U15 National Champions

Prince Henry’s U15’s Cricket are National Champions.

Prince Henry’s Under 15’s Cricketers became National Chance to Compete Cricket Champions on Friday. Out of 400 schools who entered the competition it was Evesham’s Prince Henry’s High School who won the title at Northampton County Cricket Club, despite bad weather forcing the competition into the indoor cricket school. In the semi-final Prince Henry’s comfortably defeated Warden School of Sussex with a superb bowling and fielding display. Brent McOmish bowling around the wicket into the right hander’s pads proved very economical and leg spinner Giovanni Capaldi only went for one run in his over. Matt Knight took an outstanding diving catch on the long on boundary as Prince Henry’s were in total control. They restricted the opposition to only 28 and comfortably reached their victory target with over 3 overs to spare.

In the final they faced Woldgate School of Yorkshire who were physically a much bigger and stronger team. Once again the Prince Henry’s bowling and fielding unit were superb, all bowling to their plans with brilliant accuracy. The early overs of the innings from Matt Knight, Brent McOmish, Michael Towey and Harry Bermingham created huge pressure on the opposition, for which the runs dried up. Once they realised they were behind the run rate it was almost too late as Henry’s restricted the opposition to 37 in their allotted overs. In reply skipper Charlie Banning batted responsibly beyond his years (as he was to throughout the entire innings) and although the loss of Mcomish, Knights and Nathan Bolland for Henry’s caused concern against a powerful Yorkshire attack, Banning stood firm, supported by Capaldi. Victory was sealed with 8 balls to spare.

This is a huge achievement for the school and reflects the hard work the students and staff have put in to getting this far. The full squad was Charlie Banning(cap.), Charlie Roberts, Michael Towey, Matt Knight, Brent McOmish, Harry Bermingham, Jonny Deakin, Gio Capaldi and Nathan Bolland. The team’s coach was very proud of the squad’s achievements and said: “This has been a great team effort, with the squad working so hard for this moment. I have coached many county junior sides but for pure focus and effort this group are second-to-none. The way we carried out our game plans was superb and as a result, for the rest of their lives they will remember being national champions.”

We’re delighted a report of this event has been published on the Worcestershire Cricket News website, the report can be read here.