National cricket cup glory for Perse sports coach

Ravi Mahendra was bowled over after helping his cricket team lift the prestigious Voneus Village Cup at Lord’s.

The Perse Assistant Director of Sport (Performance) played a part in Foxton Granta’s seven-wicket triumph over former champions Dumbleton in the final of the national club competition at the Home of Cricket.

Bowling left-arm spin, he claimed the key wicket of their Gloucestershire opponents’ captain and opening batter as they set a target of 240 for 8 before Foxton replied with 245 for 3 to win the Village Cup for the first time.

Mr Mahendra said: “For every amateur cricketer playing at Lord’s is a dream come true and to win the cup was the icing on the cake.”

Foxton came through seven rounds to make it to the final, including a nail-biting semi-final win in Cornwall, away to Grampound Road CC, that went down to the final over.

Hundreds of friends, family members and supporters made the trip to Lord’s to cheer on the team, who were given the star treatment at cricket’s HQ.

Mr Mahendra said: “From the moment we walked in through the famous Grace Gates, we were treated like international cricketers with pavilion stewards on hand to open doors and changing room assistants to help you.

“We were especially lucky as we were in the England home dressing room and we were able to warm up on the Nursery Ground and the main Lord’s outfield.

“We had lots of supporters there which was pretty cool. When we were fielding, you would look over and see them and it gave everyone a massive lift to see so many people had travelled from Foxton to be part of the day.

“We bowled really well, but we felt we would need to chase well, which we did with two of our players putting together a partnership of more than 200 runs, and with a six to win the game.

“Receiving the trophy and celebrating on the Lord’s balcony was amazing, but it was just as amazing to then go down on the pitch and celebrate with family and friends and share hugs and congratulations with them.”

For Mr Mahendra, it was especially sweet as he was ineligible to play due to competition regulations when Foxton last reached the final in 2015.

He said: “I’ve been at the club for nine years, so I experienced them getting to Lord’s then and personally it’s been a long journey of time and commitment towards this.

“Winning the Village Cup is a testament to how hard all the players have worked over the summer and how we’ve turned up in the big games. It’s been an incredible summer of cricket.”