On Sunday 16th July Bearsted CC had two teams from our U9s age group participating in the Weald of Kent Kwik Cricket Finals Day. The tournament, like last year, was held at The Mote CC and so massive thanks go to all at The Mote for their efforts in arranging such a fun day.

Building on the successful growth of the U9s last season and throughout 2017 we were able to enter two sides each with a squad of 10 players. The Bearsted "Bears" was predominantly made up of the more experienced and old members of the squad with the Bearsted "Cubs" comprising of the younger and newer members developing their skills to become "Bears" next season. It has been quite a growth for the U9s from the 3 children that started training in May 2016 and having the two teams gives great visibility as to the development that can be achieved over a season of coaching.

On Final's Day the Bears took their place in the top group, Champions Trophy, playing against the likes of The Mote, Cranbrook and Marden; whilst the "Cubs" played in the Plate competition against Linton Park, Lenham and Sissinghurst.

Both teams acquitted themselves well showing a lot of enthusiasm and commitment, but I think it was clear that the occasion got to a few. Both teams did really well to finish 3rd in their respective groups after a round robin stage and then a final and place match. The "Bears" could possibly have finished a little higher, with the potential to have beaten Marden and make it into the Final game against Cranbrook, but as it was had to settle for hammering The Mote in the 3rd / 4th place match. The "Cubs" showed a lot of application, with many of them playing in their first tournament games, and did well to come back from defeat against Lenham in the final group game to also play their best game in the 3rd / 4th place match, beating Lenham by 250 runs to 212!

Thanks to all the children who performed so well on the day and of course to the parents for coming along and for their support. Also, massive thanks to the volunteer coaches Andy Petty, Max Petty and Lewis Benson-Dare.

Bearsted Bears (10 person squad) - Tom Wentzall, Leo Petty, Joe Salsbury, Jacob Stead, Ashley Nix, Robert Maughan, Drew Kennedy, Alex Gabriel, Tom Doulton, Lucas Brookman

Bearsted Cubs (10 person squad) - Max Patton, Spencer Benson-Dare, Angus Kenny, Caleb Connor, Samuel Jones, Oscar Harland, Rhys Malyon, George Rhodes, Amelie Spice, Abis Malik