KIDDERMINSTER Cricket Club’s under-15s were in jubilant mood after being crowned county champions in the ECB U15 National T20 knockout cup, following a thrilling final against Barnt Green.

The team, which beat Barnards Green in the semi-final, won by 11 runs in Thursday night’s game hosted by Bromsgrove CC.

A batting highlight was Elliot Small who retired on 50 not out, and the team finished their innings on 140-7.

Kidderminster got off to a great start after the break with Sam Wright having Barnt Green’s opener caught behind by u13 stand-in keeper Dan Newton for 0 off his second ball. Cam Billings took a superb over head, one-handed catch to dismiss their number three for eight runs and Wright comprehensively bowled his replacement on his second ball.

But Archie Greaves-Hall, at number 2, proved more difficult to dislodge and he carried his bat, retiring not out on 54.

His input and a couple of reasonable knocks from the middle order, allowed Barnt Green to catch up with the run rate but the final hurdle proved too great as KCC’s young keeper again displayed his speed behind the wickets, taking a run out for five and a stumping for 0, giving Kieran Pointon a wicket maiden in the last over.

A great team effort saw Kidderminster take seven wickets in total on the way to victory.

The team now face the regional final against the Warwickshire winners at Walmley on Sunday.