U15 Girls are County Champions!

A game of ebbs and flows, begun with BSCC winning the toss and choosing to Bat, on a green wicket, with steep slope and fast outfield. Redbourn had finished top of the league, after we had lost to them earlier in the year with a weakened team, but a strong opponent for sure. The temperature hit 30 degrees as Mabel and Elizabeth went out to open. A big setback was Elizabeth out early for 2 when we had only scored 13, but thankfully Mabel got some momentum going and the scoreboard started moving supported by Saskia. Redbourn bowled steadily and Stortford struggled to hit boundaries for a while, then the loss of Saskia for 4 was a big blow. However Poppy came to the crease and picked up the momentum, only interrupted with Mabel retiring on 25 bringing Millie to the crease. We a new sense of urgency they begun to be a lot more aggressive with their running, turning 1s into 2s and putting constant pressure on the fielding side. Poppy then retired on 25, bringing Malli in to join Millie, and the good running continued, but then the heat got the better of Millie forcing her to take a break. So Catherine joins Malli and the aggressive running restarted, including leg byes, byes as well as sneaky singles. Malli then was out to bring Millie back in, only for that aggressive running to finally claim a victim, with Millie run out for 15. However, the tactic was absolutely crucial for the last 5 overs to add 32 runs which would prove to be key later on.
After plenty of water and a gentle warm up, Stortford set about defending the total. A brilliant opening spell from Mabel restricted Redbourn to 15 of the first two overs with a great catch from Amandi to remove one of the openers. Poppy bowled the other but it brought Redbourn's best two batters of the day to the crease who then pressed the accelerator pedal and took Redbourn to 64 after ten overs. But then these two were retired on 25 and the final strong batter came to the crease, and in the turning point of the game Flo brilliantly run out this their number 5 batter with a direct hit (all those fielding drills paying off!). Steady bowling from Catherine and Poppy keeping the run rate where it needed to be.
Elizabeth at this point changed strategy and brought back the opening 4 bowlers for their 3rd overs, taking another wicket and drying up the runs, then Malli came on to bowl the 16th over when they needed 34 from 5 overs, retired batters waiting in the wings and new batters with their 6 free hits to capitalise on. Malli's calm 3 overs for 10 runs and 1 wicket sealing the win comfortably, with Redbourn batters unable to handle the measured line and length, supported by a tight final over from Poppy. Credit to Elizabeth for her captaincy under pressure in the field.
A wonderful win in a tight game, earned by bowling a good line and length and executing our skills in the field. So many key contributions, but I hope the girls reflect on how important those risky singles and twos were to the score, and how stopping them we key in the final 5 overs. Its worth noting that Stortford conceded less extras which also proved a telling contribution, with great keeping from Amandi. Thanks to Berkhamsted, and in particular Mark for running the day. Also Tom Ruxton as umpire and the man who vitally runs Girls Junior League cricket in Herts. Lee our excellent scorer and all parents for their support. A great end to the league season.
Player of the Match Mabel Reid (25 no and 3-1-4-2)