Newbuildings edged out Coleraine in a thrilling under 11 cup final at Sandel Lodge yesterday evening. 

Alex McClay (25) and Harry Allen (17) batted superbly to lay the platform for Newbuildings. 

However, Coleraine fought back to slow the run rate down during the middle overs. Vincent McGowan with 2 for 14 from his four overs, and Tom Kelly with figures of 4 overs, two maidens, one wicket for 5 runs bowled with excellent control for Coleraine. 

Andrew Guy scored 12 from the final over to finish the innings on a high as Newbuildings posted 81-3 from their 20 overs. 

In the run chase Coleraine raced to 37-1 off 7 overs and looked to have laid a solid platform. However, Newbuildings stayed calm and shuffled their bowlers effectively. 

Once they broke the key partnership of McGowan and Kelly which had added 24, wickets began to fall at regular intervals. Andrew Guy turned the screw with 3 for 7 and Curtis Blair proved unplayable with 2 for 2. Guy and Blair both took excellent catches off their own bowling. 

Vincent McGowan with 24 runs from 26 balls was the top run-scorer for Coleraine but they fell 15 runs short of their target. 

Andrew Guy deservedly collected the man-of-the-match accolade for his tremendous all-round display. 

The game, which ebbed and flowed, was a wonderful advertisement for under 11 cricket. Players on both sides displayed great skill, determination, and encouraged their teammates throughout.