Lord's triumph for Bexley teams (From News Shopper)

Lord's triumph for Bexley teams

9:34am Tuesday 9th March 2010 in

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BEXLEY emerged as the most successful London borough at the indoor cricket finals of the London Youth Games at Lord’s on Saturday.

They won the girls’ final after a thrilling victory against Bromley and their boys’ team took home bronze medals after losing out in the semi-finals to Hillingdon.

Both teams had earned their place it the finals at the home of cricket after winning their qualifying groups at Harrow the previous month.

In the girls’ competition, Bexley overcame Hounslow and Greenwich on their way to the final against Bromley.

Bromley made a stuttering start in the first innings, losing three early wickets before rallying to 84 runs in their 10 overs.

Bexley looked in serious trouble when they were reduced to 17-3 and then 38-4.

But Sakshi Sharda’s contribution of 31-runs saw Bexley reach the target with just one wicket remaining and two balls to spare.

Captain Lucy Poulton said: “Sakshi and I were really scared at the end but we just said to each other: ‘Don’t worry about it, just go for it.’ “It’s our first time here and we won. It’s great”

Manager John Daniels said: “It was absolutely amazing to get this far, as we didn’t think we would.

“I’m so proud. Two years ago we didn’t even have a team, so our goal this year was to qualify for Lord’s.

“Schools, coaches, councils, parents have all helped tremendously.

“It is fantastic for the girls to get to play at Lord’s, especially at just 12 years old, so I really hope it is something they will treasure.”

Boys’ team manager Alan Eaton was equally proud of his team.

He said: “The fact they’re at Lord’s is their dream, probably one of the days they will always remember.

“We don’t normally play indoor cricket, so they’ve had to change the way they play.

“To qualify is good, to play at Lord’s is a bonus.”

The weekend’s competition saw around 150 youngsters aged 13 and under competing at the home of cricket, where they also had the opportunity to meet England’s greatest female cricketer, Claire Taylor.

An estimated 1,300 youngsters from across the city have taken part in the London Youth Games cricket competition this year, including team trials and qualifying competitions.

The London Youth Games is Europe’s largest annual youth sports event.

In 2009 around 47,000 youngsters took part in 30 sports from all 33 London boroughs.