Youthful exuberance came out on top in the annual Pinda Singh invitational tournament at Stockton last weekend.
Pinda Singh moved to Canada two years ago, but the Stockton legend's impact is still plain to see and this Twenty20 fixture was arranged to celebrate his month-long return to British shores.
Fielding first, the under 25s were all too aware of Sing
h's destructive capabilities and starved the holidaymaker of strike.
Good bowling from Jonny Sage (2-19) and Steve Ward (2-13) reduced the 'veterans' to 34-4 with Bhav Rathod, Kish Vaghela, John Street and Andy Ward all accounted for. Jamie Green then got the prize wicket of Singh and it looked like being a very one-sided encounter, but Billy Green (23) and Adam Coop then led the fightback.
They complied a stand of 55 in less than six overs as the bowlers began to lose control.
When Krish Dhokia finally broke this partnership some powerful hitting by Ed Russell (26no) supported Coop who, enjoying the luxury of a runner for most of his innings, struck a fine 54no without breaking sweat.
Chasing 158-6, Stockton sent out pinch-hitters Owen Edwards and Jonny Sage to take advantage of the four-over power play and they did just that, racing to 57 from six overs before the latter ran himself out for ten.
Edwards and Michael Hughes continued the momentum, taking the score to 96 when Edwards (66) finally holed out in the 11th over, thanks to a brilliant catch by Russell. Hughes (39) and captain Steve Ward (21) kept the scoreboard moving, although they were stumped off Singh's bowling and superbly run out by a Nish Parmar direct hit respectively.
It was then left to Dhokia and Greg Campbell to see the under 25s home with 11 balls to spare, despite the best efforts of Singh (2-30).
The game was played in great spirit, with plenty of light-hearted sledging from both sides and also gave players some key time in the middle so early in the season.
