BackThu 09 Jul 2026
BTW
U13
17:30
U13s Triumph in Thrilling Final at Pentland Gardens
Tom Barter
u13s cup final
At a sweltering Pentland Gardens on Thursday evening, the Colwall U13s faced a talented Burghill, Tillington and Weobley side in the final of the ECB U13s cup (Herefordshire section). Having defeated Brockhampton away in the semi-final the week prior, this talented Wall group were looking to finally win silver wear having come close on several occasions since U9s level but knew that they would need to play to their best ability to do so.
Having lost the toss and being put into the field in temperatures over 30 degrees, the Wall bowled with discipline and maturity throughout with no little grit given the weather, this being particularly displayed by wicket keeper Franny Cowper who heroically held his concentration and executed his skills for the full 20 overs. In keeping with how this group play the game, captain Ralph Elliot rotated all 10 bowlers, each bowling 2 overs, reflecting the depth of bowling talent available - not withstanding that 5 or 6 other u13s would no doubt justifiably considered themselves a tad unfortunate not to have made it in to the side for the final.
Every bowler overcame nerves and the heat to bowl with accuracy and keep relentless pressure on the batters, backed up with superb fielding. BTW were restricted to 92 on a pitch with some variable bounce but a lightening fast outfield.
In the run chase, a good foundation was put down by the top 3 batters defending against very talented opening bowlers which then allowed captain Elliot and Stan Smith to move the Wall from a tricky looking position of 30-3 up past 70 but BTW never gave up and matched the Wall intensity in the field. Quick wickets fell as the pressure built but Captain Elliot stood firm once again displaying maturity beyond his years.
With partners running out, Samuel Holland strode out to the crease, scores became tied with an over to go and with a clear 'Yes! One!' from Holland following an edge past the keeper from Ralph the game was won.
Congratulations to all involved in a terrific final; opposition, coaches, parents and most of all this wonderful group of talented cricketers.
Having lost the toss and being put into the field in temperatures over 30 degrees, the Wall bowled with discipline and maturity throughout with no little grit given the weather, this being particularly displayed by wicket keeper Franny Cowper who heroically held his concentration and executed his skills for the full 20 overs. In keeping with how this group play the game, captain Ralph Elliot rotated all 10 bowlers, each bowling 2 overs, reflecting the depth of bowling talent available - not withstanding that 5 or 6 other u13s would no doubt justifiably considered themselves a tad unfortunate not to have made it in to the side for the final.
Every bowler overcame nerves and the heat to bowl with accuracy and keep relentless pressure on the batters, backed up with superb fielding. BTW were restricted to 92 on a pitch with some variable bounce but a lightening fast outfield.
In the run chase, a good foundation was put down by the top 3 batters defending against very talented opening bowlers which then allowed captain Elliot and Stan Smith to move the Wall from a tricky looking position of 30-3 up past 70 but BTW never gave up and matched the Wall intensity in the field. Quick wickets fell as the pressure built but Captain Elliot stood firm once again displaying maturity beyond his years.
With partners running out, Samuel Holland strode out to the crease, scores became tied with an over to go and with a clear 'Yes! One!' from Holland following an edge past the keeper from Ralph the game was won.
Congratulations to all involved in a terrific final; opposition, coaches, parents and most of all this wonderful group of talented cricketers.
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