Youth triumph for Cannock in Mid-Staffs T20

The hosts overcame Tamworth in the final yesterday to win the Andrew Knighton Cup for the second time in the five years the competition has been held, and first since becoming the inaugural winners in 2010.

And it completed a double for Will Fleet's young side after they also clinched the Staffs Clubs Knockout at Beacon recently.

But it was a tense finale after Cannock took until the first ball of the final over to eclipse the target set by Tamworth, who finished on 90-7.

Captain Fleet led the way with an unbeaten 36 while Adam Benton chipped in with 34.

Tamworth skipper Ben Maddox made 41 while their innings was checked by two wickets each for Ed Martin, Alex Morris and Dan Wood.

Cannock have placed their faith in their young players this season and chairman Dave Robinson saluted them after a second trophy success.

"All the players were under 25 so we've done it with a really young side which has given us a platform for the future," said Robinson.

"Captain Will Fleet and Zak Shingler were the oldest players at 24. The average age was 21 and we've won two T20 competitions this season, so it's good to see these young lads enjoying their cricket."

The Mid Staffs competition is contested by eight clubs, with Brewood, Penkridge, Milford Hall, Eccleshall, Stafford and Fordhouses completing the list.

But with several other competitions rivalling it, the Sunday tournament, which runs through July and August, hasn't always been as well supported as the organisers would have liked.

Next season they are hoping to expand it to two leagues of five teams. Robinson has no complaints, however.

"It's always good to win and does nothing but instil a feelgood factor at the club," he said. "And finishing second in the league as well, it all bodes well for the future."

In their semi-final, Cannock beat 2012 winners Brewood in double-quick time.

Bowling the villagers out for just 43 thanks to three wickets from Connor Shingler, 19, and two each for John Cooke, Martin and Wood, they reached their target in the sixth over.

Andy LeFeaver (18) and Zak Shingler (13) led the way with the bat. Tamworth beat Stafford in the other semi-final.

Led by Stuart Burrows (80) and 38 from Maddox, Tamworth reached 171-6. Stafford needed 17 off their last over to win but fell short by 10.