Maurice Fulcher Finals Tournament. Friday 16th Jan 2015
In early December 2014, a Charles Dickens squad of 5 boys and 5 girls from Years 5 and 6 romped to second place in one of five qualifying tournaments, held at the Kia Oval, for the Maurice Fulcher trophy. Last Friday, the same team (with Michael Emoike replacing Saul Sampson) took its place in the finals.
A slow start, which cost us the first game, was followed by a much improved performance against a strong side in the second, in which we lost only very narrowly. From that point on the learning curve continued upwards, carrying the Charles Dickens team through a comfortable victory in the third game to a very tight, exciting and competitive final game of the group. We won it by a very narrow margin (with a close call for a run out off the final ball). The balance of results left us 3rd in our group of 5, therefore knocked out before the grand final, but leaving on a high with much to celebrate.
Particular highlights included the assured, calm leadership of captain Brea Williamson, a pivotal over (a wicket maiden against strong opposition) bowled by Kaiya Koroma in the second game, including an excellent caught behind, and a mighty 6 off her 1st ball faced in the tournament by Dorothy Tyson (the only 6 hit by either side in any of our games that day).
All the children involved in this squad have shown excellent progress in their cricketing skills, great teamwork and exemplary behaviour throughout both tournaments. Special thanks to the two grandfathers who lent their generous support and to Ms Nouafasse for enthusiasm and good humour throughout.