Merchant Taylors' Under-17 cricket team created history after becoming the first team at the school to win a national championship.

After beating Millfield in the national semi-final, hopes were high MTS would be able to win the trophy against a strong Shrewsbury team.

Merchant Taylors' dominated the final from start to finish to win by seven wickets.

After winning the toss and electing to bowl first, the side set about their task with vigour as Sahil Shah took a wicket in the first over.

Shrewsbury recovered to 43 for one after 11 overs but the introduction of Max John resulted in him dismissing the opponents’ most dangerous batsman.

This came as a result of an outstanding piece of athleticism by wicket-keeper Ashane Wijesuriya after diving to his right to take a stunning catch.

Wijesuriya took off the keeping pads to bowl his leg spin and it turned out to be an inspired move. He took three big wickets which included another fine diving catch.

After some tight bowling by Aaran Amin, Rohan Day and Sachin Shah, Merchant Taylors' restricted Shrewsbury to 131 for eight from their 40 overs.

The run chase got off to a flying start with Alex Palmer and Omar Karim knocking the ball to all parts. However, after losing both openers the game was finely balanced at 20 for two. David Burnell and Amin played with maturity and skill to build a solid partnership and they quickly took the game away from Shrewsbury.

Burnell played some blistering strokes, which included a huge six over the leg side. Burnell and Amin managed to get the team across the line to secure a commanding seven-wicket victory in the 23rd over.

This sealed a very special victory for Merchant Taylors' in winning their maiden national title.