Young Stags are the pride of Staffordshire

The young Stags came out on top by beating Milford Hall in the final league fixture of the season after a three-way battle for the crown.

Cannock, Milford Hall and Fordhouses all had the chance to take the title going into the final fixtures.

However, Cannock's convincing win over second-placed Milford Hall secured the points they needed to cement top spot.

Cannock captain Luke Rushbrooke won the toss and, in what turned out to be an inspired decision, put Milford into bat.

The Stags' bowlers took four quick wickets in the first four overs, putting Milford on to the back foot.

They, ultimately, restricted them to 79-8, netted down to 39 runs after deductions for wickets lost. Cannock then hit 94-3 to win by a net 40 runs and wrap up the title.

Coach John Rushbrooke, who has been using quotes from Nelson Mandela to inspire his young cricketers.

He said: "I don't know how nervous the boys were, but I didn't sleep a wink the night before, thinking what I would say to inspire and motivate them one more time.

"In the end, I chose some more words from the late great Nelson Mandela, 'the greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.'

"There have been a number of occasions during games this season where the boys suffered setbacks.

"But, each time, they got back up, dug deep and went on to win, so the words seemed appropriate and, thankfully, they worked.

"All the boys and girls, have been a pleasure to coach and manage this year and it was great to see all of their hard work pay off."