defending one end, ran out of partners until Pen arrived for a final flourish with 10 from 10. Neary was on 15*, but Canford held on.
Match for 3rd and 4th
Winton 159/6 lost to QE 160/3
This was an extraordinary and wonderful spectacle. Saunders was in brilliant form, other than managing the last of the 15 overs, when he stranded himself the wrong end until the final ball, to finish on 96*. Boundaries were blitzed to all parts and 159 seemed to be impossible to pass. However, Chubb has talent and he responded with a quite exceptional ton, to enable QE to win by 6 wickets with an over to go. Seriously good entertainment as the rain fell.
FINAL FINAL Canford v Sherborne
Sherborne 138/2, adjusted to 110 because of rain, btCanford 108/4 by 2 runs
This began as a 20 over match, but the rain drove the sides into the pavilion long enough for Canford to strive for a reduced total. Sherborne batted very well. McCleckland hit 44 from 44, as he and his partner Longrigg put on 64 for the first wicket. Note that Sykes conceded just 10 from his opening 4 over spell. Longrigg was joined by Carsmith, who panned 14 from 11, before Pocock gained his second wicket. Tom Prest (14*) joined Longrigg, who reached a gallant 50*. Total 138/2. Canford began pretty well, putting on 32 in 6 overs before Sykes was LBW. Jones was at the helm, batting with confidence, and reached 42. However rain brought a target readjusted to 110. It seemed that the bowlers took control after the break and Canford slipped behind. Moores (12) had gone on 59 and poor Berridge got a golden. However, Longley and Jones found ways of scoring, although with 10 balls to go the game seemed to be up. Longley risked everything, scoring 14 off the last over but, frustratingly for him, his 34* was just not enough to see Canford home. Sherborne had held their nerve and were very relieved winners.
DSCA Under 13 Girls 8 a-side Softball Festival
This was held at a very hospitable Dorchester CC, courtesy of the Town Council. The weather on the Summer Equinox of June 21 was so hot that the trains were forced into a slow speed limit because of possible distortion of the tracks. So, the little wood in the far corner and the clubhouse were welcome refuges from the glaring sun. This is a terrific competition because the girls get stuck in with enthusiasm, enjoyment and, increasingly, a lot of skill. At one stage there were 15 entries, but that dwindled to 9 on the day – rather frustrating. Nevertheless, with one group of 5 and the other of 4, all schools worked hard towards the final stages, which were made easier by Sherborne Prep having to leave a little bit early. Games took around 55 minutes, so everyone had a good chance to take part in a meaningful way throughout the 6 hours of play. Ultimately, the sheer quality of the Parkstone team proved too much for Andy Kent’s St Osmund’s Middle in the final.
Ward Goodman DSCA Girls’ Under 15 8 a-side Hardball Festival
A week before the Under 13s had their festival the Under 15s met and were generously hosted by Canford, which provided us with 4 pitches. The weather remained perfect.
The Charlotte Edwards Trophy was won by Queen Elizabeth's School, Wimborne, who beat Poole HS in the final after a good day's cricket which demonstrated the huge steps in ability the girls have made, although wayward bowling continues to blight most matches. Many thanks to the excellent umpires, Steve Audley, Chris Hasted, Brian Owen and Colin Selous. The presentations were made by Ian Rodd, Managing Director of Ward Goodman Financial Services, whose wonderful sponsorship makes this Festival possible.
Round 1 Poole HS 77/1 bt Gillingham 51/5, QE 93/0 Highcliffe 39/5, Lytchett 36/5 Parkstone 1 61/1; Parkstone 1 58/2 Highcliffe 14/Parkstone 2 58/2 Gillingham 68/2, QE 74/2 Lytchett 45/1;Poole HS 79/1 Parkstone 2 51/2, QE 39/6 Parkstone 1 30/5, Highcliffe 40/1 Lytchett 50/4 Round 2 Poole HS 52/2 Parkstone 1 49/2, QE 90/2 Gillingham 48/3, Parkstone 2 66/4 Highcliffe 64/2
Round 3 Parkstone 1 51/8 Gillingham 49/0, Parkstone 2 66/3 Lytchett 97/2
FINAL QE 86/1 Poole HS 78/2
TJH 4