Tom Pearson hits Twenty20 Century

Tom Pearson hits Twenty20 Century in 157 run opening Partnership!

South Northants U12’s batsman Tom Pearson struck a superb century in the Twenty20 Final to lead his team to a nine wicket victory against Kettering & Corby U12’s.

The District Twenty20 Competition was introduced for the first time as part of the District Programme in 2012. The competition, hosted by Overstone Park CC, included the four Northamptonshire-based Districts, taking the format of two semi-finals with a final and play-off game following. In the first round matches South Northants defeated Northampton, and Kettering & Corby defeated East Northants, which meant that South Northants would play Kettering & Corby in the Final.

In the final, the South Northants District had been set 158 for victory after Kettering & Corby had posted a very good score of 157-5 off their 20 overs. Kettering & Corby batsman Jordan Mobbs had made a powerful 91 which included 8 sixes whilst James Liebrecht took 3-12 of his four overs.

A challenging total, but what followed, was an incredible run chase and an innings from Tom Pearson that will live long in the memory. Tom along with Oliver Morgan combined to produce a stunning partnership of 157 in just 17 overs before Tom was dismissed for a majestic 110 off just 68 balls, including 20 fours and 2 sixes.

In the partnership, the pair formed a brilliant understanding and took the game to the opposition taking quick singles, putting the fielders under pressure and finding the boundary regularly. With excellent support from Oliver, Tom quickly got into gear and began to strike the ball with immense power with shots straight down the ground, through the covers and off his legs. After compiling his fifty, Tom was not finished and continued to score quickly as he raced to his century off just 16 overs to a huge round of applause from everyone involved. Tom still had time to strike two more boundaries before he was bowled with just one run to win. An unfortunate end to an incredible innings was applauded with a loud reception.

Although Tom will undoubtedly take the headlines, Oliver should be praised for the maturity of his innings. With one batsman blasting the ball to all parts, it would have been easy for Oliver to attempt the same, however, he showed an excellent understanding of the situation and worked the ball around for singles to provide Tom with as much of the strike as possible, whilst also finding the boundary himself as he finished unbeaten on 39.

Tom has worked tremendously hard on his game throughout the winter and should be extremely proud of such a wonderful achievement. To score a century in any form of cricket is fantastic and for Tom to achieve this in a Twenty20 game at just 12 years of age deserves great praise.

This recognition is just reward for a remarkable innings and is testament to the fact that effort, hard work and determination goes a long way to reaching your ambitions.

Report by:  Matthew Barnes - District Development Coach, South Northants