South Wilts all-rounder Arthur Godsal and Bournemouth’s Luke Webb are a European cup winners !
While Webb was restricted to a comparative low key role, Godsal was one of the stars, taking 19 tournament wickets as England, whose squad was drawn entirely from cricketers from the National (Minor) Counties Championship, won the inaugural Dream 11 European T10 championships in Malaga, Spain.
The ten overs per side competition, which was televised globally, embraced 16 European countries and England had to defeat Australia, Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and hosts Spain to become champions.
Webb made 63 runs in five knocks, 49 of them coming in a group win over Germany, whereas Godsal had a key role to play, bowling the ‘death’ eighth and tenth overs – and having to defend a 50 yard boundary – way shorter than at Bemerton !
Nonetheless, he emerged with great credit, taking three wickets in three of England’s victories – besides taking one of the catches of the tournament, low down, off his own seam bowling against Germany. He was named man-of-the-match against Italy.
“It took a while getting used to playing on an artificial surface with a short boundary as a lot of mis-hits we’re going for six - but there were many strikes which would’ve been a six on any ground as some of the striking from opposition teams was incredible,” Godsal explained.
“Length and line was really important. We also had to adopt the mindset of every ball being an event and to try and win as many balls as possible.
“The overall standard in the tournament took me by surprise. It was very good. There were many amazing ball strikers. Every bad ball went for six and even good ones, so there was a lot of learning, which took place from watching opposition play.
“I went into the tournament very open minded with the aim of giving my best. I got better as the tournament went on with my execution by having more clarity in my plans and I was very happy to be able to contribute.”
The all-Asian Belgian side, who peppered the small Malaga ground with sixes throughout the tournament, posted a formidable 148-6 off ten overs in the final.
But were blown away in another plethora of 'maximums' by Harrison Ward as England won by ten wickets, with seven balls to spare to become European champions !
Below: Arthur Godsal steams in for England NCCA in the European T10 Championships.
While Webb was restricted to a comparative low key role, Godsal was one of the stars, taking 19 tournament wickets as England, whose squad was drawn entirely from cricketers from the National (Minor) Counties Championship, won the inaugural Dream 11 European T10 championships in Malaga, Spain.
The ten overs per side competition, which was televised globally, embraced 16 European countries and England had to defeat Australia, Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and hosts Spain to become champions.
Webb made 63 runs in five knocks, 49 of them coming in a group win over Germany, whereas Godsal had a key role to play, bowling the ‘death’ eighth and tenth overs – and having to defend a 50 yard boundary – way shorter than at Bemerton !
Nonetheless, he emerged with great credit, taking three wickets in three of England’s victories – besides taking one of the catches of the tournament, low down, off his own seam bowling against Germany. He was named man-of-the-match against Italy.
“It took a while getting used to playing on an artificial surface with a short boundary as a lot of mis-hits we’re going for six - but there were many strikes which would’ve been a six on any ground as some of the striking from opposition teams was incredible,” Godsal explained.
“Length and line was really important. We also had to adopt the mindset of every ball being an event and to try and win as many balls as possible.
“The overall standard in the tournament took me by surprise. It was very good. There were many amazing ball strikers. Every bad ball went for six and even good ones, so there was a lot of learning, which took place from watching opposition play.
“I went into the tournament very open minded with the aim of giving my best. I got better as the tournament went on with my execution by having more clarity in my plans and I was very happy to be able to contribute.”
The all-Asian Belgian side, who peppered the small Malaga ground with sixes throughout the tournament, posted a formidable 148-6 off ten overs in the final.
But were blown away in another plethora of 'maximums' by Harrison Ward as England won by ten wickets, with seven balls to spare to become European champions !
Below: Arthur Godsal steams in for England NCCA in the European T10 Championships.
England's National County European T10 Cup winning squad, managed by former St Cross Symondians all-rounder Richard Logan (top left) and, besides Southern Premier League duo Arthur Godsal and Luke Webb, included former Hampshire U17 all-rounder Andy Rishton.
