Wombourne aces are just incredi-ball
Wombourne claimed the spoils and local bragging rights in the North Worcestershire Under-9s Incredi-Ball finals days, writes Nick Elwell.
The youngsters picked up the silverware after seeing off the challenge of Himley and Pedmore on an action-packed morning at Beacon Cricket Club.
The shootout for glory was part of a summer-long competition that has included 36 teams from across Worcestershire playing in a series of Sunday morning festivals.
The sides were split into groups – three in each of North, Central and South regions, with each club hosting one of the festivals were each side played each other once.
The winners from each of the groups in the various sections progressed through to their district finals day and also secured a place in the grand final, which will be staged at Himley on Sunday, September 2, along with the overall best runner-up.
The format of the competition is eight-a-side with each player bowling one over and each pair batting for two overs on a pitch 16 yards in length.
Each team starts with 200 runs on the board but are deducted three runs for every wicket they lose.
The competition continues to be a huge hit with players and family alike and Worcesterhire Cricket Board competitons manager Stuart Lampitt was delighted to report on another successful summer.
“We have been running this competition in and around Dudley for about 15 years and it continues to be hugely popular,” said the former Worcestershire all-rounder, who also played Birmingham League cricket for Stourbridge and Himley.
“It’s a really good starting point for the youngsters. It’s probably the first time they have been coached in a match-type environment and it helps them develop their skills.
“They learn about fielding positions, running between the wickets, backing up and things like that.
“It’s one of the most successful competitions we run. A lot of the sides play in coloured clothing, family members come along and support and everyone has a good time.”
There was also an international cricketer in attendance with former England and Worcestershire batsman Vikram Solanki checking in to watch his son in action.
Solanki, who started his career with Wolverhampton and went on to make 51 one-day appearances for his country, stepped in to hand out the awards at the end of the contest.
