Despite the rain we managed to get to Abbots Langley and get a game completed. Suzy captaining, lost the toss but the opposition choose to bat on a green and damp wicket. The girls soon learned the importance of keeping a ball dry on a damp day, and once they settled in to their lines and lengths become very difficult to score off. Flo's opening spell on 3 overs 2 for 4 set the tone, with debutant Eva swinging the ball into the bats sharply but unlucky not to be rewarded with a wicket or two. The runs really dried up and were largely edges as all girls landed the ball in the right areas and got movement from the wicket. Isabella claiming a excellent wicket with a swinging ball hitting off stump, Catherine leaving the opposition incredulous as how much she was moving the ball and Malli claiming our final wicket with some excellent swing bowling.
In reply Poppy and Eva got us off the a flyer with each scoring their 25 runs quickly to be retired in line with the league rules. 51 scored off the first 6 overs. It was then left to Suzy to steer the girls beyond the AB score in the 13th over and continue to bat as we completed the 20 overs to ensure it was worth the trip.
There is still room for improvement with running between the wickets, but the girls showed improved defensive techniques on the bowler friendly wicket, as well as the excellent bowling display. Player of the match is a tough call with the two excellent batting performances from Eva Cullen and Poppy O'Toole, but I give it to Flo Bellerby for 3 overs 1 maiden 2 for 4 - set the tone for the afternoon as well as excellent fielding but some runs to boot!