South Wilts Under-15s are through to the next stage of the ECB U15 Club T20 competition after producing an outstanding team performance to overcome Taunton St Andrew by 34 runs in Monday's South & West Regional Finals play-off.

Having won the toss, skipper Ivo Leyland chose to bat first, and despite losing a couple of early wickets, South Wilts steadily built an imposing total of 145-7 from their 20 overs.

Leyland once again led by example, compiling an excellent 49 from 45 balls, finding the boundary five times in a measured innings that held the batting together. He shared important partnerships through the middle overs as South Wilts rebuilt after a cautious start.

There were valuable contributions throughout the order. Freddie Jones made 17, Oscar Whiting played positively for 21 from just 17 balls, while Jacob Rowe added an important 14 late in the innings. With useful runs coming from the middle order and 17 extras added to the total, South Wilts finished with a score that always looked likely to test the visitors.

The bowlers then rose magnificently to the challenge.
Although Taunton opener Harry Everard got away quickly and captain Sam Cohen played positively for 26, wickets fell at regular intervals as South Wilts maintained relentless pressure.
Leyland completed a superb all-round performance with outstanding figures of 3-15, while Jacob Nash delivered one of the spells of the match, taking 2-10 from three overs, including a maiden. Asher Osborn, Ollie Wright and Callum Foot each claimed a wicket, while disciplined fielding produced two excellent run outs to ensure Taunton never built the partnerships they needed.

The visitors were eventually dismissed for 111 in 19.5 overs, giving South Wilts a deserved 34-run victory.

Following the victory, the players and Under-15 coaching team were keen to acknowledge the fantastic support they received throughout the evening. The encouragement from parents, family members, club supporters, committee members and senior players created a wonderful atmosphere at the South Wilts ground and provided a real boost to the team during such an important fixture.

Congratulations to all the players and coaches on another excellent performance, and best of luck in the next stage of the competition as we travel to play Cardiff CC on 19th July. With the winner progressing to the regional finals day at Wembdon CC on 3rd August.