Horsham U14s beat West Chiltington to indoor crown

The finals night brought together the top four teams over the course of the league season, and in the first semi-final Horsham took on a strong Three Bridges side in a match many thought would be the final.

Horsham won the toss, and their decision to put their opponents into bat was immediately rewarded as James Whitehouse bowled Alfie Slark in the first over. A run out and a maiden in the seventh over from Tom Clark piled the pressure on the Bridges batsmen, and the bowlers giving away only two extras was key.

In reply Tom Haines and Tom Clark were helped by Bridges bowling too many wides, and were able to retire, and captain Haines returned to steer Horsham to victory with four balls to spare.

In the second semi-final, Charlie Davies (16) and Reuben Taylor (21 not out) helped West Chilt set a total of 108, which proved enough to get them to the final.

In the showdown West Chilt won the toss and decided to bat, and Horsham immediately lost their discipline, bowling six wides in the first four overs, and a fine partnership between Reuben Taylor (27 not out) and Ed Miller (21 not out), allowed George Lea to smash a quick 20 to boost the total to 98.

But the two Toms, Haines (24 not out) and Clark (21 not out) were at it again, and Jamie Whitehouse then accelerated the innings with an unbeaten 25. Harry Haines and Peter Thomas then completed the victory as Horsham emerged victorious. The trophy was presented to by Horsham CC’s head coach John Whitehouse, while organiser Peter Garland has been thanked for all his hard work over the season.