SOUTH Marston Church of England Primary School were triumphant when Swindon United Churches Cricket Club staged the 2018 Churches Cup at Sevenhampton.

Wiltshire League club United Churches began amongst the churches of Swindon around the start of the last century and have attracted players from many backgrounds since.

Club secretary and tournament organiser David Martin said: “This is one of the ways in which the club comes together to celebrate our historic and still active roots.

“This year the competition hosted six a side teams from seven local churches and one church school – the basic idea being that teams seek to play three church members and three from their local communities.”

The winning team from South Marston, which was made up of teachers and parents, scored the maximum eight points in the league phase before triumphing against Freshbrook Evangelical in the final by six wickets.

Freshbrook Evangelical, St Mary’s Ashbury and Christchurch all finished the league phase on six points, but the former progressed to the final on wickets taken.

All matches were contested over 25-ball innings, with Christchurch’s Steven Shinde the top run scorer in the tournament with 71 runs. Charlie Wiggham (St Mary’s Ashbury) and Alex Smith (Freshbrook Evangelical) scored 63 and 61 runs respectively.

James Foster (Stratton Methodist) and Tim Rabbitt (Freshbrook Evangelical) were the top bowlers with three wickets each, while Gareth Cheal (South Marston Church of England School) took the catch of the day after dismissing Alex Smith caught and bowled in the tournament final for one.

Tournament organiser Martin added: “Well done captains for your hard work. Teams arrived without worry or depletions and were well-organised.

“It is good to note how many teams brought squads of more than six and worked them successfully into the teams.

“And well done to the players for your good humour and healthy competition, furnished with examples of good sportsmanship throughout the day.

“This was the closest competition we have staged, with three teams finishing on the same points.”

Swindon United Churches play in Division Two of the Wiltshire League, the Swindon Evening league and a number of local friendlies.

Open nets sessions will be held throughout May and June. Contact club secretary David Martin on 01793 770171 for more information.