Upminster's Under 9s overcame Buckhurst Hill in a thrilling Don Coates Trophy semi-final at a chilly Upminster Park on Sunday morning, to advance to the Final, where they will face Ilford or Woodford Green.  The result keeps up Upminster's proud recent record in the competition where their appearance in the Final will be their third in four seasons.

Buckhurst Hill won the toss and chose to bat first, but Upminster picked up early wickets to keep the score in check.  However, despite a further two wickets from Max Warren, Hill's last two pairs batted superbly and the score climbed to a net total (terriers) of 261.  Upminster's reply got off to a great start, but Hill again fought-back and the game was in the balance as last pair Dylan Brooks and captain Lewis Munn went to the crease.  They got Upminster into the lead with nine balls remaining and kept their nerve to see their side to a seven run win.

The game was played in a great spirit throughout and we wish Buckhurst Hill the best of luck for the rest of the season.  We would also like to thank competition organiser Andrew Shields, and the rest of the Met Essex District Youth Committee, for their tireless work this summer which has enabled so much cricket to be played despite the difficult circumstances.

Upminster's squad for the competition to date has been:

Lewis Munn (capt)
George Sheridan
Finley Tolan
Dylan Narbheram
Ethan Johnson
Joshua O'Sullivan
Dylan Brooks
Max Warren
Ralph Burchell
Alfie Taplin
Gregory Smallman
Joshua Puthanveettil