Tuesday 25 June saw a successful day for Habs at Woollams Playing Fields in St Albans. The School saw victories in three of the four age groups at the HSCA County Finals, which is the best result yet. As a bonus, the U12 and U14 teams will go on to represent Hertfordshire as U13s and U15s respectively in National competitions next year.
In the U15 final, Habs faced Bishop’s Stortford High School. A fine half century by Ashish (56*) and good support from his captain Kellen (31) enabled Habs to post an imposing total of 123 for 6 from 20 overs despite the overnight rain and overcast conditions. The opposition lost two early wickets, but soon threatened to reach their target as an excellent 3rd wicket partnership gained momentum. However, the required run-rate proved too much and Habs secured their first victory of the day, winning by 18 runs.
The U12 final was once again a matchup between Habs and Bishop’s Stortford High School. However, the match was more straightforward as tight bowling and fielding restricted Bishop’s Stortford to 85 for 9 in 20 overs, with wickets being shared among the Habs bowlers. In response, a Habs partnership of 57 for the 2nd wicket in just 11 overs between Aarush (33) and Ayrton (24) helped seal the result, along with the work put in by Kush and Rivaan who helped Habs to victory with more than 3 overs to spare.
The U14 final was a low-scoring thriller, with Habs seeking and gaining redemption for the defeat by Haileybury earlier this term. The conditions were conducive to bowling and a slow outfield, Habs found run-scoring difficult especially when Niyam (36) was the fourth batsman to be dismissed. However, some great work by the lower middle order enabled Habs to set an opposition target of 86. Fired up by Mr Haring – who knows more than anyone how to win this competition – Habs made early work of the powerful Haileybury batting. The opposition captain was immediately run out without facing a ball, and this served to motivate the Habs attack. Haileybury were reduced to 30 for 6 before a late surge game them hope, but in the end Habs emerged worthy winners by a margin of 13 runs.
Many congratulations to all three teams and their coaches, Mr Hewitt, Mr Haring and Mr McIntosh.
U12 Finals
Bishop’s Strotford HS 85 for 9 (20 overs)
The Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’ School 86 for 3
Habs win by 7 wickets
U14 Finals
The Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’ School 85 for 6 (20 overs)
Haileybury 72 for 8
Habs win by 13 runs
U15 Finals
The Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’ School 123 for 6 (20 overs)
Bishop’s Strotford HS 105 for 6
Habs win by 18 runs
