Under 11s reach final of Finchampstead Tournament

Reading played really well in the recent 6 a side tournament at Finchampstead on Bank Holiday Monday to finish as runners up. They won all 3 of their round robin group games to finish top of their group. A combination of skillful and powerful batting saw Reading score quickly in all their matches. This was backed up by accurate bowling and committed and effective fielding. After a convincing semi-final win - we scored over 70 in our 5 overs - we prepared to face hosts Finchampstead in the final.
The final was an outstanding match. Despite Sam picking up an early wicket, the other Finchampstead players, particularly their opening batsman batted very well to reach an impressive total of 74 -1 in just 5 overs.
In reply Aarav and Gaajuran batted with great skill, with Gaajuran in particular hitting many powerful boundaries. Needing 20 to win off the last over Reading came close to a famous victory. If not for a great piece of fielding that saw a direct hit run Gaajuran out off the pemultimate ball Reading might have pulled off a famous victory. As it was they just fell 2 runs short.
All the squad played well - with Gaajuran batting with great skill to be our player of the tournament. Ajmal also showed how much he has improved this season with some very good batting performances. Matthew who volunteered to be a stand in keeper played very well. All our bowlers stuck to their task well bowling with discipline and accuracy. This was a fitting end to a successful season for the under 11s. Thanks should also go to Finchampstead for organizing a very well run and enjoyable tournament. Thankyou also to Bala and Nalin for umpiring, and Dave for scoring.
The squad who were presented with their silver medals as runners up were:
Gaajuran
Aarav
Fergus
Matthew
Sam
Ajmal
Ashwyn
Raheel