Northwood Originals were crowned Isle of Wight Cricket Board U12 Indoor League champions for the first time after a commanding Finals Night performance last Friday.
Northwood completed a memorable evening by defeating both Newport and Ryde to confirm their dominance in this season’s competition, with their fielding effort proving decisive throughout.
Ryde batted first in the final and, despite taking 11 runs from the opening 3 deliveries, soon found themselves in deep trouble as Northwood’s bowling and sharp fielding reduced them to 23-8 inside the first 5 overs. Josh made 13, but it was Oscar who showed real determination with a fine 22, supported by Harry’s 8. Even then, Northwood continued to apply pressure, claiming three more wickets before the close of the innings as Ryde finished on 70-11 from their 12 overs.
Jake (2-11) and Jenson (2-17) each took two wickets, with Harry returning figures of 1-4 from a single over. The fielding display was just as striking, with no fewer than six run outs recorded. Jenson and Rufus were involved in two apiece, while Jake and Miles also contributed as Ryde struggled to build any momentum.
Starting their reply on 55 runs thanks to the 11 wickets taken, Northwood were briefly checked as Harry struck with a run out in the first over and Oscar (2-9) followed up with wickets from successive deliveries. Further breakthroughs from Fergus (1-12) and Vaishnav (1-16) saw Northwood slip to 79-6 after 4 overs, taking Ryde’s score to 100 due to the wickets.
However, Jenson (13*), Joe (4*) and Miles (4*) batted sensibly to ensure there were no further losses, Northwood finishing on 119-6 to seal a 19-run win on net scores and lift the title.
Northwood’s route to the final had been secured earlier in the evening with another outstanding fielding display against Newport. Useful contributions came from Otto (12), Alfie (12), Josh (10) and Oscar (10), but it was again the wickets that told the story. Northwood claimed an incredible 13 dismissals, taking their total for the evening to 24 wickets, an average of one every 4.5 balls.
Rufus (3-10), Miles (3-14) and Jenson (3-19) all took three wickets, with Jake adding 2-10 as Newport ended on a provisional 67-13. In reply, Jenson’s unbeaten 21 guided Northwood to 147-3, a 65-run win on net scores. Joe (10*), Rufus (9*) and Jake (9) offered solid support, while Newport’s wickets came from Maddox (1-12), Otto (1-15) and Oscar (1-18).
Ryde’s path to the final was less straightforward, as they edged past a determined Arreton A side. Josh top-scored with an unbeaten 18 as Ryde posted an initial 91-3, with Harvey impressing for Arreton with figures of 2-31. Oscar and Mason both added 9*, before Cooper’s 13* lifted Arreton beyond Ryde’s total. A crucial Bertie run out and a wicket for Oscar (1-4) in the final over swung the contest back Ryde’s way, sealing a 106-101 win on net scores.
The evening also featured action from the U13 Girls’ League, where Ventnor recorded their first win of the campaign at the expense of league leaders Newport. Florence J (14*) top-scored for Newport in a total of 76-6, with Mallory and Billy both taking 2-10. Ventnor replied strongly through Florence W (14*), Mallory (13*) and Billy (13*), ending on 124-1 to secure a 48-run net score victory. Lily (1-13) claimed the only wicket.
Attention now turns to this Friday, when the U14 Indoor League gets underway with three fixtures, alongside another contest from the U13 Girls’ League, under the banner of the Isle of Wight Cricket Board.
