HAYGROVE School’s Under-15 Boys cricket team were full of smiles and high-fives when they were crowned Under-16 National Champions.

They beat The Glyn School, from Epsom, by 25 runs in the Chance to Compete Finals held at Northamptonshire County Cricket Club.

Over 4,000 schools took part in the competition, so coming top is a superb achievement for the Bridgwater boys.

After beating High Tunstall comfortably, Haygrove went into the finals against The Glyn School with the sense they had a real chance of becoming National Champions.

After winning the toss, Glyn School elected to bowl first. Tom Bellinger and Will Moyse started the innings off with a quick 20 each. Bellinger again hit two 6s out of the ground on to the roof of the stands.

Will Moyse, in similar fashion, hit 6s all over the ground with immense power and skill. By the end of the third over, Haygrove were 53 without loss – a perfect start.

Jack Prior then came in and selflessly ran himself out after a stunning 18 runs. Captain Max Sellick had a sketchy start but gained his composure quickly, finishing unbeaten for 24 and having hit some beautiful straight 6s.

Harry Buller and James Salt came next in to finish the innings and Haygrove finished the innings on an amazing score of 96.

Max Sellick, Haygrove team captain, said: “Just having the chance to play at Northamptonshire’s county ground is amazing, but to have come here and won this national competition is out of this world. It is an experience I will always remember.

“The lads were all fantastic and played a superb match.”