DUMBLETON under 13s finished runners-up at the ECB National Cricket Cup finals day at Rugby School.

Having won the regional finals the week before the team went into the day with three other teams.

Dumbleton were drawn against Bedford in the semi-finals of the 20-over competition but lost regular wickets against a strong bowling attack after choosing to bat first.

Only Tommy Boorman reached the point where he had to retire on 30.

In the end they scrambled together a score of just 73 all out which looked way under-par on a good wicket.

But left-arm spinner Ryan Kilmister and pace bowler Will Gilderson put on early pressure, taking two wickets before Bedford reached double figures.

Then the change bowlers got in on the act too with Myles Holland and Nick Schubach both claiming two victims.

As the tension grew Dumbleton bowled out Bedford for 60 in the penultimate over to reach the final.

Shenley Village from Hertfordshire chose to bat first but a strong first-half performance from Dumbleton reduced them to 61-6 before a recovery to 102 from 20 overs.

In reply Dumbleton were quickly reduced to 18-4 but hope was restored by counter-attacking batting from Sam Baines.

At 80-7 with five overs remaining the game was still in the balance before Dumbleton lost three quick wickets to fall 20 runs short.

Despite the disappointment Dumbleton finished second out of 1,600 teams who entered the competition.

Coach Pete Boorman said: “We had a fantastic run to the final and the team played some absolutely brilliant cricket along the way.

"We’ve created some great memories and while it would have been amazing to become national champions the boys can look back with lots of pride on what they’ve all achieved.”