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Gad’s prove too Kwik for Gravesham rivals!
The perfect weather allowed for a day packed full of cricket, with the competition being broken down into round-robin group fixtures, where the winners from the three groups and the best-placed fourth team went through to play in a semi-final.
Play got underway in the morning, with fierce competition and a high standard from the outset, with Gad’s facing a strong Wrotham Road Primary team in their first pool match. Despite some pacy bowling and beefy batting, the Gad’s team lost by a meagre two runs.
In the face of this early set-back, the Gad’s team went on to put in a valiant fight for the vital second-place position that would see them through to the tournament’s semi-finals, producing some big scores against Rosherville, St. Botolphs and Vigo primary’s, beating each side by 52, 45 and 44 runs, respectively.
With their superior run rate, the Gad’s side were easily sent through to the next round, where they were set to face Wrotham Road for a second time.
Keen not to repeat their earlier defeat, Gad’s put in a strong performance at the crease, scoring 222 runs. They followed this with tight bowling, restricting the Wrotham side to just 206, securing their place in the final!
This set-up a thrilling last game against Chantry Primary, who had not lost a match all day.
The spectators could not have asked for a more gripping final, which saw classy batting from both teams as well as flawless bowling and some inspiring catches. With an over to go, Chantry simply had to score six runs, but - with his first ball - Gad’s captain Aidan Hoadley stole tournament glory, bowling the batsman clean out, giving Gad’s a comfortable 12-run win!
After their spectacular victory, the Gad’s team of Aidan Hoadley, Edward Taylor, Thomas Miles, Eleanor Cullen, Lucy Godfrey, Peter Jackson, Henry Arnold and Nicholas Batchelor - all aged between eight and eleven - were awarded the overall tournament trophy by Kent Cricket representative Councillor. David Turner and the Gravesham Sports Development team.
Team Coach, Mr. Ray Jelfs said: “I was really impressed with the attitude of all the players – especially in the face of their early defeat. The quality of team’s cricket very much complimented the spirit in which the tournament was played, with the Gad’s side putting in a fantastic team performance and I hope that this has inspired the children to take their cricket further.”
He added: “Usually, the winners of each region progress forward to the County finals at the Kent county ground, Canterbury, but due to a quirk in the rules, Independent Schools are not allowed to progress further than the Regional rounds. All we can do is enjoy our victory and wish Chantry well in the County finals. However, some of this year’s side - as they are only in Year Five - intend on going back to next year defend their title!”
ENDS
(Pictured Front L-Back R: Nicholas Batchelor, Thomas Miles, Edward Taylor, Lucy Godfrey, Eleanor Cullen, Aidan Hoadley Peter Jackson and Henry Arnold)