On a sun drenched Sunday, Studley CC kindly hosted the U10 pairs softball finals day. Walmley, Studley, Smethwick and Moseley Ashfield vied for the U10 crown.
Walmley faced hosts Studley in the first semi final. This format sees all teams begin on 200 with 5 points deducted from the batting total for each wicket lost. Each pair of batsmen face 4 overs.
Studley began their semi final challenge well, but wickets from Elijah and Arjun (supported by a great boundary catch from Thomas B) blunted their charge.
Thomas bowled an amazing spell producing 3 wickets with further wickets from Zohaib and another Arjun which aided Walmley’s cause. Walmley’s fielding saw some incredible catches one of which was taken one handed, at a leap on the boundary by Daniel. The closing bowlers were economical leaving Studley at 261-9 at the close of their innings.
Walmley faced a challenging total and two early wickets aided the Studley cause, but the efforts of Arjun and Dhiyaam steadied the ship and 11 runs from Thomas and 17 from Daniel furthered the cause.
The final pair saw Ariyan hit a magnificent 30 runs, ably assisted by Elijah. Walmley posted 297 winning by 36 runs.
After lunch and many glasses of water, ice cream and J2O it was onto the final against Moseley Ashfield who started with intent.
A magnificent opening partnership of 34 for Moseley, put Walmley on the back foot. Walmley dug in and economical bowling, plus wickets from Arjun and Elijah blunted their charge. On came Walmley’s finishing bowlers and 4 wickets in two overs from Daniel and one from Zohaib saw Moseley reeling having posted a beatable 266-9.
Walmley rose to the occasion with the bat, with excellent knocks for all. 10 runs from the opening partnership of Harshir and Zohaib were followed by a career best 17 from Arjun ably assisted by 5 runs from Dhiyaan. Thomas added 8 runs to the total with Daniel smashing 19 runs off 9 balls. Ariyan and Elijah finished off the run chase with a magnificent and well crafted 25 for Ariyan, again ably supported by Elijah who played a mature and selfless innings.
Walmley crowned Under 10 Softball Warwickshire Champions of 2023. We are proud of our young ‘Whammers’!
Written by Amit Chudasama
