U13s vs Coggeshall match report:

With the arrival of much of the Stortford team delayed by traffic, Coggeshall fielded first on a sunny evening on their main pitch. Sophia and Elsie L opened against their pacy attack, seeing them off before an unfortunate run out. With the rope set back boundaries were at a premium, meaning that steady accumulation and sensible running were the order of the day. With Elsie L anchoring the innings, Libby H and Sofia kept the scoreboard moving along. After Elsie L retired hurt, Elsie H lead the counterattack using their returning openers’ pace against them, before Kate and Elena made the most of their deliveries. Stortford ended on a creditable 82 for 5 from their 16 overs with all batters having contributed.

Coggeshall started slowly, but after their opener was skittled by Betsy their number 3 showed impressive power and strokeplay on her way to a seemingly decisive 37. Stortford created numerous chances, all of which insisted on dropping safe. After 6 overs Coggeshall were well over halfway to the required total and cruising, before Nyah’s LBW on said strike batter changed the game. Stortford rotated bowlers effectively, keeping tight lines backed up by diligent fielding, with further wickets from Sophia (C&B) and Libby helping to drive Coggeshall behind the rate with a couple of overs to go. They were unable to recover, ending a close and absorbing game on 77 for 6.

Credit to the girls for keeping their focus with the game appearing to slip away, dragging themselves back into it whilst ensuring everyone got to participate. Extras were again critical with Stortford conceding nearly 20 fewer than the opposition. Sophia and captain Betsy stepped up to split the keeping duties with our normal gloveperson crocked whilst batting, both deputising ably.

Coggeshall were a good outfit with a number of older and county players; Stortford’s victory came through perseverance and teamwork.