RCC were put into bat after losing the toss - captain Sandy very happy with this outcome. After two early wickets that smile was not quite so broad. Following a short rain delay Kyle (26) and Tom (19) took charge and increased the tempo before both falling in quick succession. Sandy (48*) was joined by Rhys (23*) and they punished anything slightly loose with an outstanding partnership that took the total to what looked like a well above par 144 for 4.

The team has bowled and fielded very well throughout the year, and the final was no exception. Alex (4 for 10) led the way with the first four wickets and all of the bowlers stepped up. The fielding was sharp, Huw did an outstanding job behind the stumps in his first game since breaking a finger, wickets fell consistently and the required rate climbed steeply. Seb (3 for 5) finished things off, including a wicket off his first ball. In the end it was a convincing win by a very talented group of players against a determined Indian Gymkhana who fought hard to the end. CHAMPIONS!!!

Like the U11s a very large number of players have participated in the U12 age group this year with more than 50 playing for the club. Rich Bruce and Neil Wharton have done a fantastic job managing, coaching and instilling a love for the game of cricket in so many young players. As always the support from parents has been outstanding.

A strong all round season took the U12s to finals day at North Middlesex CC. Players and parents responded to calls to be back from vacation, though the team had to cope with 4 notable absentees. With Stoke Newington unable to beat the holidays to field a side RCC had a bye directly into the final to play Indian Gymkhana who had beaten Teddington earlier in the day. The North Middlesex ground staff did an amazing job with covers and pitch preparation to ensure that all matches were completed on time in between heavy downpours. A big thank you to Indian Gymkhana, the hosts North Middlesex, the umpires, and to Mark Pittman who tirelessly organises the whole competition.