Old Trafford, Manchester was the stage for the ECB Men’s and Women’s National Tapeball Finals on the 27th and 28th of September, and it was a weekend to remember for the Surrey teams.
The women’s event kicked off on Saturday, September 27th, bringing together 15 formidable county teams from the Cricket Cities programme. This initiative, designed to boost participation among ethnically diverse communities, saw local competition champions test their skills in a highly charged atmosphere. The matches were fast-paced and intense, played on two indoor courts with teams facing off in 30-ball contests throughout the day.
The team representing Surrey, the South London Capitals, were on an unstoppable charge. They dominated their group stage to advance, setting up a thrilling final showdown against Blackburn. Chasing a challenging target of 61, the Capitals’ batters delivered a masterclass in controlled aggression, utilising clever corner shots and powerful strokes to clinch the title for the very first time!
This champion side is largely drawn from a highly successful London-based University women’s cricket programme, which offers weekly training and a regular Sunday league, proving the strength of Surrey’s grassroots development.
The action continued on Sunday, September 28th , with 17 county teams from the same programme competing in the men’s finals. The tournament featured exceptionally strong cricket, highlighting impressive displays of pace bowling and skillful batting from all sides.
Unfortunately, the Surrey men’s team faced stiff opposition and were unable to progress past the group stages. The day ultimately saw Blackburn emerge victorious, securing their first-ever men’s national title.
As the National Tapeball competition gains strength each year, the standard of play continues to rise across both the men’s and women’s categories. Planning for the 2026 season will undoubtedly begin soon, promising another spectacular showcase of talent and community spirit.
The Surrey Cricket Foundation extends a massive congratulations to the South London Capitals on their impressive win!
