Under 9 Cup Final Brentwood Whippets v Billericay

Billericay U9’s 67-8. Brentwood U9’s 71-4

Brentwood won by 6 wickets

On a glorious late summer morning at Harold Wood CC, the Brentwood under 9 Whippets produced a stunning performance to round off an exceptional season.

With the East and West league titles already secured as well as the softball league, victory against Billericay in the knockout cup final would ensure a remarkable quadruple.

Winning the toss, Whippets captain Dylan invited Billericay to bat under a clear blue sky.

They were quickly into their stride, and despite the excellent opening spells from James and Charlie were beginning to build an excellent opening partnership.

Nick was brought on and removed the dangerous Adam for an excellent 24 for the Whippets first wicket in the 6th over with the score on 29. Elliot then trapped Archie LBW in the next over, batting now appeared to be getting much more of a challenge. Nick and Elliot made scoring difficult, but Jash and Kaman took the score to 57 when Jash was superbly run out by Stanley, who swooped in and threw down the stumps.

Billericay still looked to be in a strong position with 10 overs left but were then blown away by pacy spells from Zach and Stan. First Zach struck with an edge down the leg side expertly caught by wicket keeper Percy to remove Kamran who walked despite not being given out in a great display of sportsmanship, then bowling the new batsman next ball. Not to be outdone, Stanley forced a top edge from a short-pitched ball that was well caught by Tommy at square leg, and then bowled the new batsman first up. 4 wickets in two overs had really changed the game, Amber kept the pressure on with a tidy over and James and Josh completed the 20 overs in great style, James clean bowling Adi in the final over with a trademark in-swinger to set Brentwood a target of 68.

Having lost to Billericay earlier in the season in the Whippets only defeat in the league, it was clear this would not be easy on a difficult pitch against a strong Billericay bowling attack.

Captain Dylan and Tommy Rose were sent out to open the innings, Tommy starting off with a fine shot to the backward point boundary for 4. Dylan departed in the second over bowled by a ball that stayed low from the bowling of Jash and Tommy followed being bowled by Nitin for a quick fire 9 leaving Brentwood 11-2. Percy joined Nick at the crease, and Percy in particular quickly got to work, placing the ball expertly between fielders, quickly reducing the deficit. Nick was bowled for 6 bringing Elliot to partner Percy and Elliot reigned in his normally aggressive game to play a support Role as Percy continued to score freely.

Percy was finally out caught for 29, leaving Zach to hit the winning boundary as Brentwood won by 6 wickets with 5 overs to spare.

This was an excellent team effort by the Whippets, an all-round bowling and fielding display of high quality despite the considerable distraction of an ice cream van, and the match winning innings by Percy showing great skill and maturity. Special thanks must go to Jan West in her tireless work in organising the leagues and cup competitions. It seemed there would be very little if any cricket this season due to the pandemic, instead the Whippets have enjoyed an unbelievable season.