Wednesday, December 18, 2024

European Cricket League: Jersey’s Old Victorians beaten in final by Hornchurch

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Jersey champions Old Victorians have been beaten in the final of the European Cricket League in Spain.

The islanders lost by seven wickets to English side Hornchurch – their third loss to the Londoners in the finals.

Batting first OVs reached 93-5 in their 10 overs as Scott Simpson top scored with 33 off 15 balls.

But Hornchurch – who won all their games in the final round – made 95-3 in 8.5 overs to reach their target and win the title for the first time.

Hornchurch returned to the final having lost out on the 2023 title to French side Dreux 12 months ago.

Having lost in the group stages to Hornchurch on Thursday, and their opening knockout match earlier on Friday, Old Victorians knew they needed a good start.

But star opener Jonty Jenner was caught off the very first ball while his big-hitting replacement Julius Sumerauer went for a duck two balls later off the bowling of Mohammad Irfan to leave them 0-2.

Zac Wilson tried to steady the innings but was caught on 21 as the island side slumped to 32-4 off five-and-a-half overs.

Simpson provided some resistance, but when he went on 77-5 with eight balls to go Old Victorians knew their chances of making three figures were remote.

Skipper James Duckett made 25 not out off 12 balls as Old Victorians ended on 93-5 from their 10 overs.

Hornchurch started well in their reply as openers George Hankins and Jalpesh Vijay made 50 for the first wicket before the latter was superbly caught behind by Jonathan Heward for 26 off Wilson’s bowling in the fourth over.

Hankins went on to hit the winning runs with a six as he made 48 not out off 22 balls. He cleared the boundary six times as Hornchurch never looked troubled by the target they were set.

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