The under-13 Ron Maudsley finals day was set on a sunny day at Bicester and North Oxford Cricket Club – with all four teams looking to get their hands on the silverware and progress to the national round of the competition. 

Semi-final 1 saw Tiddington beat the hosts by 113 runs. Batting first, they set a reasonable 129-6 from their 20 overs, giving Bicester a target to chase to reach the final. However, Tiddington’s bowling attack had the hosts collapse to 8-7 and then 13 all out within 11 overs with some impressive bowling. With this victory Tiddington progressed into the final, waiting on the result of semi-final 2 to see who they would be playing. 

Semi-final 2 was between Goring and Sandford St Martin, with the latter batting first. Sandford started well at 24-1 but lost their next 7 wickets for 31 runs. They finished on 67 all out, with the pick of the bowlers being Mayer with 3-3 from 2 overs. In response Goring lost two early wickets, leaving them 6-2 and Sandford a chance at the final. However, Walsh and Gilliam steadied the ship scoring 25 and 24 respectively easing their team over the line with a 7-wicket victory and lining themselves up against Tiddington in the final. 

After a short break, the final got underway, with Tiddington again batting first. Allen got his side off to a good start scoring 20 before being run out, with Lewis adding 23 and Saunders the same setting Goring a chaseable 116 to win from their 20 overs. The pick of the bowlers from the first innings was Inglis, taking the key wickets of Stocks and Lewis to ensure his side still had a chance at the trophy. Goring got underway again, losing early wickets with both Logan and Winant being removed by Stocks early in the innings. Having to rebuild again, Walsh retired for 33 and Butlin added 28 to get their side close. Needing to score big off the last over, Goring couldn’t quite get over the line and ended up 10 runs short.

The presentation of the trophy and medals was conducted by Joe Clapton (Finals Day Manager for the day) and Chris Parkinson (Director at Oxfordshire Cricket) who thanked Bicester and North Oxford CC for hosting, the umpires, coaches, scorers and all the teams for a great day of cricket. Thank you to all clubs who competed in this years Competition, and we look forward to seeing more great cricket over the summer. 

Congratulations to Tiddington who now progress onto the national round of this competition and represent Oxfordshire as group winners.