CIRENCESTER CC U13s are the third-ranked side of their age group in the country after the ECB NatWest T20 national competition came to a conclusion on finals day at Rugby School.

Some 1600 teams entered the competition and Cirencester came through 10 matches to make it to the last four as West Country champions.

They lost their semi final to Walmley CC of Sutton Coldfield, where Chris Woakes of Warwickshire and England played his junior cricket, but showed great character to bounce back and win the third place play-off against York CC despite the inspirational presence for their rivals of Yorkshire and England's Jonny Bairstow.

Walmley won the toss and elected to bat first.

After Ciren had made a good start taking two early wickets, Walmley enjoyed a purple patch with Dubb, Roshan BSV and Pranav Gajula all reaching the maximum retirement score of 30.

Some uncharacteristically loose bowling in the middle of the innings from Ciren allowed Walmley to set a commanding 144-3 off their 20 overs.

Cirencester started their reply with Hamish Brook scoring a disciplined 18 including a lovely six over mid wicket. Early wickets fell in the chase for runs as the run rate steadily increased against tidy bowling.

Oliver Wood scored 28 before being bowled by Hoffmann and both Tom Beattie (9) and Kit Staley (17) then hung around to contribute well deserved and quick runs in the middle order.

As the tail perished, Cirencester were all out for 100 to lose by 44 runs.

Walmley, who boasted a couple of Birmingham League 2nd XI players, were deserved winners on the day through their application but certainly there was nothing between the teams in terms of ability.

In the Plate Final against York, Cirencester started off strongly with Charlie Davison and Wood bowling the opening eight overs for just 27 runs.

Wood took two early wickets and with York struggling to score runs, Louis Staley took control with the ball. His accuracy gave him figures of 5-19.

Louis was the pick of the Cirencester bowlers supported by his twin brother Kit Staley who took 2-12 as York were all out for 91.

Ben Lemos, who was moved up into the opening batting position, and Fred Walker enjoyed a good partnership until both were out.

Charlie Davison, who came in at three, played a solid 29 not out and he was backed up by Louis Staley (24no) as Ciren raced to 92-4 to win with four overs to spare.

Broadstairs CC from Kent were the eventual winners beating Walmley in a closely fought final.

Bairstow presented medals to all players as well as the Plate Trophy to Tom Beattie.

Cirencester CC owe huge thanks to Billy Breen for his coaching throughout the year and to Jon Beattie for his scoring.

Thanks also to all the supporting parents, especially the ones who cut short their holidays to make sure their sons appeared in the finals.