Worcestershire U18’s superb run in the 50-over County Cup came to an end on Sunday as the side fell to an eight-wicket defeat at the hands of Yorkshire in the semi-final.
Having squeezed past Warwickshire in the previous round, Worcestershire came within touching distance of reaching the final, but Elliot Wilson’s side were outdone on the day, as Yorkshire chased down 186 just two-wickets down.
Winning the toss and electing to bat first, Flynn Gunston opened proceedings with Joe Harrison, but the pair could only add 23 for the first wicket, before Harrison was bowled for 14.
Joe Porter lost his wicket shortly before Gunston suffered the same fate, as the visitors stuttered at 45-3 nine overs into the contest.
A fourth wicket stand of 79 between Fin Goodman and Alfie Higgins staged a crucial recovery for the visitors, with the latter making a rhythmic 37 before he was caught at long-off looking to play an expansive drive.
Henry Hawes (10) was caught and bowled as Worcestershire lost their fifth wicket, but it was the wicket of Goodman for 46 that really spelled trouble for the side looking to reach the competition’s final.
Josh Leach and Ben Jones fell in quick succession, with Yorkshire on top as Worcestershire looked to add any extra runs they could lower down the order, as they looked well short of par at 156-8.
Yusuf Akbar stuck around until the 39th over, adding a plucky 25, but when he was the last man out, Worcestershire’s bowlers were in an uphill battle as the had just 186 to try and defend.
Henry Hawes, continued his impressive recent form that saw him feature in the National Counties showcase match for the senior side against Herefordshire last week, as he made an early breakthrough that pegged Yorkshire back to 18-1.
The only other success with the ball came courtesy of Josh Leach, when he provided his side with some momentary hope, but an unbeaten 140-run third wicket stand saw Yorkshire canter to victory, as Worcestershire fell at the last hurdle in their efforts to reach the tournament final.
Despite the defeat and frustrations at the result, Head Coach Elliot Wilson looked back on a successful and promising campaign that had seen his team into the last-four of the competition.
“On the day, we were second-best and credit goes to Yorkshire for their performance.
“It has been a really successful, enjoyable and ultimately educational experience for the lads playing in this competition and along the way there have been some outstanding individual and team performances.
“The squad have shown what they are capable of and there is still plenty of cricket left for them to get stuck into over the remainder of the summer.”
