As we head towards the Christmas period there’s time to reflect on another successful U19 T20 competition in Somerset. 22 clubs, including newcomers Lansdown Lions started the competition, with all eyes on a place in the final, which for the first time since the competition began was to be played under floodlights on the Coopers Associates County Ground.
Lansdown Lions and Hampset Scholars qualified from the North East Group and were joined by Weston-super-Kings in the North play-off, hosted by Timsbury CC, with the Lions comfortably qualifying as the first finalists.
The South Group play-offs was well contested with The Saints taking on the Yeovil Whirlwinds and Kilmington & Stourton facing Deane Diamonds in the quarter finals. Yeovil Whirlwinds then played 2021 winners Deane Diamonds for a place in the final, Deane Diamonds showed their strength and depth as they progressed to another U19s final.
Finals Day – Monday 22nd August
Lansdown Lions and Deane Diamonds took to the ground to make history as the first Somerset u19s finalists to play on the Coopers Associates County Ground, with full match day experience of music, live stream and commentary.
Deane Diamonds won the toss and elected to bat first, a risky decision as the openers fell in quick succession. Aman Rao turned the tide with 51* retired, but Praneel Choughule did damage with his miserly spell of 4-0-9-2.
Deane Diamonds closed their innings on 129/6 unsure of whether they had enough runs on the board to challenge Lansdown Lions.
The Lions openers started with purpose, and although Ebdon was dismissed quickly, James Pitman and Noah Davis took up the mantle, Pitman retiring having notched up his half century. Davis’s departure could have spelt problems for the Lions, but Choghule continued his good form from the first innings and soon the game was taken away from Diamonds, and a third team was finally able to add their name to the trophy.
Deane Diamonds recorded a victory by 8 wickets and Praneel Choghule was awarded the player of the match award.
If you’re interested in entering the U19 T20 or any of our other club competitions, please contact Nicky Clarke nicky.clarke@somersetcricketfoundation.org
