Boys from King’s Hall School in Taunton beat Solihull School at Oakham on Tuesday in the National Finals of the English Schools Cricket Association Under 13s Bunbury Cup, and completed their two year journey by lifting the trophy that was presented to them afterwards by its founder, David English.
The final match of the competition was a culmination of an exceptional run of success and not even the grey, wet weather could dampen the excitement surrounding this finale to not only their fantastic season, but also a remarkable national achievement.
King’s Hall began their journey to the 2017 Bunbury Cup last season along with 1200 entries from both state and independent schools across the country qualifying through several county rounds last year, highlighting the outstanding quality of cricket represented throughout the tournament and particularly in the final.
The King’s Hall matches leading to the final have all shown not just a good standard of cricket for the age group, but examples of ‘proper’ cricket being played. Some superb scores have been recorded with several of the boys consistently achieving remarkable feats of cricket.
Against Truro in May, both James Rew and George Thomas scored centuries, and totaled 466 runs in two matches without losing wickets earlier this season, while with the ball Charlie Sharland also showed huge talent with 8 wickets for 2 runs in one match. With scores like this and displays of talent from each of the boys throughout the season, it was clear King’s had a strong side and so it proved.
The final against Solihull School was held in damp conditions at Oakham on Tuesday 11th July where King’s won the toss and elected to field. The King’s bowlers kept it tight and wickets fell regularly until Solihull were bowled out for 148 in the penultimate over of a 35 over contest. Pick of the King’s bowlers was Charlie Sharland with three for 33, while Aman Rao ended with two for 32 and Joe Seymour two for 34.