On Saturday 22nd April, Eltham College hosted Kent Age Group boys cricket sides for pre-season cricket showdown. The weather held off and allowed six T20 matches to be played across the day.
The 1st XI played against Kent U15s in two very close games which Kent came out on top in both matches. On a tough surface, Kent set 99 to win in twenty overs which Eltham fell just four runs short of. In the second game, as the ground dried up, Eltham batted first scoring 128 which Kent chased from the last ball of the over. Aaron McEntire and Joe Day bowled economically and effectively over the day, while Akhil Venugopalan and Frank Caldwell looked in good touch with the bat.
Eltham U15s shared a game apiece with Kent U13s. A mixture of Year 9 and 10 boys played very well to earn their win, but Kent came back strongly in the second game to level the afternoon. Eltham U13s convincingly beat Kent U12s in both their fixtures with some strong batting and bowling performances, including a five-wicket haul for Jay Kalakuri.
It was pleasing to host Kent for the day as the partnership between the county and Eltham continues to develop and grow. Eltham are hosting the U13 Area Festival during half-term and several age group fixtures over the Summer, while a repeat of the preseason fixtures is already planned for 20th April 2024.
