THE U13s from Hatherleigh Cricket Club showed plenty of spirit when they competed in the MCC Spirit of Cricket U13 National Club Championship.
The Hatherleigh Cricket Club did absolutely superbly to come sixth out of 1,800 teams throughout the country. The finals of the championship at Oakham School in Leicestershire from August 5-8 pitted eight teams who won regional finals from around the country against each other, and Hatherleigh did themselves proud by winning against Wakefield Thornes by six wickets in their final match.
They lost to eventual runners up Yateley of Hampshire by eight wickets, Leamington (Warwickshire) by 16 runs, Old Northamptonians by 15 runs and Barton-under-Needwood (Derbyshire) by six wickets.
Hatherleigh captain Luke Reynolds starred with the bat, making scores of 30 not out, 32no and 23. He was ably supported by Cherrington who scored 34no versus Yateley and 27 in Hatherleigh's win against Wakefield Thornes. Cherrington capped off a great all-round display when he took 3-13 – an analysis matched exactly by team-mate Paul Penberthy.
John Stephenson, the former Essex, Hampshire and England all-rounder and now MCC head of cricket, said: 'Congratulations to Hatherleigh for their sixth place in the MCC Spirit of Cricket Under 13 National Club Championship – to come sixth from 1,800 is a great achievement, especially considering the town has a population of only around 1,400 people. They have played good, positive cricket all week and are a credit to their club and county.
'All week the game has been played in the right spirit by all competitors. To make it this far in the competition is a fantastic achievement and the talent that has been on display is really encouraging for the future.'
Hatherleigh got through to the finals after winning the Devon and then the South West Region competitions. Their achievement was all the more remarkable as they were the only team in last eight without any county players.
David Lausen, a member of Hatherleigh CC, said: 'It really is great that a relatively small club like Hatherleigh can achieve so much for young people in a rural area. The growth over the last five years has been immense.
'The people that give their time and experience for free (in particular Charles Inniss and Richard Tidball) should be particularly commended as the majority of young players will leave the area to go to college and jobs. The U13 side did really well despite a few tummy upsets at Okeham School. Luke Reynolds, Jack Cherrington and Paul Penberthy are fine young cricketers.'
The final table was 1, North Middlesex CC (Middlesex); 2, Yateley CC (Hampshire); 3, Old Northamptonians CC (Northamptonshire); 4, Leamington CC (Warwickshire); 5, Barton-under-Needwood CC (Derbyshire); 6, Hatherleigh CC (Devon); 7. Sheringham CC (Norfolk); 8, Wakefield Thornes CC (Yorkshire).