CHERRY Tree Under 13s have ended their long wait for league glory – now they are hoping to win back-to-back titles.

The talented team finally broke the stranglehold Clitheroe CC have on the Ribblesdale League to win their first title in eight years.

And the good news for the Blackburn club – and bad news for their rivals – is that the majority of the team is still young enough to play next season.

Cherry Tree were certainly made to work for their moment of glory, having to beat Euxton in a play-off to win the Under 13s Green League before going on to face the all-conquering Clitheroe, who won the Under 13s Orange League, in the final.

“I think the most satisfying thing is that we had to beat the top two teams in the age group to win the title,” said coach Rob Ince.

“Clitheroe have by far the strongest junior set-up and are winning leagues and cup on a regular basis.

“So to beat them in the final was very special.”

Cherry Tree had to overcome Euxton in a play-off to decide who would earn the right to face Clitheroe after they both finished their league programme with identical record of played 12, won 11, lost one.

Euxton won the right to host the play-off and Cherry Tree were put in to bat but struggled to get a big score.

League rules state that batters bat in pairs for four overs with eight runs lost for each wicket and Cherry Tree finished on just 18.

But where they have failed with the bat, Cherry Tree have excelled in the bowling department.

Euxton were ahead at one stage and had they blocked out their last few overs would have reached the final.

But Cherry Tree’s attack were having none of it and two late wickets saw them win by 10 runs. Cherry Tree had home advantage in the final and this time posted a decent score of 55 losing seven ‘wickets’ in the process.

In reply, Clitheroe’s talented batsmen had no answer to the bowling attack of Cherry Tree as they were crowned champions at last.

The winning team included Daniel Fenwick, Joseph ince, Charlie Elwood, Owen Elwood, Luke Entwistle, Amaan Ughradar, Maaz Goroawala and Shziebe Naeem.

Rob has now set his sights on winning the title once again.

“Apart from Daniel, Amaan and Maaz, I wil have the same players to work with next season with some talented players to come in.

“So the aim will be to try and retain the title.”