Young Bears help Dorridge CC juniors win national cup

Young Bears from Warwickshire’s Youth Pathway helped Dorridge Cricket Club’s Under-15s and Under-13s reach the National Club Cup Finals at Lords.

An U15s side featuring eight teenagers from Warwickshire’s Youth Pathway were crowned champions on Saturday (14 Sept) as they beat Esher CC by 20 runs on the main Lord’s pitch.

They posted 152/6 from their 20 overs which proved too much for their London opponents.

The U13s (pic below), which included 11 youngsters from the Bears junior ranks, played Middlesex side Richmond CC on Lord’s nursery ground and narrowly lost by three wickets.

It’s the first time in Dorridge’s history that two junior sides have made the national finals in the same year.

Warwickshire Cricket Foundation’s Participation & Growth Manager Andy Wyles praised Dorridge’s youngsters on their achievement.

He said: “To have two junior teams in the national final is a unique achievement in all the years I’ve worked in Warwickshire cricket.

“It’s testament to the strength of junior cricket across the county and also reward for all the hard work of the coaches and volunteers at Dorridge.

“They have some wonderfully talented young cricketers who work hard and play in the right spirit. And we must never forget the contribution of parents and guardians who fetch and carry the boys for matches and training.”

Under-15s allrounder Ritvik Pati hit 50 off 38 balls and took two wickets for 11 runs, while Shayaan Abid blasted a quickfire 40 off 27 and Kamraan Arastu also took two wickets.

Warwickshire’s Youth Pathway Manager Paul Greetham, added: ““Both sides feature a significant representation of county and sub-county representative players. No doubt this has gone a long way towards the strength of performance and the road to the final.

“In terms of availability and fixture calendar, we worked with Dorridge CC throughout the county age group summer to ensure key players were always available, even in the event of a fixture clash.

“We are delighted many Warwickshire players and their club teammates have the opportunity to experience such a high profile knock-out competition and final, plus the magic of Lords!”