Croydon Schools draw Jack Hobbs Trophy (From Surrey Comet)

Croydon Schools draw Jack Hobbs Trophy

9:51am Wednesday 23rd June 2010 in

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Croydon Schools U15 drew its Jack Hobbs Trophy match with South London Schools U15 last Wednesday, as both sides scored 163 at The Oval.

It is the first time in the match's 39-year history it has been drawn, though Croydon should have won it but for a late batting collapse.

Chasing 164 to win, opener Tommy Smith scored 62 as Croydon, who included nine players from Riddlesdown Collegiate, raced to 102-2 off 13 overs.

In a dramatic finale, Croydon lost their final three wickets when needed just two runs, missing out on its fourth consecutive victory.

Croydon team manager and association secretary, David Lomas, paid tribute to the hospitality of the Oval authorities.

“The arrangements, which included the operation of all the electronic scoreboards, and the use of the public address system, went a long way to making it a memorable occasion for all concerned," he said.

“The Croydon squad included no fewer than nine players from one school – Riddlesdown Collegiate, Purley – an unprecedented scenario which gives much weight to counter the pundits who consistently claim that cricket in state schools is dead.

“It’s far from dead in Croydon, with the association – founded in 1894 – flourishing."

Croydon Schools U18s take on Croydon Teachers at Trinity School’s Sandilands ground, this Friday at 4.30pm.