The Under 11's headed off to Water Orton on Sunday for the Finals day of the Warwickshire Cricket Board Grizzlies competition. Having lost just once in the league stage and having overcome Water Orton in the quarter final the previous week hopes were high of a good showing. Our semi final opponents were Sutton Coldfield who batted first.

The first pair were kept in check with some tight bowling. Sharp fielding brought about a run out before 2 wickets from Hamza Khan left Sutton on 196 after pair 1. The 2nd Sutton pair fared a little better taking the score up to 211, with only Ayesha Khan making a breakthrough. Pair 3 batted sensibly progressing to 227, before the 4th pair looked to acclerate. They played some nice shots, but 2 run outs in over 13 kept things in check. Sutton finished on 75 - 6 leaving SMCC a target of 246 for a place in the final. Pick of the bowlers were Hamza (3-0-15-2) and Luka Brookes (2-1-2-0) and the value of Archie's wicketkeeping was clear with no byes and only 3 wide balls bowled by all the bowlers.

The reply didn't get off to a great start as the Sutton bowlers picked up 3 wickets in the 2nd over. Samraan Sheikh and Shahriar Maruf held their nerve though and got SMCC back to 200. With the game in the balance SMCC couldn't afford a weak pair, but fortunately pair 2 of Luka and Kaif Ali added 28, Luka in particular playing some lovely shots in making 17. With just 19 needed from 8 overs SMCC were suddenly in control. Another strong partnership between Archie and Bilal Ayub added 26, including three 3's a pretty rare thing in U11 cricket. SMCC held the lead going into the final pair, although Sutton had held back the strong bowlers. Hamza and Ayesha saw them off and SMCC finished on 97 - 5 and a 22 run victory.

The 2nd semi saw Leamington CC overcome Alcester and Ragley in a much tighter game.

In the final SMCC were again in the field first, but this time Leamington got off to a much stronger start. 19 came off the first 3 overs, before a run out and a wicket for Hamza in over 4 restored some parity. Leamington were 214 after pair 1 and were threatening a huge total when pair 2 took the score up to 240 with 8 overs to go. SMCC needed to fightback, and everybody stepped up. Pair 3 were victim to 3 run outs as SMCC fielded superbly, and backed up by wickets for Kaif Ali and 2 stumping for Archie off Hamza's bowling saw Leamington pegged back to 233. The 4th Leamington pair finished strongly taking the score to 259, with Hamza picking up a 4th wicket to finish with 4-7 off his 3 overs.

SMCC felt slightly ahead, but with the pressure of chasing in the final to consider it was sure to be a close finish. SMCC started slowly again, with Leamington also picking up some run-outs, at the halfway point SMCC were on 211, needing 49 from 8 overs and up against it. A great partnership was needed and once again Bilal (17no) and Archie (16-1) delivered, getting SMCC up to 250. Leamington refused to give in though and dismissed Archie of the last ball leaving SMCC's final pair needing 15 for victory.

Hamza and Ayesha batted sensibly, but didn't get the big lead they achieved earlier. Going into the final over SMCC led by 5, or one wicket in pairs cricket. With Hamza on strike, the SMCC supporters who could bear to watch were starting to feel confident, but after starting with a wide, Leamington again showed resilience and quality with a great piece of wicket keeping dismissing Hamza down the leg side. The SMCC lead was down to 2, with 4 balls remaining, Ayesha determinedly kept the bowlers at bay. Leamington needed a wicket off the final ball to snatch victory, but Ayesha managed to keep it out and the celebrations could begin.

Credit to all the sides who produced three excellent games of cricket, played in the right manner all day. Thanks to Water Orton for hosting and to the match officials throughout the day.

Andy Wyles presented the trophy to the SMCC team and the celebrations could begin. The team have exceeded all our expectations and we can look forwards to much more success in the future.