Seven straight wins in July set Bentley Cricket Club Under 13's on their way to winning the Brentwood & District Cricket Association Cup and League titles.

Throughout the season, the colts had been neck and neck with Billericay.

This continued throughout July with Bentley beating Brookweald, Hutton twice (with Coleman achieving the hat trick - all bowled) and Old Brentwoods.

These victories set up the crunch matches last week when Bentley and Billericay met head to head in the league and then the Cup final.

The League encounter was a close affair with Bentley posting 112 in their 20 overs with Larrett (25) and Martin (18) leading the way.

Excellent batting by Cole (25) and Hammond (25) brought Billericay close, but Dean (13-3) and Balsom (15-1) eventually brought Bentley home by three runs.

The Cup final was again competitive, but Coleman (25), Rees (27) and Larrett (19) and Crozier (12) gave Bentley the edge with 109 from the allotted overs.

Billericay lost early wickets and despite Cole's gallant 25 they were always behind the asking rate.

Larrett (3-15) and an amazing four over spell from Dean (2-7), pushed home Bentley's advantage and the victory was eventually by 12 runs.

With one trophy won, Bentley had to beat Old Brentwoods to seal the championship.

The result was never in doubt when Bentley scored a massive 140 from their 20 overs with Pether (27) top scoring and they won by 56 runs.

Team manager, Martin Larrett, was full of praise for the team spirit shown by the side.

He said: "A willingness to play for each other has been the key to success this season."

On top of all this, the Under 11 side notched up five wins in July.

A club spokesman added,''These successes, coupled with out Lottery Grant, has made it a month to remember."

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