Cricket: Old Elizabethans U9s win district title

The Worcester side, involving four nine year olds with the rest aged from six to eight, won the competition involving more than 40 other teams.

They won the final against Kidderminster after the captain hit a six and a four off the last two balls to hit the target.

Coach Asif Ali said: "The team only came together this year. We could not get enough players so we included some very young kids.

"When starting the season with only four players I asked a few friends if their kids wanted to play.

"They agreed and the team was completed. We entered it just to gain experience and for a bit of fun."

Hamaad Ali captains the team alongside fellow under nines Amaan Sadiq, Umar Khan and Faizan Sageer who played his first match on the day of the finals.  OEs also fielded Oli Pearman, six, Azaan Baig, seven, and eight year olds Jamal Ahmed and Ayaan Baig.

The coach continued: "With over 40 teams in the competition we did not really think we had any hope of getting to the finals.

"However, the boys put in a lot of hard work and practice supported by the club and their parents. Game after game they were getting better."

OEs won every game in the group stages to reach the finals.

Asif admitted: "The kids were so happy they got to play another few games, not really understanding what they had achieved."

The youngsters then beat Pershore, Bewdley and Astwood Bank on finals day to secure a decider with a talented Kidderminster team who scored 61 in eight overs.

OEs needed 25 runs in the final two overs and Hamaad hit 16 in the first including a six and a four.

Despite Kidderminster bowling well the same player produced two more boundaries off the last two balls for victory.

Asif added: "It was a great day for these underdogs who only made up the team to get some games.  "The club have won their first trophy this season.

"The under 10s and 11s are also currently at the top of their leagues.

"Five of the under nines actually play for the under 10s too."