The Benwell Hill under 19s brought the curtain down on the 2022 season with a fantastic win on Saturday 17th September in the final against a very good Tynemouth side with a nail biting 7 run win.
The road to Tynemouth began with a trip to Stocksfield after Newcastle unfortunately had to concede in the first game. Batting first, the home side made 110 in 20 overs in difficult batting conditions, with Warren Poxon the pick of the bowlers with 3/21. Skipper Rohaan Aatif made 52 and Haydon Mustard an unbeaten 44 as we got home by 8 wickets in the last over.
Next up was a winner takes all game in our annual trip to Tynedale. Batting first, Haydon made a brutal 51* from 26 balls, new addition Dan Gardner batted nicely for his 51* from 38 balls as we racked up 138/4 in 18 overs. In reply, Tynedale were under pressure from the start as Dan took two early wickets, and there was no let up as the home side reached 69/8 after 18 overs with 13 year olds Ben Robinson and Fergus Wallace taking two wickets each.
We then went to Alnmouth in the semi final on Bank Holiday Monday in what is always a difficult game. The Hill batted really well to post 154/6 in 20 overs with Dan Gardner leading the way with an unbeaten 52* with consistent efforts right down the order. Alnmouth made a spirited effort in reply but ended up 30 runs short. Although Haydon failed with the bat, he showed his worth to the side with 3 wickets, while spinners Matthew Lockey and Shay Marley took a couple each as we qualified for the final.
All roads led to Tynemouth for the final in what we knew would be a tough game against a strong looking side and the Hill were missing several key players for various reasons. The depth of talent amongst our younger juniors helped us out with 3 under 13s, 2 under 14s and 2 under 15s on show.
Skipper Haydon Mustard won the toss and batted first and led the way with 40, while Freddie McGregor also scored a fluent 40 as they put on 70 for the opening wicket. Abu Siddique made a crucial 23 as we reached 131/7 in 20 overs.
Opening bowlers Abu Siddique and Dan Gardner were excellent, and together with a direct hit from Warren Poxon to execute a run out, Tynemouth were reduced to 30/4 after 7 overs. However, the game turned with an 88 run partnership as the home side looked in total control at 118/4 with 3 overs left.
14 year old Warren Poxon then turned the game once again taking 5 for 3 in an unbelievable spell of 7 balls as Tynemouth were bowled out for 124 and the Hill won by 7 runs. This was excellent game in front of a big crowd with massive credit to be given to both sides, but after losing in the final last year, it was pleasing to win this trophy once again.
The Cup Final scorecard is here :
https://benwellhill.play-cricket.com/website/results/5497994
The Semi final scorecard has not been published on Play Cricket.
The Group scorecards are available here :
https://benwellhill.play-cricket.com/website/results/5425692
https://benwellhill.play-cricket.com/website/results/5425690
