Whitgift all-rounder Jack Lloyd is hoping to repeat the heroics of earlier rounds to steer his Under 13 side to success in the Bunbury Cup next Thursday, writes David Foster.

The South Croydon school travel to Oundle, Peterborough, with Lloyd the man in form after a string of impressive performances. They will face either Stockport Grammar or Solihul as they play in their fifth national final at the age group in 11 years.

Lloyd said: "Our first match was a convincing victory over Berkshire champions Crosfields School. We bowled them out for 76 and chased their total down fairly easily."

Dominic Sibley hit a superb 110 and Tom Walters 69 as Whitgift, ably led by captain Greg Dann, posted 240 in 35 overs on their way to victory over QE Boys, of Middlesex.

Lloyd, a member of Surrey U13s and Reigate Priory, then took 3-22 in the win over Warden Park School.

Sibley, who plays for Surrey U13s and U14s and Ashtead, said: "We bowled first and restricted Warden Park (Sussex) to 111-9, but it could have been better as we dropped five catches in the field. Overall it was a good bowling attack."

The batting performance was "quite good", he said, but wickets started to tumble. However, Lloyd (26no) and Ben Ledger (31) steadied the ship and Whitgift went on to win comfortably.

Lloyd, however, was not finished there and claimed superb figures of 7-13 to help Whitgift overcame Portsmouth Grammar by two wickets to earn their place in the final.

Both boys said: "We would like to thank Neil Kendrick and Sam Woodward for taking us on tour to Barbados this year. It was a great experience and we benefited from it greatly.

"Simon Beck deserves thanks also, for being a great coach and being supportive throughout our cup journey. Chris Wilkins also deserves praise for helping us mentally through our cricket season."