THE Royal Hospital School's Under-15 cricket side will be representing the county in a national competition next summer after they sealed the 2008 Lord's Taverners title.

Stuart Watson

THE Royal Hospital School's Under-15 cricket side will be representing the county in a national competition next summer after they sealed the 2008 Lord's Taverners title.

The Holbrook-based school were declared champions after defeating St Joseph's College in the county final by 98 runs.

RHS opening batsman Matt Drury, who is one of two South of England players in the RHS side, enjoyed a piece of luck in the first over when he was dropped on nothing, before going on to claim a fine century in the final over to finish on 103 not out.

The 14-year-old batsman and wicketkeeper drove beautifully, pulled destructively and even swept with finesse. He dominated a 96 run second wicket partnership with his South of England colleague Reece Topley to help his side to 177 for 6 off their allotted 40 overs.

The pick of the St Joseph's bowlers were underage Jack Sayer, who claimed an excellent five for 11, while Daniel Pryke bowled extremely economically.

In reply, St Joseph's top order were blown away by left arm paceman Reece Topley who took three wickets for one run in a devastating three over spell, before Suffolk Schools' all-rounder Ethan Wright and Chris Barron rescued the home side with a 40 run partnership.

The introduction of RHS leg-spinner James Kerr had immediate effect as he took four wickets for five runs to help dismiss St Joseph's for 79 all out, thus RHS winning by 96 runs.

This RHS U14 team are also currently top of the national league U15 age group on the www.schoolscricket.org website.

RHS cricket master Don Topley said: “It has been a fantastic season for our under-15s who all worked tremendously hard at their cricket throughout the winter, so they deserve this accolade.

“While it is well publicised that we do possess two quality young cricketers, what has added to this satisfaction is all the other boys contributing to the team's success by bowling some excellent spells or contributing to significant partnerships when needed.”

The Royal Hospital School are planning to take this particular group on an international cricket tour to Sri Lanka next Spring, where they will play at the three international stadiums of Premadasa Stadium Colombo, Asigirya Ground at Kandy and the famous Galle Stadium.