WICKFORD Cricket Club’s Under-11 side have completed a hugely successful season with a thrilling victory over Leigh.

Playing on a neutral venue at Belhus CC, West League winners Wickford A took on their East League champion opponents in what turned out to be a high-scoring affair.

Both sides went into the final with respective 100 per cent records, so something had to give after Wickford captain Adam Deller won the toss and elected to field first.Halfway through their innings, Leigh had lost just one wicket and were handily placed.

And the East winners looked handily placed when they ended their innings on 302 for three – a net score of 278 under “Terriers” rules that penalises teams eight runs for every wicket lost.

Having given away more than 40 runs in extras, Wickford were left to chase their highest target of the season.

Wickford’s cause was not helped by the opening batting pair losing three wickets.

But, despite the uphill battle, Leigh's bowlers began to wilt under the pressure and started to give away a number of wides.

With the last pair at the wicket and just three overs remaining, Wickford were level on runs scored and just needed to avoid losing a wicket to lift the trophy.

A dropped attempted caught and bowled attempt, a quick single and two wides gave them victory by five runs.

Colts manager Kishor Mistry and junior chairman Ian Butler were delighted with the success, which was mirrored by the club's Under-11 B side, who won seven of their nine league matches to win their own title.

Any youngsters wishing to join Wickford in 2009 should write to Tony Brown at 39 Stevenson Way, Wickford, SS12 9EE.

>THE T.Rippon Mid-Essex Cricket League has vacancies for publicity officers for Divisions 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8 amd 11 for the 2009 season. Anyone interested in filling any of these vacancies please email the League website.

To do so, visit www.trippon .cricket.btinternet.co.uk >THE draw for the Shepherd Neame Essex League Cup will take place immediately after the closure of the league’s AGM this Sunday morning at Gidea Park and Romford Cricket Club Any clubs who do not wish to take part in the 2009 competition must notify league secretaryt Cliff Greenhill before the meeting by contacting him at 020 8502 2064 or cliff.greenhill@btinternet.com