Ross-on-Wye under 15s took on the much-fancied Brockhampton in a Herefordshire Cup quarter final match and won another thrilling encounter in the final over.

The match took place at home in perfect summer evening conditions. Brockhampton fielded a strong side containing several players who have represented both the county and also Worcester Academy. But the team spirit and calmness under pressure of the Ross side shone through in the end.

Brockhampton won the toss and elected to bat first. A tidy opening spell of three overs each from Charlie Cole and Harry Friend not only kept the score down but also removed both Brockhampton opening batsmen. With those potential dangers gone from the attack the rest of the Brockhampton line up fell steadily to Isla Kendall’s mystical spin bowling. One by one they misjudged the flight and bounce of the ball. Four times they played and missed and were clean bowled. Alex Springer took a sharp stumping chance and good catches from the fielders meant that Kendall finished with the remarkable figure of 7 wickets for 9 runs. The club statisticians believe this to be the first time a Ross bowler has taken 7 wickets in a match at any level, senior or junior, for at least 5 years. Tom Gwynne came on to bowl and took the final wicket with his very first delivery. Brockhampton closed on 81 all out in 18.1 overs. McIntosh top scored with 25 but extras contributed a significant 29 runs to the total.

Chasing 82 to win at 4 per over might have seemed straightforward but the Ross opening batsmen, Cole and Friend, soon realised they had a battle on their hands. Runs were hard to come by. Brockhampton continued to bowl very straight and, unlike the Ross bowlers, did not concede many easy runs in the way of wides. After 5 overs there were only 13 runs on the board and the required rate was up to 5.5 per over

Cole picked up the run rate and started to hit some excellent lofty shots over the infield. He was finally caught out to a magnificent one handed catch at mid-off for 31.

With 4 overs left and 19 runs needed, Springer was sent in to swing the bat. He and Friend added 12 before Springer was bowled going for another big hit leaving just 7 needed off the last two overs. Marcus Bailey and Friend batted calmly under pressure to see the side home with 5 balls to spare. Friend finished on 35 not out – an excellent innings from another talented U13 player.

Ross now play either Wormelow or Colwall in the semi-final at home on June 9th. Ross will have to concede less wides if they are to progress further in this competition. All club members are invited to come along and support the team