The final weekend of the junior season brought a mixture of disappointment and pride, with two of our teams reaching MET District Finals Day and both giving everything in their respective finals.

U9 HAWKS — MET DISTRICT DON COATES TROPHY FINAL

Our U9 Hawks reached the MET District Don Coates Trophy Final at Oakfield Parkonians CC, taking on Wanstead & Snaresbrook CC.

Frenford won the toss and elected to bat, but the Hawks lost too many wickets during their innings, ultimately leaving them with a smaller total than they would have hoped for. That made the task of defending the score particularly difficult against a Wanstead side containing some accomplished young batters.

On the day, the Hawks were outplayed, but reaching a District Final represents a fantastic achievement for a young and developing group.

There is plenty for these players to take from the experience, and days like this will only help their development moving forward.

U15 FALCONS — COX & KINGS FINAL

Our U15 Falcons were also competing for silverware at the MET District Finals Day festival, hosted by Oakfield Parkonians CC, as they looked to secure a third consecutive Cox & Kings Top Tier title.

Unfortunately, it wasn't to be this time.

Frenford lost the toss and were put into the field. Hussain and Saif gave the Falcons a strong start with the ball, initially restricting the Oakfield batters and keeping the scoring under control.

Despite retirements and wickets, runs could not be stemmed, and some excellent batting combined to keep the scoreboard moving, with the hosts eventually posting a formidable 176.

The Falcons had the batting ability to chase the total, despite facing an excellent Oakfield bowling attack. They made a steady start and continued to find runs, but couldn't quite move through the gears in the way required. As wickets fell, the pressure of the required run rate led to more expansive shots and, ultimately, further wickets.

Oakfield were the better side on the day, and their seven Essex players returning to the starting XI underlined the quality of the opposition the Falcons were facing.

It was a tough defeat, but an incredibly valuable experience for a group of young players looking to develop and potentially break into the Essex pathway. Matches against sides of this quality show exactly what the next level demands.

As we always say at Frenford:

**We don't lose. We learn.**

TWO FINALS. TWO TEAMS. ONE VERY PROUD CLUB.

Two finals may have ended in disappointment, but simply getting there is an achievement worth celebrating.

And across the summer, our junior sides have continued to compete, develop and represent Frenford with enormous pride.

To all our Junior players, coaches, volunteers and parents —thank you for another fantastic summer of cricket.

The season may be coming to an end, but the development continues.

We are proud of every one of you