Sheffield winners stripped of medals

The under-14 youngsters were representing Sheffield in the Inner City Cup organised by the Lord's Taverners and they had won through to finals week staged at Arundel Castle, Sussex.

Sheffield beat Leicester in the final, proudly received their trophy and medals only to be recalled to the presentation area by the organisers and told to hand over the trophy and their medals.

Other teams were also ordered to hand back medals and were told the action was taken by the organisers because of the condition of some bedrooms where the teams had been staying.

The Sheffield team, comprising players from clubs who play in the Sheffield Junior League, had been staying at a residential centre near Arundel along with other teams, including Swansea, Southampton and Birmingham.

Chris Drury, organiser of the Sheffield team, said an inquiry into the matter would be held today along with Ray Atkinson, Sheffield Area Cricket Council cricket administrator, and the team manager Gareth Dawson.

They would also be speaking with parents who have drafted a letter which they intend sending to the organisers of the Lord's Taverners competition.

"Of course, it was very disappointing to be told to hand back the trophy and medals," said Chris Drury.

"The rooms were seen by the organisers the morning after the final night's stay and we were told there had been some damage. Well, any damage was superficial and a couple of bedrooms were left in an untidy condition, that's all.

"There had been damage to a toilet seat but there is nothing to suggest any Sheffield lad was responsible for that, it could have been anybody.

"I understand just a couple of bedrooms used by us were involved in the complaints, it seems that they were left not up to the standard expected.

"Of course, it should not have happened but there were over 50 lads from different parts of the country in the building for three nights and it is possible everything might not go off smoothly."

Sheffield had reached finals week by getting past Leeds and Bradford in the regional qualifiers.

Due to rain, their group matches in Arundel were restricted to 10 overs each. They restricted Swansea to 60-4 and replied with 61-4 (Will Cooper 20, Oliver Law 12no).

They lost to Southampton who made 84-3, Sheffield replying with 72-7 (Paul Revill 18, Tom Starkes 14) but victory over Birmingham edged them into the final. They made 67-4 (Tom Starkes 39) and restricted Birmingham to 49-7 (Joe Hibbert 2-2).

In the 40 overs each final, they met Leicester who were dismissed for 107 (Will Cooper 3-21) and they knocked off the runs in just 20 overs, making 108-3 (Eddie Allcock 22, Paul Revill 21no, Tom Starkes 20no) - and it finished so early, some VIPs and guests had to be brought from the lunch areas to ensure they did not miss the closing stages.