OLD FRIENDS and foes Slimbridge and Kingswood both went for youth in their 40 over friendly.

Slimbridge relied on youngsters just entering their teens, while Kingswood`s were just leaving school. The few years gap made all the difference.

Batting first, Kingswood set off at seven an over against Slimbridge’s young attack and never let up through the 40 overs.

The first three batsmen, Ben Foxwell, Davis Newcombe and Stuart Emms, each voluntarily retired on 50.

Student Callum Niddrie, just back from a gap year in the Far East, was bowled by veteran Nigel Evans for 11, teenage McCubbin brothers Finlay (26*), Henry (40, caught and bowled Henry Cox) and Mike Barnes (10*) roared on to a total of 272-2.

In soaring temperatures, it was credit to the Slimbridge youngsters that they never wilted.

Such a total proved too much, but Slimbridge made Kingswood work for the wickets.

Aided by father figure Nigel Evans (31), Jordan Ellis (16), Ross Lindley (13) and Steve Dakin (16) batted the full 40 overs to 120-9.

It took seven of Kingswood`s bowlers to share the wickets, the best being Henry (2-10) and Finlay (2-29) McCubbin.

In the end it was the gap between early and late teens, which gave Kingswood the resounding 152 run victory.