Bancroft’s Under-13 boys have reached the last four of the National Schools Cricket Cup for the first time after winning the south-east region final against Whitgift School.
Victory in last year’s Essex Cricket Cup saw Bancroft’s qualify for the national competition and last Thursday they continued their journey with a 30-run win over Surrey champions Whitgift.
Batting first, Bancroft’s got off to a shaky start when they lost two early wickets to run outs.
However, important knocks from Zain Piracha (37), Zack Foster (42) and George Whalley (46) saw Bancroft’s reach 166 for six from their 30 overs.
Opening bowlers Harry Vallance and Deven Solanki both claimed important early wickets in reply for the hosts, removing the Whitgift openers.
Chasing Bancroft’s total, the away side threw caution to the wind and subsequently gave away a number of late wickets as they were dismissed for 136.
South-west champions Millfield School await Bancroft’s in the semi-final.
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