4:40pm Wednesday 9th July 2008
A MINIATURE version of the Ashes took place in Worcester when Blessed Edward Oldcorne Catholic College took on a team from Catholic College Bendigo, near Melbourne in Australia.
It was the second time the Antipodean challengers had travelled to the northern hemisphere to take on the Worcester school’s team and the hosts managed to secure a thrilling last-ball victory.
The tourists scored an impressive 192-3 off 25 overs. In reply, the Blessed Edward Oldcorne innings started steadily thanks to a good opening partnership between skipper Alex Claytor and Joe Taylor.
However, the run-rate then slowed down and, with six overs remaining, the home side required 14 runs-per-over with five wickets left.
Charlie Barrett and Will Duddell set about destroying the Australian bowling attack.
Barnett went on to score the two runs required for victory off the last ball and he finished with a magnificent 78 not out.
The Australian players stayed with the parents of the Worcester pupils before meeting at Blessed Edward Oldcorne the next day to travel to a match in Warwick.
The game was a great experience for all pupils and parents involved and the school look forward to hosting the Australians again in two years time.
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.worcesternews.co.uk