Sunday 7th September 2025 at Sulhamstead & Ufton CC was a lovely sunny day and one that will always be remembered by those who were there for an exciting, tense and ultimately glorious game of cricket. The occasion was the final of the Berkshire Under 13 Blast play offs. The stage had been set on the Friday night, when the Under 13 Stags had comprehensively beaten Sonning in the semi-final by 8 wickets. George top scoring with 30 off 14 and Mo taking 4 wickets.
We knew that Wargrave would be a stronger test in the final, they had six county players in their 11. But we had some too and knew that on our day we were a match for anyone. Max won the toss and put them into bat. We started well with Max and Harry taking the wickets of both county player openers within the first four overs. Two more of their county players then came in and scored 30 & 34 respectively to swing the pendulum in their favour with the highest partnership of the day (71). It was to ebb and flow throughout the match with run outs and some hard hitting, keeping the watching crowd on the edges of their seats. Wargrave posted 156 off their 20 overs, a score which exceeded our highest of the season.
Nerves were high (as were Wargrave spirits) but encouraging words from Nick and Pete sent the Stags in to bat with a positive vibe. It didn’t quite start as the team would have hoped and we were 12-3 at one point. However, the true spirit of the Stag was to come good. Will and Freddie put on a stunning partnership of 60 to move the worm back in our favour. Then came Mo, with a swashbuckling 32 off 16 before he had to retire after two sensational sixes. He returned to the field with 13 needed off the last seven deliveries. He only needed 5 and after some great running with Harry we secured the last two precious runs to take us to 157. It was finally over; we had won, and the pitch invasion could begin.
The team received their hard-earned medals and a great trophy which can now proudly bear the name of Maidenhead & Bray CC, a fitting reward for great team performances throughout the season. Players on the day were: Ben, Freddie, George, George, Harry, Ian, Jonny, Max, Mo, Viv & Will. Other players who made valuable contributions to the team getting to the final were: Tilly, Riya, Christian, Mueez, Ruben, and Yugan. We returned to the club, albeit slightly late for awards night, to a fabulous welcome. Walking down the drive to the acclaim of all those present will live long in the memory. Thank you to everyone who coached, managed, chauffeured, fed, encouraged, and supported the team throughout the season.
