Mill Hill Village's Under-10 side delivered a commanding couple of performances to win the North Area U10s Cup, bringing home the club’s first piece of silverware this season.

The competition, played in the pairs format, sees each team begin on 200 runs, with pairs batting four overs each across a 20-over innings. Every wicket results in a five-run deduction, and all players are required to bowl at least two overs.

We overcame a traditionally strong Winchmore Hill side in the semi-final. Bowling with discipline and accuracy, the Village claimed 19 wickets, including a hat-trick, and ran out winners by more than 100 runs.

The final, against Southgate, proved a sterner test. Village posted a net score of 311 despite five run-outs, with over-aggressive running between the wickets nearly proving costly. However, another disciplined bowling effort restricted Southgate to a net 280, securing victory.

“We’ve got a good crop of juniors who bowled very straight, and that’s the key,” said Mill Hill Village Cricket Club's Director of Cricket Phil Smith, who coaches the under-10s as well the under-15s.

The team now advances to face the winners of another regional section, with the opponent and date to be confirmed. The club anticipates a challenging match-up against more experienced opposition. "It will be a tough assignment but we’re looking forward to seeing our team compete," said Smith.

He added: “It’s our first silverware of the season, and the way things are going in one or two of our other junior teams, as well as in the adult section, maybe we will win a few other titles this season as well.

“The club is on the up, and it’s delightful that that’s the case at both senior and junior levels.”