Wellesbourne under 13s clinch National Club title at Lord's

Wellesbourne under 13s were backed by around 200 travelling supporters from the village as they emerged triumphant from their final against Esher on the Lord's Nursery Ground at the weekend

2026-09-15T13:00+01:00

Wellesbourne Cricket Club’s Under-13s created history on Saturday as they were crowned ECB U13 National Club champions with a memorable six-wicket victory over Esher CC at Lord’s Cricket Ground.

Playing on the Nursery Ground at the Home of Cricket, Wellesbourne completed an extraordinary national cup journey in front of nearly 200 travelling supporters from the club and village.

The huge Wellesbourne following created a fantastic atmosphere throughout the afternoon, with parents, families, club members, junior players and supporters making the journey to London for what became one of the greatest days in the club’s history.

A memorable final

Esher won the toss and elected to bat first, but Wellesbourne produced an outstanding collective bowling and fielding performance to restrict them to 104 for six from their 20 overs.

From the opening overs, Wellesbourne bowled with discipline and backed it up with energetic fielding, regularly taking wickets and ensuring Esher were never able to take complete control of the innings.

It was a performance that reflected one of the key strengths of the side throughout their national cup run – every player contributing and supporting their teammates when it mattered.

With 105 required to become national champions, Wellesbourne then showed tremendous composure with the bat.

There were understandably some nerves chasing a target in a national final at Lord’s, but the team remained calm and positive, putting together the partnerships needed to keep themselves ahead of the required rate.

As the innings developed, Wellesbourne gradually took control of the chase before reaching 105 for four in 19 overs, sealing a six-wicket victory with an over to spare.

The winning runs sparked huge celebrations.

Players and coaches celebrated on the Nursery Ground while the large Wellesbourne contingent in the crowd marked a moment that will live long in the memory of everyone who was there.

Wellesbourne had arrived at Lord’s as a village cricket club competing against some of the strongest junior sides in the country. They left as national champions.

A remarkable journey to Lord’s

The triumph was the culmination of an exceptional cup campaign which saw the team overcome a series of different challenges on their way from Warwickshire to the national stage.

Their journey began with a 66-run victory over Rugby, followed by an emphatic 105-run win against Berkswell.

They then showed a different side to their game in a dramatic encounter against Knowle & Dorridge, holding their nerve to win by just one wicket.

A 58-run victory over Dorridge followed as Wellesbourne continued their progress through the competition, before moving into the regional stages brought new opposition and another step up in the challenge.

Wellesbourne defeated Oswestry by eight wickets before overcoming West Bromwich & Dartmouth by 23 runs to become Midlands champions.

That success earned the team a place in the national stages of the competition and a semi-final against Cavaliers & Carrington CC.

Once again, Wellesbourne rose to the occasion, producing another excellent team performance to win by six wickets and secure the opportunity every young club cricketer dreams about – the chance to play a national final at Lord’s.

They then completed the journey in the best possible way by defeating Esher and lifting the national trophy.

A day for the whole club

Although the players were the ones competing on the field, the scenes at Lord’s demonstrated that this was an achievement shared by the whole Wellesbourne Cricket Club community.

Nearly 200 supporters made the journey from Warwickshire to London, creating a sea of Wellesbourne colours around the Nursery Ground and providing vocal support from the first ball to the last.

James Blakemore who, along with Greg Ricketts, helped to coach the side said: “It is difficult to put into words just how proud we are of this group of players. To win a national championship is an incredible achievement, but to do it at Lord’s in front of nearly 200 people who had travelled down to support Wellesbourne made it even more special.

“What has stood out throughout the whole competition is the way they have played as a team. Different players have contributed at different stages, and whenever we have been put under pressure somebody has stepped up.

“The final was a perfect example. It was a real collective performance. The boys bowled and fielded brilliantly and then showed tremendous composure chasing in a national final at Lord’s.

“They have faced some excellent teams along the way and have been tested in very different situations, but they have continually found a way to win.

“What made Saturday particularly special was seeing so many people from the club and village there together. The support around the Nursery Ground was incredible and the players will remember it for the rest of their lives.

“This wasn’t just an achievement for the team. It was a day for the whole cricket club. So many coaches, volunteers and parents have helped these players during their time at Wellesbourne and this national title is something everyone connected with the club can be incredibly proud of.”

A historic achievement

The national title represents a major milestone for Wellesbourne Cricket Club and its thriving junior section, which has grown considerably in recent years.

It also reflects the commitment of the many volunteer coaches, team managers, scorers, parents and club members who have helped provide opportunities for young cricketers at Wellesbourne.

For this group of Under-13 players, however, Saturday 12 September 2026 will always have a special place in their memories. They travelled to the Home of Cricket representing their teammates, their club and their village.

They returned as ECB U13 National Club Champions.

Final score: Wellesbourne CC 105-4 (19 overs) beat Esher CC 104-6 (20 overs) by six wickets