Surrey Schools defeated an ACE Programme side by just one run in this year’s annual U15 Hobbs Trophy fixture at The Kia Oval on Thursday.
Usually played between sides representing Surrey schools against their counterparts from schools in London, this is the 50th time the Hobbs Trophy has been played. With London Schools unavailable for today’s match, a representative side of the ACE Programme based at The Kia Oval took their place.
In a high quality 35 over match, Surrey Schools’ 208 proved just too much for the ACE Programme side who made 207/8 in response.
Surrey’s Thomas Baldwin was the star of the day, scoring 101 from 80 balls before he was caught behind. Crucial lower order contributions from Toby Crowther (23) and Ben Storey (14) took Surrey to their total.
Donovan Miller was the key bowler for ACE, claiming 3/20 from his six overs. He was backed up by fellow opening bowler O’Dane Giddings who took two wickets. The other wicket takers were Kory Knight, Luke McDowall and captain Troy Henry.
ACE’s response was much more of a team effort with six batters reaching double figures. However, their top score was just 38 from middle order player Ben Barney, who was supported by Giddings (32) and Henry (29). Wicketkeeper batsman Jeven Kher did his utmost to get ACE over the line in the closing stages with an unbeaten 28 but it wasn’t quite enough.
