Four of Kent's youngsters performed exceptionally well in a community match between Kingtom U13 and Jui U13 hosted by the Sierra Leone Cricket Association on Boxing Day at the Prince of Wales School Ground, Kingtom, Freetown.
Kingtom U13 won the toss and opted to field first. Seven (7) out of the 11 players who made the Kingtom U13 team were from the Kent U11 and U13 teams respectively. Jui U13 started very well as they were 90/6 in 11 overs but suddenly their batting collapsed and they were all out for 107 runs in 18.1 overs. Kingtom batted steadily and replied with 108/4 in 15.5 overs. Kingtom U13 won the match by 6 wickets.
All the four individual awards were won by Kent players. See full analysis below.
Kent U13 Left arm spinner Raymond Coker was awarded "Man of the Match" and took 4 wickets in 4 overs for 19 runs, while his Kent U13 team mate Alusine Turay scored 21 not out and was awarded "Best Batsman".
Kent U11 Sahr Lebbie, the youngest in the squad, before the match received a full set of cricket equipment and an academic scholarship from the Chairman of the Sierra Leone Cricket Association Beresford Bournes-Coker because for his outstanding fielding performance. Sahr performed exceptionally well both as a fielder and batsman. He went in at no 3 batsman in the third over of the innings and batted through till his team won the match in the 15.5 overs and he was awarded as "Best Fielder" while his Kent U11 team mate Mohamed Kallon a right arm off spinner Bowled for four overs and took one wicket and conceded 7runs with an average of 1.75 and he was awarded as the "Best Bowler".
Beresford Bournes-Coker, Chairman, Sierra Leone Cricket Association said "We are going to rekindle the Barracks league for U10 and U13 boys. The match on Boxing Day is a reminder that we have a continuous pool of talent. We as an Association are obligated to ensure that these boys are taken care of both on and off the pitch".
Emmanuel Pessima, Chief Executive Officer, Kent Cricket Club Sierra Leone said "It’s a great opportunity for our players to showcase their talents and to represent Kingtom Community. We were very impressed with their performance, attitude and sportsmanship".
"It is a privilege to work with such a talented and enthusiastic bunch of children" - says Edward Marrah, Team Manager, Kingtom U13.
Alie John Kamara, Head Coach, Jui U13 said "it is my desire to nurture and develop young players. I was impressed with our performance and hopefully these boys will continue to develop their skills".
Kingtom U13 Cricket Team
Jui U13 Cricket Team
Sahr Lebbie receiving his Best Fielder award from Raymond Coker Receiving his Man of the Match from the Daniel Koroma the Board Secretary, SLCA the Daniel Koroma the Board Secretary, SLCA
Mohamed Kallon with his Best Bowler award Alusine Turay second from right with his bat