THE new outdoor cricket season is still a couple of months away but Leigh CC Under 13s have just secured the first trophy of the year, overcoming a gallant Hindley St Peters side in the Wigan & District Indoor Six-a-side Tournament at Lowton Community Sports College.

Despite a last minute change of venue, Leigh's youngsters were soon into their stride as first Andrew Matthews, with an early wicket, and then, one of two 10 year-olds in the side, Matthew Yates, with three victims in one over, including the most nonchalant of return catches, put the early pressure on the Hindley opposition, as they slumped to 99 for 4.

Jake Roylance also showed good form, as he made his first transition up from the under 11's side, and made two top stops in the field and followed it up by bowling a tidy over. Going into the last three-over partnership Hindley had recovered somewhat to 117 but Matthews and Robbie Millward both picked up further wickets, before Leigh's other 10 year-old, Mattie McKiernan, took another three victims in the last over of the innings to ensure Leigh finished the first half of the final in control.

Despite something of a recovery, Hindley's final score of 120 was always going to be difficult to defend and, despite losing a wicket to the first ball of the reply and a further two during their middle partnership, Leigh did not need to take any chances to secure their first silverware of the year

A couple of lusty blows from Matthews and sensible batting from the captain, Matthew Schleiner, led the Beech Walk youngsters to a well deserved, comfortable victory, as the club continued their good record in this event over recent years.

While always the players who compete in the final who get most of the plaudits and publicity, as ever there are always players and people in the background who contribute to the final overall success.

During recent weeks Leigh have fielded two sides (the Tigers and the Cubs) in the under 13's tournament, following the late withdrawal of one of the schedule participants and have performed with distinction

The Under 9 and Under 11 teams competing in the relevant age groups and, while sometimes struggled to get the numbers out on court for the younger age group (due mainly to football commitments and illness), the enthusiasm and energy showed was a joy.

The Under 11's came second in the league to a strong unbeaten Atherton side (five of whom have recently been selected for the Wigan town team) and covered themselves in glory and credit.