Sunday, 7th July, 2019 saw two teams from the Under 9s travel north up the A19 to Seaham Harbour. These matches were arranged on the back of our successful Under 9s Softball Tournament that was played in early June. Our Under 11s also had a development team at Seaham Harbour too, with a hardball match being played.

In total, the Stags and Silverbacks played three matches each. Two were played against two different sides from the Harbour. These matches consisted of 12 overs instead of 6, with each bowler bowling two overs instead of one, with each batting pair batting for four overs instead of two.

With some great cricket being played in these matches, the Stags and Silverbacks were too strong for our hosts. The dilemma of the day was whether the Stags and the Silverbacks were to meet in a “Final” match. After much thought, and a desire on the part of our Young Cricketers, a “Final” was to be played. A decision was taken to play just six overs per side.

The “Final” was a very close run affair.

The Stags, captained by Bobby, elected to bowl first. The Silverbacks, captained by “Noah T”, scored 43 for 3 off their six overs. Matthew lead the way with 20 runs, which comprised two massive sixes and two fours. Finley, Finlay and Callan all took one wicket each.

James and “Noah W” each took a wicket as the Stags were restricted to 34 for 2. Batting wise, Finley lead the way with a hard-hitting 15 runs. The “champagne moment” of the match was the fantastic catch taken by Emily. Fielding at deep square-leg, Emily charged in from the boundary to snaffle a fantastic two-handed catch! Her Dad, Ben, wouldn’t have taken that catch! More drama was to follow, with the penultimate ball of the match scoring five thanks to a quickly taken single and four overthrows. However, the final ball saw the Silverbacks take a wicket!

The Silverbacks just managed to pip the Stags with a net score of 28 against a net score of 24. The “Final” was an excellent match, allowing our Young Cricketers to apply their cricketing skills under the pressure of match conditions. Although extremely competitive, the match was played in the right spirit.

Our hosts, Seaham Harbour Cricket Club, are thanked for their excellent hospitality and for the invite. After being re-formed in 2018, the Harbour is certainly going from strength to strength. The ground looked fantastic, with the Club having a family and community feel.

Hopefully, our Young Players can take forward the experiences gained at Seaham Harbour. The Pirates are playing at the Harbour in a Softball Tournament on Sunday, 14th July. Good luck to those from Hartlepool who are playing in this Tournament. Meanwhile, the Stags and the Silverbacks next play in a Softball Tournament at Stockton Cricket Club on Sunday, 28th July, 2019. The teams for the visit to Stockton are yet to be confirmed, with difficult selection decisions being required.

There were many positives to take from Sunday’s games, so well done to the Stags and Silverbacks! Also, it was great to see so many parents and family members from Hartlepool in attendance at Seaham. Hopefully, you enjoyed your afternoon at sunny Seaham!