Wheathampstead U10’s won a dramatic finals day in blistering conditions
in Radlett.
The team’s resilience and team spirit was exceptional.
A semi-final win over a talented Leverstock Green side was set up with
some excellent, controlled batting from Issa Zeeshan, Freddie Cooper
& Jack Hodgson.
Victory was sealed with explosive bowling performance from Ibrahim
Zeeshan and captain Noah Simpson.
The final saw Wheathampstead play against a very strong Harpenden side.
Batting first, Wheathampstead posted 279/6 against a disciplined bowling
attack. Freddie Cooper again came to the fore with some powerful
hitting and a calm 15 from Noah Simpson in the final overs against
excellent bowling saw Wheathampstead post a competitive total.
Defending that total was always going to be tough, but a disciplined
opening spell put the pressure firmly back onto Harpenden.
As the heat & pressure built against a strong middle order batting
performance, Wheathampstead’s incredible team spirit shone through,
regular wickets stemming the run rate. Outstanding fielding by Ben Kirk
and Ryan Walsh were evident throughout the day.
It all came down the the last over, 7 needed to win, but exceptional
death bowling meant Harpenden needed 4 from the final ball to win. Noah
Simpson held his nerve and a dot ball plus run out by the brilliant
Kabir Haider sealed a win for Wheathampstead’s exceptional group of
young cricketers, to the delight of their proud and supportive parents
& supporters.