Three Metropolitan Essex district junior cup finals were played at Woodford Wells on Sunday.

The Haydn Davies Trophy Under-11 competition drew a large crowd as recently-formed Bancroft’s Lions faced one of the oldest cricket clubs in the country, Woodford Green.

Bancroft’s put the pressure on their opponents after winning the toss and deciding to bowl.

The new club’s fielding was strong with four run outs.

The Lions bowling was consistent and showed strength in depth, with George Copeland taking two key wickets at the beginning of the innings. There were two good catches by Oliver Mynott and Lewis Walcott, off the bowling of Henry Edmonds and Jamal Richards respectively.

It did not all go to plan for the Lions though, as their bowling was somewhat wayward at times and with neutral umpires in place they gave away 43 runs in wides.

This made a significant contribution to Woodford Green’s total of 90 for eight in their 20-over allocation, with no individual batsman making double figures.

Bancroft’s played quite confidently in a mature, disciplined fashion in their reply.

The two openers, Louis Whalley and Henry Sewell, batted well and each scored 25 not out to provide a very good platform for the rest of the team without taking too many risks.

It was a surprise when the next two batsmen didn’t push on from the good start, as both got out relatively cheaply after playing positive shots. However, Copeland and Richards got their side back on track and a flamboyant six saw Lions to the winning total with eight wickets and four overs to spare.

The Lions were presented with their medals and team trophy by Essex cricket stalwart Haydn Davies.

Another final on the day was the Len Stentiford Trophy final for the Under-13s.

Newham batted first and scored 130-plus, but at one stage it looked like it could have been more with some big hitting taking place.

Upminster were put under early pressure from a good bowling attack and came up 30 short.

The Cox & Kings final for the Under-15s saw home side Woodford Wells batting first and they reached 131 off 20 overs.

Oakfield Parkonians had some big hitters, but Wells’ fielders pulled things around and their opponents finished up on 100 off their 20 overs.