated.