U11 County Final
Berkhamsted v Wheathampstead
This year's U11 final pitted Berkhamsted, who'd taken rivals West Herts in the semi-final, against Wheathampstead, who had edge out OAs in a thriller just hours earlier.
Berkhamsted won the toss and elected to bat. The decision was soon vindicated as Ali, Jake and clean-hitter Nouman 30-1 after 4 overs. Nouiman retuired on 25 but the aggessive batting continued and at the halfway stage in their innings, Berkhamsted found themselves 79-4.
Wheatampstead fought back though and with Theo's first over, the pendulum swung as Berko wickets tumbled. With one caught and two runt out, Berko slumped to 81-6. James took two quick wickets and with one more run out, the Berkhamsted innings closed on 106 from 17 overs.
Wheathampstead's opening pair, Max and Finlay, got their team off to a flyer. After one over, Wheato were looking strong on 21-0, with 5 of the 6 balls cleanly square cut for 4. Both openers batted well to their retirement and Theo and James took on the innings.
After Theo was clean bowled by a beauty from Ali, Thomas joined James to take the villagers within 20 of the target. Berko fought back and got themselves back into the game with two quick wickets, but Matthews James and Johnson played confidently to see Wheathampstead home with 4 overs to spare. They finished on 108-3.
For the first time in the Herts Junior League history, Wheathampstead were crowned U11 Champions, with Berkhamsted finishing runners-up.
Herts Junior League supremo Ian Watkins thanked the umpires, coaches, spectators, players and Welwyn Garden City CC, who'd hosted a memorable day of cricket for all involved. The coaches thanked Ian for all his efforts managing the Leagues, and for officiating in the U11 final.