The Under 15’s underlined their status as the strongest team in Hertfordshire, as they retained their County title on Sunday. Charming Leverstock Green was the picturesque venue and a big thank you must go to our fabulous hosts.

The boys watched on as Hemel Hempstead won a tense first semi-final to edge past Harpenden. The scene was set, the sun was shining and the boys were ready.

Captain Will Hodges won the toss for our semi-final versus West Herts and he elected to field. Harry Frans set the tone immediately with a maiden and this was backed up with a quite brilliant fielding performance, as the team brought plenty of energy and held on to 7 catches. The highlight was a stunning caught and bowled from spinner Sam Braund to remove the key West Herts batter. Hodges bowled with great control (3 overs, 2 wickets for 12 runs). Luca Livermore then delivered a quite brilliant spell of death bowling, picking up 3 wickets for just 7 runs and it ensured we restricted West Herts to just 125 from their 20 overs.

So, requiring around a run a ball, openers Ciaran Wilson (27) and Hodges (26) set the platform with great control. Charlie Waugh then top scored with 32 and Olly Sturrock chipped in with a valuable 16. But it was an ‘under the weather’ Will Richardson who stole the limelight to guide us to our victory target. Needing 12 runs to win from 9 balls, there was real tension in the air. But up stepped Richardson (and how!) as he launched his first ball over long on for an enormous 6 and he then dispatched his 2nd ball for a majestic 4. Having been unwell all morning, it really was a remarkable performance and it ensured we reached our victory target with 4 balls to spare, for a 4 wicket win.

One of the hardest things about Finals Day is to manage the exhaustion levels of the squad. It was a hot day and back to back T20’s is extremely demanding both physically & mentally. So the boys wisely decided to ‘bat first’ against Hemel in the final, giving our bowlers & fielders some much needed rest.

At the halfway stage of our innings we were 54/2, but we were ‘well aware’ that we’d need to set 140+ to be in a strong position. The loss of 2 quick wickets meant we were suddenly 60 for 4 after 11 overs and very much up against it. We needed to step on the gas and we needed to do it fast!! Enter Olly Sturrock (27 off 19 balls) and Lewis Greenhill (17 off 10 balls) - who hit 3 mighty sixes between them.

Charlie Waugh and Kieran Wilson-Pratt were then involved in a quite exhilarating partnership of 45 from just 25 balls. The running between the wickets - led by Wilson-pratt - was something to behold. It really did change the whole mood and direction of the match. Hemel were understandably shell shocked and would need 152 runs to win.

Our brilliant opening bowlers Ethan Hill (3 overs, 3 wickets for 10 runs) and Harry Frans (3 overs, 1 wicket for 11 runs) left Hemel at 22 for 4 wickets after 6 overs and we now had total control. Braund (3 overs, 2 wickets for 8 runs) was the pick of the spinners and Ed Warren bowled an ever consistent line & length.

The eventual margin of victory was a comfortable 42 runs and it was handshakes all round before the presentation.

To be county champions once was an impressive feat, but to retain the title is unprecedented and really underlines the talent & depth of this brilliant age group. A large group of proud parents and 2 very proud coaches looked on, as Hodges lifted the U15 County shield.

Congratulations to everyone in the u15’S, this really is a WHOLE AGE GROUP SUCCESS and the future for BSCC is very bright indeed.

Semi final scorecard: https://hertsjuniorcl.play-cricket.com/website/results/7166914

Final scorecard: https://hertsjuniorcl.play-cricket.com/website/results/7167591