DAVIDSTOW VILLAGE CUP

GREAT & Little Tew suffered final agony at Lord’s on Sunday, going down by ten wickets to Yorkshire side Woodhouse Grange, writes Kieren Bushnell.

Tew had been full of confidence going into their first appearance in the showpiece final after thumping wins in each of their national knockout rounds.

But at the home of cricket, skipper Andy Harris’s decision to bat first backfired as Tew were skittled for 114 before Woodhouse got home with almost 17 overs to spare.

Harris, however, said his decision to bat first was the right one as he backed his side to post a competitive total.

“We batted first because the outfield was quite wet after a heavy dew,” he said.

“I thought a wet ball may have been a bit difficult for our bowlers early on.

“I would always back this side to put a total on the board and defend it, but we didn’t get enough runs this time.

“It was a small outfield, so it was always going to be tough to defend that total.”

Harris insisted that his talented young side will learn from the experience.

“Even though the result didn’t go our way, to be involved in a day like this is fantastic for all our players,” he added.

“Woodhouse Grange had plenty of experience having played at Lord’s before – they know what happens here.

“For us, it was a completely new experience and we weren’t sure how to go.

“If we are fortunate enough to get back here in the next couple of years, we’ll know better how to approach the day.

“It’s been a fantastic, long journey, and we’ve grown as a team during the run.

“We’ve all enjoyed the buzz and hype of getting here, and we’ve enjoyed the occasion.”

Tew coach Phil Slatter was upbeat.

He said: “We’ll take a massive amount away from today. Yes we know we haven’t performed, but we have learned a lot and know what we have to do next time we get here, and I believe there will be a next time.

“You have to remember the average age of this side is around 20.

“Some of these boys are ten years away from being at their best, so the future is really bright for this club.

“We’ll be trying hard to come back next year. It might not work out as there are some really good teams in Oxfordshire.

“We were very proud to get out of that section having beaten Shipton and Horspath, and we know we’ll have our work cut out, but we will give it our best shot.”