Surrey edge to cup win

A tense six-run win over Yorkshire saw Surrey crowned Under 15 County Cup champions at Oakham School.

In a match reduced to 35 overs due to rain the previous day, Surrey won the toss, chose to bat and openers Dominic Sibley (46) and Jack Lloyd (57) gave them a strong start to set up a total of 161.

Yorkshire faltered in reply, collapsing from 81 for two to 118 for seven, before a fantastic counter-attacking half century by Josh Shaw produced a nervous finish, only for him to be unfortunately run out while backing up at the non-striker’s end after a thin touch by the bowler. The innings ended six runs short on 155.

Surrey coach Neil Stewart said: “It was always going to be close. Josh Shaw was desperately unlucky for them – getting run out with a deflection like that at the end, when he probably would have won the game for them had he stayed in. That’s cricket unfortunately.”

He added: “It’s a tremendous achievement for the lads. This side (Surrey) finished runners-up to Yorkshire as under-14s last year and it was identified as a challenge to go one better this year. They’ve achieved their goal. I’m delighted for them.”