WANSTEAD’S Under-15 cricket team played their way into the record books by becoming the first team to be crowned NatWest National Club Champions for the fourth time.
The side’s latest triumph arrived when they produced great all-round cricket to reach the final, before running out winners by almost 100 runs.
The Herons’ first opponents on the finals day, held at Kibworth CC, were Yateley in the semi-finals.
Ismail Dar starred with the bat to boost Wanstead up to a competitive total of 82. Kishen Velani and Aron Nijjar impressed with the ball before James Fitzgerald’s double-wicket maiden in his first over triggered a collapse. Will Wade picked up three victims and captain Rehan Hassan’s leg spin tidied up Yateley’s order.
Aston Rowant awaited the Overton Drive outfit in the final and, despite losing two quick wickets, Wanstead cantered to a terrific total of 139-4 from their 20 overs, thanks to two half-centuries from Hamza Hussain and Hassan.
Velani, Nijjar, Wade and Hassan then helped restrict Aston Rowant to a paltry score, securing the trophy.
To top off the achievement, Hassan was named bowler of the tournament.
Wicketkeeper Jay Williams was also announced as the overall fielder of the tournament, and was presented with his trophy by the Chairman of England selectors Geoff Miller and ex-England captain Michael Vaughan.
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