Successful September for Lancashire's age-group sides
It was a successful weekend (13/14 September) for Lancashire’s age-group sides, with three teams picking up T20 silverware.
The Under-16s Boys were crowned champions of their T20 competition, and bad weather meant the Under-18s Boys and Under-18s Girls shared their respective T20 trophies.
It was a dominant performance from the Under-16s Boys, who dispatched Surrey in the final at Brockington. After setting an imposing total of 195-5 from their 20 overs, the Red Rose managed to restrict their opponents to just 141-8 in reply.
Opening batter Liam Yahathugoda led the way with the bat, scoring a superb 93 from 60 deliveries, which included four sixes. He was well backed up by Jackson Bentley, who hit 43.
Surrey never really got going in their reply, thanks to some disciplined powerplay bowling from Muhammed Patel. The opener ended with figures of 3/15 from four overs to help lead Lancashire to victory.
Chris Benbow, the Head of Boys Talent Pathway at Emirates Old Trafford, said it took a “full squad effort” for the Red Rose to lift their Under-16s T20 title at the weekend.
"Key partnerships at the end of the innings in the semi-final were able to get us across the line, with our quick bowlers consistently controlling matches and taking wickets with the new ball."
The Under-18s Girls secured their fourth trophy in just two seasons, sharing the T20 title with Leicestershire after a washout in the final. It came just a week after winning the 50-over title against Kent, ensuring they retained both titles.
It has been a dominant campaign in 2025, having won 19 games and lost just four in all competitions.
Chris Chambers, the Girls Pathway Performance Manager, was full of praise for the Under-18s Girls, who have been largely unstoppable. He said: “It’s a fantastic achievement for the group to win both the 50-over and T20 titles for a second year running.
“The players have worked incredibly hard over the winter and have put some outstanding individual and team performances in.
He praised the leadership of captains Olivia Cunliffe and Emilia Lamb, explaining they have “captained the teams very well,” although stressed that the entire squad has “stood up when they have been needed” this season.
The Under-18s Boys did manage to get onto the pitch for their T20 final. The rain came at a bad time down in Taunton against Somerset, with the Red Rose flying 88-1 from 10.4 overs.
Gennaro Reddy was leading the charge and had 45 runs from only 20 deliveries. Eventually, the bad weather halted his and Lancashire’s progress.
They never managed to get back on the pitch at Taunton Vale Sports Club, meaning both sides shared the trophy.
Benbow seemed impressed with the culture around the group this season. He said there is “great team unity” within the squad: “They’ve created an environment that has figured out how to win games of cricket.
"Finishing top of the North Championship Group for the second year running was also a fantastic achievement.
Last weekend’s success has certainly been a good way to cap off the campaign for Lancashire’s academy sides, with Benbow describing the season as: "A great year for the pathway with our Under-14s narrowly missing out against a strong Middlesex team."
