A pair of young cricket stars had a taste of glory when they helped Essex to victory in the Ampleforth Festival of Cricket.
Hadleigh and Thundersley duo Adam Soilleux and Joe Robbins were key players for the under-12s squad who took the honours at the week-long event in North Yorkshire.
And Robbins went home with the Performance of the Tournament prize, presented by former Yorkshire spinner Don Wilson after a brilliant all-round display in the final.
Staffordshire had asked Essex to bat first on a damp pitch, and soon had them in trouble at 50-5.
Soilleux joined captain Tom Wheater at the crease and shared in a vital 50 partnership, before Robbins replaced him and smashed 28 from 16 balls to take Essex to 153-6.
That looked too small a target as Staffs raced to 109-2, but after Soilleux removed Hancock for 55 the stage was set for Robbins to bowl Essex to victory.
He produced a top-class performance, taking 5-11 in 2.5 overs to secure a thrilling 10-run victory.
Published Thursday August 5, 2004
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