Clifton bounce back to lift Champions crown
by Alan Rowley, 21st July 2002

Clifton U15s, boosted by the return of opener Matt Gouldson, bounced back from Monday night's demoralising defeat at Alfreton to lift the Champion of Champions crown. In the showpiece game played at Marehay, Eastwood, due to holidays, were forced to field a very young side comprising 3 under 12s.

Clifton won the toss, and promptly asked Eastwood to take first knock on a good batting track. The warm summer evening should have made it a batsman's paradise, but Eastwood struggled against some tight Clifton bowling.

Eastwood crawled through their first 10 overs to reach 20 runs without loss. Openers James Longden and Stephen Dockerall set up a good foundation, but took far too long to accumulate their runs. Dockerall (12) was first to go with the score on 30 to leave Longden to carry his bat at the other end to finish unbeaten on 34. None of the other Eastwood batsmen managed to get into double figures.

Clifton Under 15s - Champion of Champions 2002

Foster and Gouldstone, the Clifton openers (pictured top), had no trouble in knocking off the required runs in just 13 overs. Man of the match Foster finished on 33 not out, whilst Gouldson knocked up 36 not out.

All in all a very satisfying victory for Clifton following their disappointment in Monday's Cup Final, but all credit to the young Eastwood side for not giving up the fight.

Scores:
Eastwood Town U15 (78 for 5) lost to Clifton U15 (79 for 0) by 10 wickets