Manuel steals the show

14 July 2008

Jack Manuel’s unbeaten hundred was the highlight of the opening day of the ECB Under-17 Regional Festival.

The Worcestershire batsman hit a stunning 121 not out to carry the Midlands to a six-wicket win over the North at the National Cricket Performance Centre in Loughborough.

He struck 16 fours and four sixes in his 135-ball innings, which helped the Midlands overhaul a target of 236 with almost seven of their allocated 50 overs to spare.

Luke Perry’s 62 was the highest contribution in the North’s total of 235 for six, while Michael Hill returned figures of 2-41 for the Midlands.

The South & West saw off London & East by 31 runs in the day’s other encounter.

Tomas Lancefield, who made 81, was the only London & East player to reach 30 as they were bowled out for 213 chasing 245 for victory.

Danny Briggs was the most successful South & West bowler with figures of 3-44 off 10 overs.

The South & West, by contrast, boasted six players who made at least 22, most notably Lewis Gergory (54) and captain Chris Jones (40), although London & East’s Tom Jewell deserves praise for his 2-26 return off six overs.

The Midlands face London & East tomorrow, while the South & East clash with the North on Wednesday.

The final day of the four-day tournament sees London & East take on the North, and the South & West go up against the Midlands.

Scorecard - Midlands v North, U17 Regional Festival, July 14 2008 (49 KB)

Scorecard - South & West v London & East, U17 Regional Festival, July 14 2008 (35 KB)

ECB U17 Regional Festival 2008 - Squad Lists (52 KB)