With only four senior players in the side-David Platt, Daniel Pellett, Jim McIntosh and Alex Marshall, the visitors were heavily reliant on six juniors, including three making their senior debuts. What followed was a performance full of character, energy and maturity from a youthful Burghley side.

After winning the toss and electing to field, Burghley set about the task superbly. On a ground where the outfield was particularly slow, boundaries were hard to come by and run-scoring required plenty of hard work between the wickets. Burghley’s (mostly) youthful bowling attack kept things tight throughout, bowling in good areas, challenging the home batters and were backed up by an enthusiastic fielding display.

The wickets were shared around evenly, with Miles Munro (2-20), OJ Plank (2-14), Alex Marshall (2-19) and Teddy Hamilton (2-31) all claiming two wickets apiece. Dan Pellett and Freddie Jones then chipped in with a wicket each to finish the innings off.

The hosts were bowled out for 143 in 32.1 overs, with Andrew Sidebottom's 52 and Jake Wallace's 39 the main contributions. Behind the stumps and in the field, Burghley held their chances well, with catches for David Platt, Dan Pellett (4 including a C&B) Teddy Hamilton (C&B) and Freddie Jones.

Knowing quick runs would be difficult to come by, Burghley approached the chase sensibly. The experienced opening partnership of Pellet & Platt, set a solid platform of 39 before Pellet was given out LBW. OJ Plank and Freddie Jones helped Platt get things moving, but it was the latter’s experience that anchored the innings. Platt carried his bat magnificently for an unbeaten 71, pacing the chase perfectly and ensuring there were no late dramas.

He found excellent support from skipper, Jim McIntosh, who finished unbeaten on 28 as the pair guided Burghley home. Together they calmly steered the side to 144-3 in 30.3 overs, securing victory with plenty of overs to spare.

The result was especially pleasing given the circumstances. Fielding ten players, with six juniors in the side and three making their senior debuts, Burghley showed tremendous commitment and teamwork throughout the afternoon. It was a performance that reflected the strength of the club's junior pathway and demonstrated that the future is in very good hands.

A well-earned 20 points and an excellent team effort all round.

This match was sponsored by King West.