A wet and wild day at Reigate Grammar School met the U15A XI on the day of the semi-final and final of the Surrey round of the National T20 cup. Epsom were drawn against St George’s, Weybridge who played their quarter-final only the night before.
Epsom’s captain, Ben Garrett (G), won the toss (a pivotal moment) and elected to bowl on a slow and low wicket. Full credit to Reigate having done well to prepare the wickets in the current weather conditions.
Epsom fielded like men possessed, the best display since the final day of the Dubai tour against Trent College. AJ Hughes (Fa) went for ten runs off his four overs, Harry Jackson (P) similarly for 11 off four, both taking two wickets each. The other bowlers did their bit to keep St George’s to a low score. Luca Woods (Fa) bowled fantastically well in the final few overs of the innings to take three wickets from two overs for just four runs. St George’s finished on 68 off 20, eight men down.
Epsom started their chase in a positive manner. St George’s bowled with intent and efficiency. Garrett came in at three and managed to face 46 balls in a tough innings. He scored 24 and was looking like going on to win the game until a mistimed shot led to him eventually being bowled.
George Bustard (Rn) entered the fray with 25 to win off 45 balls. A patient, sensible innings from the young Robinson boy meant that the scoreboard kept ticking over. Bustard continued driving the ball with gusto, taking the game to the last two overs. Only four runs were now required to win and tension was high on the boundary rope, the Epsom players’ standing to attention. Four dot balls followed as nervous excitement increased amongst all. The hero of the game unrelenting, Bustard stepped out of his crease and drove the ball over mid-on, the ball bouncing over the boundary rope for four exquisite runs.
Epsom stroll on to the final in the last week of term.
WON by 4 wickets
St George’s 68-8 (20 overs) Woods (Fa) 3-4
Epsom 72-6 (18.5 overs)
