Wells' starring role

15 July 2008

Luke Wells’ stunning all-round performance powered London & East to a comprehensive 185-run victory over the Midlands at the ECB Under-17 Regional Festival.

His fine 117 off just 106 balls was the centrepiece of London & East’s mammoth total of 312 for seven, to which the Midlands could only reply with 127 all out as Wells claimed 3-18.

Well was one of three Sussex players to shine with the bat at the National Cricket Performance Centre in Loughborough.

London & East made short work of the Midlands

Matthew Machan hit a rapid 45 at the top of the order, while Adam Davies smashed 19 off 10 balls late in the innings. Tom Jewell also weighed in with 38 off just 35 deliveries.

Though Nathan Buck bowled economically to take 2-28 off 10 overs, Michael Hill’s two wickets came at a cost of 88.

Charged with scoring at more than a run a ball, the Midlands were bowled out in little more than 40 overs, with only Neil Pinner (44), Jonathan Webb (23) and Hill (15) reaching double figures.

Like Wells, Muhunthan Harinath grabbed three wickets, while Ravi Patel returned impressive figures of 10-4-15-2.

The North - beaten by the Midlands yesterday - face the South & West - victors over London & East in their opening game - in tomorrow’s only encounter.

Scorecard - London & East v Midlands, U17 Regional Festival, July 15 2008 (50 KB)

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