Howzat for Osprey (From Dorset Echo)

Howzat for Osprey

8:53am Wednesday 18th January 2012 in Youth Sport By Echo Reporter

TEAMS from around West Dorset took part in Portland Red Triangle’s first ever Indoor Junior Cricket Competition.

Cerne Valley, Weymouth, Portland Red Triangle and a team made up of boys from all other clubs, called the Ospreys, took part in the under-11 competition while Dorchester took the place of the latter in the under-13 section.

The under-11 event was thoroughly enjoyed by all who took part along with the large number of parents that came along to support.

In a close battle at the top of the league, Ospreys came out on top, just beating their closest rivals Cerne Valley by four runs in the last over.

Ben Morris (Ospreys) was the star bowler of the day, taking 5-23 in his three overs while top batsman was Miles Quick (Cerne Valley) with the highest score of 44.

The under-13s also provided an action packed day of cricket on the following Saturday when it all boiled down to the last ball of the final over of the session to determine who came out on top.

Solo Roper, captain of the Cerne team, celebrated his selection for the county under-13 squad by keeping his nerve and bowling his side to a two-run victory over a determined Dorchester team.

Tom Blair and Alex Horne batted superbly for the county town side and it was a shame to see them finish as runners-up.

However, the strangest set of results came from Portland. After losing to Cerne by just two runs and Dorchester by one run, they came up against Weymouth who surprised them by bowling them out for a meagre 29. The Seasiders then passed the islanders’ total with consummate ease which just goes to show how unpredictable cricket can be.

Tournament organiser Grant Neven said: “We have seen lots of good cricket played over the two days and I think district head coach Sean Fitzgerald was impressed with some of the lads that he has not seen before.

“A huge thank you must go to all the mums and dads who supported their teams in the correct manner and to the Osprey Leisure Centre for providing such a wonderful facility.”