TAUNTON St Andrew’s Under-15s and Under-13s finished as the second and fourth best sides in the country at their respective age groups following the ECB National Youth Cup finals days.

The Under-15s were first up at Rugby School, and took on Broadstairs in the semi-final.

Broadstairs batted first and made 105-7, with Josh Thomas taking 1-8 in his four overs.

Harrison Barrett’s 25 laid the foundations in the chase and the last over arrived with eight required – George Thomas thumped the penultimate ball for six to send Saints through to the final.

There they came up against Walmley, who made 165-7 – there were two wickets apiece for George Thomas and Josh Thomas.

James Rew (33) got the chase off to a good start and George Thomas hit two 6s in his rapid 28, but the Saints fell short on 130.

The following day, the Under-13s were beaten by 106 runs against Knowle & Dorridge in the semi-final – Ollie Heard retired on 30 in the Saints’ 57-8.

The third-place play-off saw West Bridgeford triumph by nine wickets.

Under-15s coach Iain Hockey said: “The whole club is so proud and it’s been an amazing journey.

“The final was just a step too far – we let them get 20 or 30 more than we would have liked – but Walmley were comfortably the best side there on the day.

“We had a great support with around 40 parents making the trip – it was a brilliant couple of days.”