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The Bahrain flag flew high as Bath Cricket Club powered to a crushing 81-run victory over Sandiacre Town in the final of a prestigious national competition arranged by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).
The final was the culmination of a tournament that commenced in May comprising the top 128 club sides in the UK in a knockout format.
After winning their regional competition with a comprehensive victory over the Welsh champions, Bath had won three successive matches in the national stages before entering the final.
The champions featured former Bahrain U19 paceman and St. Christopher’s School pupil, George Axtell, aged 19.
Winning the toss and electing to bat, Bath scored 220-8. Opening the bowling, Axtell snared both of the opposition openers, former Derbyshire players, caught behind the wicket, leaving the former two-time national winners needing to rebuild their innings. Sandiacre were eventually dismissed for just 139 giving the historic Bath club their first ever national title.
He was well supported throughout by a number of friends from Bahrain who came to watch the final being played at the prestigious Wormsley Cricket Club in Buckinghamshire on the private estate of Sir Paul Getty.
The prize for the winners is a match at the home of cricket, Lord’s, against the MCC which will be played on September 21.
Axtell commented: “I am proud and honoured to be part of this great team. Playing friendly cricket in Bahrain last winter I could not have imagined winning a prestigious national title in the UK and having the opportunity to play at Lord’s. The management and coaches at Bath have been extremely welcoming and encourage us to enjoy the game and play in the right spirit – I hope we have repaid them!”
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