Sedgefield Under 16s just edged out their Hartlepool counterparts in a thrilling match at Park Drive last night (2 September) to remember club favourite Ian Jackson.

Every year a Hartlepool junior team competes against a local side in Max Jackson’s (Ian’s son) age group for the Ian Jackson Memorial Junior Cup.

Batting first, Hartlepool got off to a great start with skipper Max Jackson hitting a quickfire 51 before retiring, whilst fellow opener Harry Wiles recorded a solid 30.

Caleb Sayers, Oliver Martin and Jack Wilson all made double figures as Hartlepool closed their innings on 128 for 7 wickets from their allotted 20 overs.

Will Mallatratt was the pick of the Sedgefield bowlers, picking up 4 wickets for just 7 runs.

In reply, Sedgefield also started well thanks to Tom Brandon (38) and Will Hampson (42).

Twelve-year-old Layton Prosser picked up a key wicket, but the pick of the Pool bowlers was Dylan Moore who returned 3 for 13 from his allotted two overs.

Sedgefield edged home with 3 wickets and one over to spare before a big crowd at Park Drive.

Hartlepool Under 16s coach George Sayers presented the cup to Sedgefield captain Jack Scanlon as Ian Jackson’s family looked on.

George Sayers thanked the two teams for contributing to a great game in memory of Ian and the spectators for turning out in force to show their support for Ian’s family.

Ian’s wife, Louise Jackson, commented: “Ian coached a lot of the Hartlepool juniors who played in the match, and he would be so proud with how they’ve progressed in recent years.

“The memorial cricket events mean so much to the family and I’d like to thank everyone for their continuing support.”

The match followed hard on the heels of last weekend’s annual Ian Jackson Memorial Double Wicket Competition at Park Drive which was won by Harry Henderson and Harrison Smith.