Woodham Academy U13 boys cricket team travelled to Durham last week to compete in the Durham County Cricket Board District Tournament. In the run up to their first match the team were feeling anxious as they were yet to win a game. Woodham Academy were up against 2 strong teams, Sedgefield and Whitworth.
The first of two games got underway with the starting fixture being against Sedgefield. There were two vital innings played during Woodham’s batting: firstly Kieran Shingler (20 runs) and then Declan Scott (16 runs) that allowed Woodham Academy to score 67. The bowling from the players during the Sedgefield Innings was excellent and with a final over from Iain Robson that only cost 6 runs and also included 2 wickets, which restricted Sedgefield to 50, Woodham Academy won by 17 runs.
Woodham’s second game, against Whitworth, saw the team struggle whilst batting against some aggressive bowling from the Whitworth bowlers. Woodham Academy finished their innings on 53 with Lucas Pilling (14 runs) and George Pearson (12 runs), being significant contributors. Bowling was a strength for the team. George Pearson was on the end of two excellent catches to remove Whitworth’s main batters. Iain Robson provided an excellent last over but it wasn’t enough, with Whitworth winning by four runs, finishing on 57.
In order to qualify for the Durham County finals, Woodham needed Sedgefield to win their match against Whitworth. The cricketing Gods were on the Academy’s side and Sedgefield won their final match leaving Woodham to take home the trophy with the most runs overall. By winning the tournament, the team qualified for the Durham County Finals and will go on to represent Sedgefield District in the Durham County School Cricket Finals.
A massive well done to all the boys who were involved. They did themselves and Woodham Academy proud!
