Felsted’s Charlie Knightley 50 not Out! …and now Champion of the World

England won all but one of the eight fixtures they played over the course of the World Cup, which was the largest ever international over-50s cricket tournament, consisting of 14 teams in total, becoming only the second country after Australia to win the Over 50s World Cup

The final was a tense but thrilling day for all involved. After a morning of heavy showers, the game was delayed and reduced to 40 overs; South Africa won the toss and elected to bowl. In the group stages seven days previously, the two sides had almost been stride for stride but, when it came down to the final, England dominated proceedings almost from the off.

The hosts were unable to get an early breakthrough as South Africa’s Dawson and Albanie went wicketless in their opening spell for the first time during the tournament. Giles Ecclestone’s ‘player of the match’ performance of 120 runs from 103 balls, steered England towards their score of 267 for 8. England powered to victory after their impressive total proved to be too much for the hosts, who succumbed to a 65-run loss at the iconic Newlands Cricket Stadium. Charlie Knightley taking two catches and a stumping in the final behind the stumps.

Immediately after the World Cup, England had two fixtures v Australia in an Ashes battle before returning back to the UK. This was certainly a test of fitness for the 18 man squad with 10 games in a short period of time.

Sydney, 2018 was the last time the two teams faced each other for the ‘Platinum’ Ashes, when the Aussies won 2-0. This year, however, still riding on their World Cup high, England continued their winning streak, turning the tables to beat Australia 2-0 in Cape Town, with Charlie Knightley opening the batting scoring 30 and 60 not out in the two matches.

Charlie comments;“I’m extremely proud of our team, we trained hard, put in the effort and it paid off and I’m bowled over by the support of the Felsted community. I hope this will help to inspire future generations to keep active and continue with their sport for as long as they are able to. The team spirit and togetherness of the whole squad was also a key factor to our success and it was an honour to be involved in such a positive environment”.

High Roding Ladies Cricket Club, tweeted their congratulations, saying; “England over 50’s World Cup Champions in South Africa and we are delighted that our very own Charlie Knightley played a huge part in this awesome team”.

Felsted Head Chris Townsend, commented: “We are all incredibly proud of Charlie and the whole team. They thoroughly deserve this win. It is a great inspiration to current students to see their coaches still competing at such a high level and demonstrates the long term benefits of sport.”

Overseen by Felsted’s experienced Director of Cricket, Jason Gallian (ex-England, Essex & Notts player), the School has a formidable reputation for cricket both locally, regionally and nationally.  Several Old Felstedians have gone on to become professionals for Essex and England, including Derek Pringle, John Stephenson, Nick Knight, Tim Phillips and Will Buttleman. Indeed, Monty C, a current Year 12 student, has recently been selected for the Essex Cricket U18’s squad and Jessica O, Year 13, continues to star for the Sunrisers. Cricket for girls is a main sport option alongside the boys, under the expert tuition of Lissy Macleod, a two-time Super League winner, and currently playing for the Sunrisers. For more information about sport at Felsted, visit www.felsted.org/sport.