Our U14’s delivered an emphatic performance to become Hertfordshire County Champions yesterday. In what was a swashbuckling display, this age group got their ‘just rewards’ for showing such enthusiasm and dedication to the game of cricket.

Harpenden CC was the venue for u14 Finals Day and our hosts warmly welcomed us and the groundsman had prepared a fabulous wicket.

First up was our semi-final against Letchworth in the morning game. Having lost at this semi final stage for the last 3 consecutive years, there were certainly some ‘nerves’ within the BSCC camp, however arguably more from the parents and coaches than the ‘laid-back’ kids. This team just took it all in their stride, like it was another day at the office.

We elected to field and our bowlers did a fine job in restricting Letchworth to a total of just 103 from their allotted 20 overs. The pick of the BSCC bowlers were Ed Warren, Harry Frans, Ethan Hill, Sam Braund and Luca Livermore. We then raced to our winning target in just 12.2 overs, with Ciaran Wilson (34), Will Hodges (13), Lewis Greenhill (36 not out) and Sam Braund (9 not out) doing the damage. It was a comfortable win, but there were still areas for improvement.

Following the luncheon break, our first appearance in the ‘County Final’ awaited. Could this talented group make that ‘one final step’ and achieve the ‘ultimate prize’ of becoming County Champions?

Our opponents Shenley Village, buoyant from having beaten Broxbourne in their morning semi final, won the toss and elected to bat. Harry Frans once again bowled with style and panache, but the runs kept flowing and a sizeable Shenley total of 160+ seemed likely. But this group have learnt to never give up. Rees Green kept wicket admirably, standing in for the injured Charlie Waugh and Will Richardson conceded only 10 runs from his 2 overs of leg spin. This was followed by some fabulous death bowling from Luca Livermore and Ed Warren, ensuring that we’d be chasing a more manageable target of 146 to win, at just 7.3 runs per over. With this group of talented boys, we knew that whilst it would not be easy, it was certainly achievable.

What happened next however was the most clinical, dazzling and heroic run chase that this age group has ever delivered. Opener Will Hodges hit a stunning 40 not out (retired) from just 24 balls, ending his innings with 2 slog sweep sixes over mid-wicket. Not to be out done however, Ciaran Wilson (45 not out retired) then did exactly the same; ending his knock by launching 2 huge sixes, one of which bounced on the busy road leading to St Albans! There were audible gasps around the arena. The fielding team (and almost a passing car!) really did not know what had hit them.

Sam Braund and Olly Sturrock then put on an unbeaten 39 runs together to seal a comfortable victory with 17 balls to spare. Cue scenes of respectful celebration and it was ‘smiles all round’ when captain Will Hodges lifted the County Champions shield.

There’s been a huge amount of work that’s gone in to achieve this goal. Every child in the age group (55 kids!) deserves credit, as you all drive each other forward. A big thanks to Alex Burnet for being 12th man yesterday and a word of consolation for Charlie Waugh who could not play due to injury. Charlie has so often been the ‘leading light’ in this age group and we all desperately felt for him yesterday. Charlie - your time will come and all of your teammates did you proud yesterday.

So finally, this age group can celebrate. COUNTY CHAMPIONS OF HERTFORDSHIRE.