YORK Cricket Club’s young guns claimed third place in the NatWest Under-15s National Club Championship at Oundle School in Peterborough - a national competition involving 1,700 junior sides.

The Clifton Park ranks lost out to eventual champions Guildford CC by eight wickets in their semi-final clash coming up short in defence of their 96-9 total from 20 overs.

Victory in the third place play-off over Southill Park vindicated their place in the final four as a strong allround team effort resulted in a 40-run win. Richard Brown led the charge, retiring on 50 in the York innings of 121-5 and also claiming 4-19 in his four- over spell.

Coach Mick Hammerton was proud of his team getting to the finals, saying: “To get to the last four out of 1,700 teams is a fantastic achievement.

Being beaten by Guildford was no disgrace as they were far superior to anyone else.

“It’s a pity we didn’t play them in the final. We were better than the other two teams in my opinion but they had a thoroughly enjoyable weekend.”

York were provided with a number of notable performances across the two games.

Captain Ted Patmore scored 32 and 35, Felix Van dor Borgh produced figures of 2-5 from four overs in the win against Southill and Cameron Burdass bowled exceptionally well in both games with 1-3 from two overs against Guildford and 3-10 against Southill.

The third place capped a superb season for York, who won a York & District League title and cup double.