Team manager Alan Blackley hailed his rising stars after Hunts claimed a historic success.

The county’s Under 25 ‘A’ team clinched the Southern section title in the Reg Wright Trophy for the first time last Sunday.

An 86-47 victory at Norfolk ‘B’ at Cawston completed a five-match winning streak which has catapulted the local talents to glory.

Hunts now meet North section table-toppers Nottinghamshire in the national final at Skegness on August 18.

Blackley said: “I’m very proud of the team and it is quite an achievement to win our section for the first time ever.

“To have picked up 46 out of a possible 50 points from our five games is very impressive.

“I hope this will be the first of many more titles in the future as we boast terrific strength in depth in our junior ranks.

“We are very much looking forward to taking our place at Skegness and hopefully winning the national title.

“I’m confident we’ll be able to put out a strong team and I’m certain everyone involved will give it their best shot.”

Hunts enjoyed a clean sweep of rink successes against Norfolk ‘B’. The trio of Matt Nickerson, Hayden Moorbey and Kierren Murray were the most emphatic winners as they saw off their opponent 36-17.

The Hunts side have lost only two of 15 rinks during the Reg Wright Trophy campaign which also included victories against Norfolk ‘A’, Suffolk ‘A’, Suffolk ‘B’ and their own ‘B’ side.

Blackley added: “This success is not just down to the bowlers. I must thank the parents who have ferried their kids around, the people who turn out to support us, and everyone at Papworth BC who have been such wonderful hosts for our home games.

“The challenge now is to ensure this great season is not just a one-off as I want Hunts to dominate Under 25 competition for years to come.

“We certainly have the players to do that in the coming years and we also boast a ‘B’ team who are developing so sat and knocking on the ‘A’ team door.”

A young ‘B’ side – with an oldest player of just 14 – were beaten 98-58 by Norfolk ‘A’ at Cawston in their final fixture.

They have lost all five outings, but their progress this summer has pleased county chiefs.

Results

Reg Wright Trophy

Norfolk ‘B’ 86, Norfolk ‘B’ 47

Hunts rinks: Matt Nickerson (Sawtry)/Hayden Moorbey (Warboys)/Kierren Murray (Brampton) won 36-17, Sophie Purell (Needingworth)/Robbie Barker (Eynesbury)/Joe Randall (Warboys) won 28-15, Mack May (Buckden)/Mark Franklin (Papworth)/Harry Ward (Papworth) won 22-15.

Norfolk ‘A’ 98, Hunts ‘B’ 58

Hunts rinks: Caitlin Jackson (Needingworth)/Tom Anderson (Eynesbury)/Sam Ormiston (Needingworth) lost 15-50, Alfie Gardiner (Sawtry)/Thomas Whittaker (Sawtry)/Sam Brugnoli (Huntingdon) lost 19-23, Jorja Jackson (Needingworth)/Jake Pankhurst (Huntingdon)/Jack Ward (Papworth) lost 24-25.