Ben Duggan was a star player for Northwood, retiring on 30. Picture by Peter Boam.
CRICKET - UNDER-13s FINALA WIN over Ryde Cavaliers sent Northwood under 13s into the regional final of the under 13s MCC Spirit of Cricket Cup.
Despite an early scare, when Cameron Harley was bowled out for a duck in the first over, Northwood went on to make a respectable total.
Ben Duggan and Daniel Bell started to steady the ship but then Dan got out for six, with the score on 19.
Playing his first game for Northwood after suffering a broke foot, Rob Bolwell stepped up to the challenge, retiring after a superb innings, hitting 32 off 29 balls.
Duggan also hit 15 off his last four balls as he retired on 30. Arthur Balchin and Matt Gane were both on six not out at the end, with the score finishing on 113-5, helped by 29 extras.
Ryde Cavaliers’ reply started slowly as Harry Collier took the first wicket with 12 on the scoreboard.
Duggan then took a wicket, with the score on 19 but a great third-wicket partnership between Rob Bolwell and Tom Dibben started to worry Northwood, as Ryde exceeded the required run rate.
However, James Ivory took the crucial wicket of Tom Dibben to leave Cavaliers 61-3.
Bell then took a wicket and Collier took another two, leaving him with figures of 3-7 off his four overs. Duggan took a second wicket to leave Cavaliers 86-8.
A run out and a Josh Procter stumping off the bowling of Niall Casson wrapped up the match and gave victory to Northwood by 23 runs.
Northwood’s regional final tie away at Poole took place on Sunday.
Northwood batted first and after the quick dismissal of Rob Bolwell, the Island side seemed to settle.
Duggan made 17, Bell 13 and Josh Procter finished on 19 not out as Northwood made 80-8. Some steady batting led Poole to 81-4 and a regional final win.