CHURCHFIELDS’ year nine cricket team are bidding to win the Swindon Schools Cup twice in the same year, writes GARETH MOORHOUSE.

The team are through to the semi finals of the competition, just weeks after winning a rain-delayed version of the 2007 year eight event.

That final was played a year later due to the heavy rain last summer, as Churchfields crushed rivals Commonweal by 102 runs.

Batting first, Churchfields totalled 117-4 in 15 overs, as captain Reuben Mansfield top scored with 25 (retired).

Man-of-the-match Jubedur Rahman (19), Alex Swateridge (17 not out) and Jack Stagg (16) also weighed in with crucial runs.

In reply, Commonweal were bowled out for just 15, with eight batsmen recording ducks. There were 12 extras.

Pick of the Churchfields bowling was Antonio Phillips, who picked up three wickets, while Rahman also claimed three victims.

Fast forward to the 2008 year nine competition, and Churchfields are back in the final four, drawn to play against either Nova Hreod or Commonweal.

Team coach and PE teacher William Smith believes the introduction of the new school nets are partly responsible for the team’s success.

“The kids are down there practising every lunch time, which has made a big difference,” said Smith, who plays for Wiltshire League side Wanborough.

“We didn’t win this competition for years, but we won the 2005 (year 10) and 2007 (year eight) cups, so you could say we’re on a bit of a roll.

“Hopefully the year nine lads can retain their title this year. I’m confident that they can.”

  • The Churchfields 2007 cup winning squad: Jack Stagg, Reuben Mansfield (Captain), Quasim, Nwaz, Burhan Ali, Antonio Phillips, Alex Swateridge, Abdul Jabarkhel, Esmat Ramzi, Jubedur Rahman, Ali Mahmood, Gus McGarvie, Cieron Davies, Kristian King, Corey Ward.