WHAT A SCORCHER!

Last Thursday, on the hottest day of the year so far, Milford sent a team to the highly contested New Forest Schools Sports Partnership Mixed Cricket Tournament.   Such is the strength of Club Cricket throughout the area, this event is traditionally packed with strong boys’ teams from schools across the New Forest.

Out of the 15 schools entered, Milford were one of only three schools to include girls in their teams; the other two schools having two girls while Milford rocked up with two boys and FIVE girls!

During the morning the teams were split into four Pools and Milford started strongly with excellent wins over Blackfield A and St Lukes.  Next up, was Marchwood B, which proved a tougher and much tighter affair.  A game-changing over by Georgia -when she bowled a double wicket maiden - turned the tide and Milford squeaked home with a 15 run win.

Having Won all their Pool matches, MOSPS progressed to the Top Tier to play off against the Winners of the other three Pools, Marchwood A, Abbotswood A and Bartley, all of whom had full strength boys’ teams with County boys dotted all around them.

Unbelievably, after such a tight match against Marchwood B, Milford’s first match was against Marchwood A!  There was no sign of nerves though and our cricketers produced, probably their best match of the day, all bowling quite fantastically to restrict Marchwood’s runs to a total of 41 before going on to score 52 runs themselves.

Next up – Abbotswood A who were fielding an exceptionally strong team, containing three County players.  Despite a quite wonderful batting display by Osh who hit 22 runs in 5 balls, Abbotswood claimed the win by 16 runs.

Last up was Bartley and the decider for the overall 2^nd and 3^rd positions at the Tournament.  After over six hours of cricket, in the searing heat, our incredible Super Seven – Oliver, Osh, Kayla, Ellie, Daisy, El and Georgia – dragged up their last shreds of energy and put in another outstanding performance, all bowling superbly to restrict Bartley’s runs to 59 having posted already posted an excellent 72.

To come second, and go home with the Silver Medals, in such a high calibre tournament, is a truly outstanding achievement.  Coach Brown said it was one of the best all round team performances she has ever had the pleasure of watching.  A huge HUGE well done to all seven children, who should all feel proud of their performances. And whose efforts have secured them a place in the County Finals at the Ageas bowl later in the month.

As always, thanks to the wonderful Coach Brown for giving up her time to manage the super seven  and thanks to all the parents who transported, kept the sun cream applied, the water bottles topped up and the cheering loud! Roll on the County Finals!