On Thursday evening, in the scorching temperatures of Leverstock Green, our U13 Eagles side went out to face last year’s league champions in the Final of the HJCL stage of the National Vitality Cup T20 Competition.

It had been a two-year journey to this point, qualifying for the tournament by finishing runners-up in the league last year, and defeating Hitchin and West Herts in this year’s QF and SF.

In what was a tight game, the boys really had to dig deep. Taking to the field first in the heat wasn’t easy but we restricted them to 103 at the end of their 20 overs. Strong, tight fielding kept the pressure on, but that target wasn't going to be easy.

The boys went out to bat with positivity. Liam Roche and Henry Barcock got into a rhythm, picking up singles and keeping the scoreboard ticking. When Henry (22) got out in the 13th over, we were keeping up with the rate and had 64 on the board. Liam had to retire (30*) shortly after following an excellent and well controlled innings. This brought a flurry of quick wickets, as the boys pushed to keep the runs ticking. With 4 overs to go, we still needed 25. With 3 overs left, the pressure was building and 22 runs were still needed. Step up Kit McGrandle, who very much took control of the situation with the innings of the season. 11 runs off the 18th over and we were back on top. 7 off the 19th and it was just 4 to win off 6 balls. Importantly, Kit had got himself on strike for the start of the final over.

Facing their strong opening bowler, a delivery on Kits legs was probably just where he wanted it, and a glorious flick off the legs saw the ball run away to the boundary for 4.

What a game, what a win.

Congratulations to our excellent team. The boys now go on to represent Hertfordshire in the National Stages of the competition…. let's more there's more to come.