Gilford stars as Hurricanes triumph

Jack Gilford was in outstanding form as Houghton and Thurnby Hurricanes won the NatWest U19s Club T20 tournament at Grace Road on Saturday.

All-rounder Gilford smashed 84 runs off 34 deliveries and had overall figures of 9-27 during the course of an entertaining day that was extremely well-supported.

The first game of the day was contested between Ashby Strikers and Newbold Dragons with the Strikers winning with 7.4 overs to spare.

Tom De Fraja top-scored for the Dragons with 22 but spinners Henry James (3-22) and Jack Hoult (2-11) restricted their opponents to 97 all out after they had opted to bat first. Josh Ellwood retired after making a superb 50 from 25 balls as the Strikers went on to record a six-wicket victory.

The second semi-final between the Hurricanes and Loughborough Cobras was delicately poised until Gilford turned the game with a whirlwind knock.

Seamer Gilford had claimed 3-18 as the Cobras were dismissed for 131 in the final over but the Hurricanes, who had put the Cobras in, slipped to 39-3 in their chase after wickets for Tom Sheard, Alfie Gurney and Ajinka Gothoskar.

While Yash Thakrar anchored the innings with a calm 40 not out from 42 deliveries, Gilford blasted his way to a stunning 51 off 18 balls, including five fours and a quartet of maximums.

Gilford (33 off 16 balls) also top-scored in the final as the Hurricanes put a healthy 156-7 on the board after being inserted. Captain Robbie Scudamore (32) and Thackrar (23) also played well while James, Hoult and paceman Teddy Read (4-0-15-2) all claimed two-fors.

The Strikers were in severe trouble because of Gilford and new ball partner Harry Funnell. They were 31-8 as Gilford had astonishing figures of 6-3 at one stage, including a triple wicket maiden.

Gilford ended with analysis of 4-1-9-6 while Funnell collected 2-29 including two important top order wickets.

Jack Rowley (15), Kieran Ward (15 not out) and James (13) batted well to take the Strikers up to 82, the Hurricanes getting home by 74 runs. They were presented with the trophy by Leicestershire CCC batsman Angus Robson.

* During the day, Tugby C of E Primary School were also at Grace Road after winning Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust's Move it-Boom! competition. A selection of 30 lucky pupils received a tour, an educational interactive session and were presented with their trophy by Leicestershire duo Mark Cosgrove and Rob Sayer.

The Guinness World Record star jump attempt fell narrowly short - although County batsman Lewis Hill did manage a credible 67 in 60 sessions!

Leicestershire and Rutland Cricket and Leicestershire County Cricket Club would like to thank all volunteers for their help and to everybody who came down to support their teams and the Move it-Boom! event on the day.

Scorecards:

Semi-final 1: Ashby Strikers v Newbold Dragons

Semi-final 2: Houghton & Thurnby Hurricanes v Loughborough Cobras

Final: Ashby Strikers v Houghton & Thurnby Hurricanes

* Thanks to Ed Melia for the fantastic photos taken during the day.