Despite difficulties completing the early round of the Twenty20 competition, three clubs eventually made it for ‘Finals Day’ at Leamington Cricket Club on Saturday 19th September for a ‘round robin’ format.
First up were Hampshire and Warwickshire Bears. Bears batted first and amassed a total of 300plus, with Andy Powers in fine form hitting a century in their allotted overs. Hampshire were not able to get anywhere near the required run-rate and regularly losing wickets, were comfortably defeated.
Hampshire fared a little better in their second fixture; this time against Sussex Sharks. Sharks were too strong for Hampshire in all departments, and ran out winners to set up an all deciding final fixture with the Bears.
Warwickshire batted first again, but found runs more difficult to accumulate against the strong Sussex bowling attack. Still, they posted a respectable total; once again, Andy Powers in the runs. The Sharks innings was a tense affair for both sides. Right up until the final overs, Sharks were in the hunt, but the Bears tight bowling and fielding ultimately edged to the title.
The presentation followed for the winners, Warwickshire Bears, runners-up, Sussex Sharks, and deserved ‘Player-of-Day’, Andy Powers. Hampshire must also be congratulated on reaching the finals of a competition in their first season.
Many thanks to, David Vaughan and his team at Leamington Cricket Club for being generous hosts; Pete Marshall for ‘marshalling’ umpires and scorers; Martin Humby for a great set of photographs; and the family of the late Bill Frindall for giving us permission to honour the Test Match Special stalwart with the trophy for this competition.