DUMBLETON Dynamite defeated Bedminster Bashers and then Cheltenham Chiefs to retain the Vitality U19 T20 in association with Stuart Turner and round off a memorable finals day at the Bristol County Ground.
Cheltenham got proceedings underway with a comfortable five-wicket semi-final victory over Twyford House Badgers who were restricted to a total of 128-7, Henry King top scoring on 54 (retired).
The second semi-final went right down to the penultimate ball. Bedminster compiled a challenge of 156-7, Shay Sainsbury retiring on 50 off 32 balls as Fraser Loveday captured 3-24.
In reply, Dumbleton made a strong start through opener Nick Schubach (38) and captain Dan Holland (27) before Bedminster made inroads.
It then required a terrific cameo from Abbie Whybrow, whose unbeaten 29 off 24 included one of the shots of the day – a six over long off – and 24 from Archie Bailey to defy Sainsbury (2-21 from four) as Dumbleton completed a four-wicket triumph with just one ball to spare.
Dumbleton carried that momentum into the final as Cheltenham were restricted to a total of 127-6, Stanley Brown dominating the innings with an unbeaten 52 (retired) as Loveday (1-11), Dan Holland (1-13) and Arthur Kane (2-26, all from four) put the squeeze on.
Openers Schubach (23) and Tommy Boorman (50 retired) then gave Dumbleton the start they needed before Dan Holland (26 not) chipped away at the target to help complete the victory with three overs to spare.
Dumbleton’s success meant the village club completed the ‘double double’ after their under-16s last week also retained their title!
Cheltenham’s Stanley Brown received the Gun Bat award for his fine innings in the final while the bowling honours went to Fraser Loveday with Dumbleton team-mate Tommy Boorman taking the fielding award after holding on to two excellent catches.
Tournament organiser Scott Tremain, who is also the GCB’s Club Development Manager, said: “Congratulations to Dumbleton on their success and to all the competing teams, we’ve had a fantastic day with high quality games that have showcased cricket at this age group throughout the county.
“We’re extremely grateful to the County Club for hosting our finals day, it’s a great experience for all these teams to play at an international venue, and we also owe thanks to Stuart Turner for their sponsorship which helps make this tournament possible.
“We would also like to thank umpires Phil Mattingley, Andrew Davis and Martyn Keen and all the scorers for their support, and to Chris Fortune who did such a wonderful job, interviewing players and providing music for the event.”