On Monday at Horsham CC, the Under 15s had reached the regional finals – effectively the last 16 and quarter finals before the National Finals Day concludes the competition.

In the regional semi-final, Ascot faced Middlesex champions, Richmond. Ascot batted first and runs were hard to come by. Joshua Jayasingh top scored with 24 and Billy Baker made 23 and with the help from extras, Ascot reached a modest 114 for 7 off their 20 overs.

However, Richmond found runs hard to get as well but set a good platform with 51 for 0 off 10 overs – needing 64 to win. But Ascot kept the run rate down including a great bowling spell of 4 overs,  1 for 8 by Joshua Jayasingh to see Richmond at 64 for 2 off 14 overs. Their opener retired on 50 in the 17th over but at this stage the run rate had reached 10 an over off the last 3 overs. In the end, Richmond finished on 104 and Ascot moved into the London & East regional final against the Kent champions – Broadstairs CC.

This age group had won the National Under 13 Cup two years earlier and had won their semi-final by 80 runs.

Ascot again batted first and again good bowling and tight fielding made run scoring difficult. In the end Ascot were 100 all out off 19.4 overs, thanks to a great 48 by Charlie Dunnett.

In response, Broadstairs ensured they kept above the run rate and thanks to Harry Carter’s 50 retired not out they made the National Finals with 102 for 3 off 13.3 overs.

However, this was a great effort by the team and the club are extremely proud of their efforts – and also 8 of the team are Under 14 so hopefully they will have a good chance next season.

A big thanks to Simon Negus, Matt Dunnett and Nigel Brewster for management and scoring duties – and all the parents and supporters who went to Horsham that day.

We wish Broadstairs CC all the best in the National Finals Day where they are joined by North region winners – Alderley Edge CC, Midlands region winners – Walmley CC and South & West region winners – Taunton St Andrews CC.