Under 11's County Cup Finals Day Report

Stalbridge Under-11's are the new Dorset County Champions after a fantastic performance last Saturday. Having won the North Dorset regional competion by winning eight straight matches throughout the summer, Stalbridge travelled to Chapel Gate in Bournemouth for the annual finals day against the other regional winners.

In their semi-final, Stalbridge were drawn against a strong Bournemouth side, and having won the toss they elected to field first. Bournemouth got off to a flyer reaching 94-2 off 10 overs, but the momentum changed with two brilliant direct hit run outs by Stalbridge captain Henry Chant fielding at backward point. This enabled spinner George Coleman to skittle the tail taking 2-0, and with Chant also taking 2-17, Bournemouth were dismissed for 118.

In reply, the Stalbridge openers, Coleman and Tom Perkins reached 48 before Coleman was dismissed. This allowed Max Nettley licence as he bludgeoned the Bournemouth attack scoring 27 from 15 deliverys,and with a superb cameo innings of 16 by Seb Carty, Stalbridge were victorious by 6 wickets.

In the final Stalbridge met Dorchester, who had earlier beaten Hamworthy in the other semi final. This time Stalbidge were put into bat, but again Perkins (26) and Coleman(17) batted superbly adding 75 for the first wicket. A run a ball partnership between Chant (24no) and Nettley (14no) then enabled Stalbridge to post a competitive 119-1.

In reply Dorchester struggled against the quality of the Stalbridge bowling attack, and with Harry Gibbs taking 2-2 and Coleman again 2-8 they could only reach 66 all out. Amid the celebrations Stalbridge were crowned the new Dorset Under-11 Champions, a tremendous effort by all the players involved.

Names in picture attached form L-R

Matt Chant (coach) Max Nettley, Seb Carty, Tom Perkins, Harry Gibbs, Matt Longley, George Coleman

Front- Will Coleman, Henry Chant (capt),  Joe Daniels, Will Perkins.