Marshland cricket side draw with Wisbech in their first game, only one month after forming

A newly formed school cricket team, made up of novices, pushed one of the strongest club sides around all the way in a thrilling Twenty20 contest.

Marshland High School only put together an under 13s side one month ago. All but one of the players had never played hard ball cricket.

On Wednesday, they took on Wisbech under 13s in their first match. Anyone expecting a one-sided contest were in for a surprise - Wisbech had to take wickets off the last two balls of the game to secure a draw.

Wisbech batted first and made 94-4. Travis Stapleton, Lewis Theobald, Daniel Dawson and Callum Edwards took the wickets.

In Marshland’s reply, two early wickets brought Stapleton and Dawson to the crease, both of whom batted well to rebuild the innings.

Freddie Collison, batting at six, scored 29 runs that included two huge sixes, one of which his dad dropped in the crowd.

Wicket Keeper Max Martin, who did a great job with the gloves in the first innings, hit a four off the last ball of the penultimate over to mean Marshland needed four runs to win.

Collison got out second ball. With two balls to go the scores were tied. But Wisbech held their nerve to make it honours even.

Marshland coach Dom Stannard said: “What an incredible evening. Club members were shocked to find out that this was their first ever game.

“The performance was outstanding and they are a real credit to the school. I am extremely proud of every student who took part and I am hoping many of these youngsters will now join the club, as there is certainly a mass of potential.

“Well played to the Wisbech boys also, and thanks to Shane Sleath and the club for their hospitality.”