THE Herefordshire Under-10 Boys cricket team concluded a fine season with an excellent victory over Huntingdonshire at a three-day festival at Malvern College.

Having lost to a strong Northamptonshire side and then to Oxfordshire off the very last ball in Twenty-20 matches, the team faced Huntingdonshire in their first ever 40 over game.

Having been asked to bowl first, excellent opening spells from Will Morris (3-16) and eight-year-old Freddie Ammonds (3-15) soon had Hunts in all sorts of trouble.

And although a middle order stand helped their opponents to a respectable score, two wickets from Finn Meredith ensured Hunts were bowled out for 112 in just 24 overs.

Herefordshire's reply started nervously, but a second wicket stand between Iolo Bubb and captain Luka Van Vuuren calmed the nerves before Bubb's unfortunate run-out brought Harry Sockett in to join his skipper.

The two batsmen proceeded to take their side to the verge of victory and, although Van Vuuren fell for a fine 31, Sockett stood firm for an unbeaten 31 to see his side home by five wickets.

Team coach and former Herefordshire Minor Counties player, Phil Hunt, said: "The lads have been a pleasure to be around all season and had already enjoyed memorable wins over both Gwent and Worcestershire during the summer.

"However, they really grew as a group at Malvern and the win over Huntingdonshire was a real demonstration of the progress they have made.

"Hunts are always a strong side and they had a very good bowling attack so to chase down their total for the loss of only five wickets was a great effort.

"The bowlers put us in a strong position, but I have to say that Harry's innings was exceptional as he controlled the run chase brilliantly and really took responsibility for winning the game.

"I'd like to thank all the players involved of their efforts this season - they have done themselves proud and I'm already looking forward to next season."

The games against the Isle of Wight and Oxfordshire were called off due to bad weather.

But Herefordshire did beat Cheshire and Huntingdonshire in hastily arranged indoor matches.