TAUNTON Deane Cricket Club was celebrating today, as local hero Jack Leach was named in the England team to face Australia in the second Ashes Test at Lord's.

And there was another reason for those at the club to be cheerful this week, as the Deane Under-15s finished as national runners-up in the ECB Vitality Club T20 cup.

The Deane, who came through county and regional rounds to make it to finals day, travelled to Rugby School to take on the cream of the crop from around the country on Monday.

First up was a semi-final against Burnopfield, which saw Deane captain Ben Chaffey call correctly at the toss and put the Durham side in.

Josh Thomas struck in his first over but the Deane had to be patient during a 60-run stand between Tom Bolam (35) and Callum Brown (33).

Rufus Williams-Pritchard dismissed both in a four-over spell which yielded 2-11 and further wickets for Thomas (2-18) and Aman Rao (1-17), combined with two run outs, saw Burnopfield post 124-7.

In reply, openers Chaffey and Rao (17) put on 41.

Thomas made 17 and Chaffey continued to 44, at which point he was run out with 25 needed from as many balls.

Williams-Pritchard (20no) held firm and won the match with a superb cover drive for four in the final over.

The final saw the Deane up against Shenley Village, from Hertfordshire, who had won the national Under-13 title two years previously.

The Deane again bowled upon winning the toss but this time 50 runs were added in eight overs.

Taylor Flitton (1-24) made the breakthrough but a hard-hitting stand of 64 in eight overs put the Deane on the back foot.

Thomas (1-28) and Freddy Stevens (1-23) chipped in but Shenley Village finished on a challenging 160-3.

The reply began well, with 20 scored in the first three overs, but a flurry of wickets left them 35-4.

Chaffey’s departure for 23 was key and, despite an entertaining last wicket stand between Flitton (15no) and Josh Nelson (6), the Deane were dismissed for 100.

Coach Keith Woodman said: “The boys did brilliantly to get so far and it was a fantastic experience.

“For some, this was their last game of junior cricket, so it was a great way to round it off.

“Four or five of the lads are playing a year up so they will have another chance in this competition next year.”

Woodman also thanked the parents and sponsors who have been part of the team’s exciting cup journey.

The squad comprised Max Johnson, Josh Nelson, Aman Rao, Harrison Hambly, Rowan Keyte, Taylor Flitton, Harry Love, Rufus Williams-Pritchard, Ben Chaffey, Josh Thomas and Freddy Stevens.

Charlie Sharland and Will Baverstock, who played key roles in helping the team to finals day, were absent.