Edgbaston hosted the WCB Aspire Under 14 League Final last week between Leamington and Walmley CCs.

WINNERS 2009

Leamington batted first and got off to a great start as Mark Best plundered anything loose, particularly on the leg-side. Harry Philpot also batted beautifully. But once Best was dismissed for 76 and Philpot for 51 Walmley came right back into the game through an exhilarating wicket-keeping master class from Peter McKay – 5 dismissals including 4 stumpings -  and Michael Waugh with five quick wickets with excellent off-spin. This left Leamington with 161-7 off their 20 overs.

Walmley lost quick wickets in reply but again came back into the game with brilliant hitting from Jonathan Newiss and a classy innings from Angus Mathieson (47*). However, David Gower look-a-like, Charlie Bramley bowled a great final spell of left arm over and the Walmley lads could not quite get over the line, finishing one hit away from a win on 156-7.

 This was a tremendous display of youth cricket talent in Warwickshire and thanks go to the team managers, Aspire Sports, Health & Fitness, Colin McKenzie, Ian Warner, Jim Parkes and Steve Rouse for making it all happen.

 Also, mention must be made of other strong teams in the competition who didn’t make it into the final, namely, Bablake Old Boys, Knowle & Dorridge, Harborne and Earlswood.