The Banbridge Academy U12 Boys’ Cricket team took on Limavady Grammar School in the Final of the Ulster Schools’ Wesley Ferris Cup on Friday 23^rd June. The Academy team had beaten Belfast High School, The Wallace High School B team and Carrickfergus Grammar to earn their spot in the final.

Captain Thomas Hamill won the toss and put Limavady in to bat. The Limavady openers looked confident at the wicket, but thanks to excellent bowling from Thomas and Jake McKeown Limavady were put under pressure from the initial overs. Excellent line and length focus from the Academy openers lead to early wickets falling. The initial bowling attack was well supported by Naser Syed, Nihal McEvoy and Zach Watson who each took wickets themselves. A strong bowling and fielding display left the Banbridge Academy team an achievable score that they were confident of making but knew a disciplined approach would be required. Thomas and Zach opened the batting and started well but were weary of the Limavady openers who put on a strong bowling display. An excellent yorker took Zach by surprise and lead to Jake entering the field.

A confident batting partnership from Thomas and Jake quickly brought Banbridge Academy close to the desired target. The winning runs were hit by Thomas when he picked up a leg side ball that was dispatched for 6, securing the win to the delight of his teammates.