ON's U15’s finish 3rd in the Natwest U15 National Club Championship.

Old Northamptonians U15’s displayed that the future looks bright for Northamptonshire Cricket by finishing 3^rd in the NatWest U15 National Club Championship.

Prior to the National Finals Day, ON’s had to defeat several local and regional sides to earn their place amongst the final four.

‘The Badgers’ Oundle Town were the first side to suffer at the hands of ON’s; they were defeated at the County Finals day held at Desborough Cricket Club.

Warwickshire champions Kings Heath and Bedfordshire champions Luton Indians soon followed, both convincingly beaten by 8 wickets.

This took the Northamptonshire outfit to the regional finals where they swiftly dispatched of Cambridgeshire champions St Giles by 124 runs and Shropshire champions Wellington by 61 runs securing their place in the final four.

Completing the four for National Finals Day held at Kibworth Cricket Club were Hambledon, Lindum and Bath.

In the semi-final ON’s were drawn against Lindum Cricket Club from Lincolnshire – reigning U15 champions who still had several members of the side from the previous year's success.

In Lindum’s allotted 20 overs they were restricted to 111 for 6 – a reachable target considering the scores posted by ON’s in the previous rounds.

Unfortunately the ON’s reply did not go as planned – soon being reduced to 32-4 with key batsmen back in the pavilion.

However, the middle and lower order batsmen staged a superb rearguard action and going into the last over, victory was still in sight at 100-6. Sadly, Lindum held their nerve and progressed through to the final at our expense.

In the 3/4^th place play off ON’s faced Hambledon Cricket Club – the club dubbed as ‘the cradle of cricket’. The fixture could potentially have been an anti climax for the boys but they responded well.

Hambledon batted first and posted an excellent 139-5 in their 20 overs. In the run chase, some positive running between the wickets and aggressive stroke making ensured that ON’s stayed ahead of the rate.

After a short rain interruption, the boys overhauled the target with 8 wickets remaining and 2 overs to spare – it was a shame a similar batting performance was not produced in the semi-final.

The final was won by Bath who won their semi-final comfortably and were equally impressive in the final defeating Lindum by 9 wickets.

It was an excellent day for all those concerned and ON’s were deservedly presented with a medal, T-shirt and cap presented by former England captain Mike Gatting, who was there on behalf of NatWest.

Many congratulations to both the players and coaching staff at Old Northamptonians, we wish them every success in the future!

ON’s Finals Day Squad:

Levi Draper (Capt)

Dan Taylor

Paddy McDuell

Marc Bell

Tom Heathfield

Dan Waite

Nick Cooper

Aiden Fowkes

Olly Bates

Reece Morris

Rory Costello

Tom Blason