Isabel won the toss and elected to bat

On a gloomy Sunday we arrived at Hungerford Cricket Club to see if we could make it 3 in a row!

Isabel and Alexa were first pair in and were looking to get on the front foot before the rain set in. Some quick singles before a straight ball bowled Alexa. Some fine 4s from Isabel and support from Alexa took us to 219 after 3 overs before 2 wickets in the 4th over. The pitch was zippy after the rain and it was hard to pick up the ball.

Our first pair came off after 5 overs with 218 on the board.

Maggie and Katherine were in and made 26 between them before a huge downpour brought us off. The final over for the pair brought about 7 runs but also a wicket as Maggie was bowled. The rain break had disrupted our rhythm.

Darcy and Liv came to the crease, running aggressively as the outfield slowed due to the rain before another heavy shower brought us into the clubhouse again! At just over 1/2 way through we were 254-5.

The girls filled up on squash and biscuits and we tried again for the third time with Darcey on strike and just a single as they settled back in. The ball was variable off the slick wicket and the girls were running hard between the wickets but making sensible decisions. The pair retired having made 18 together but most importantly for the loss of no wickets.

Rose and Els were our final pair in scoring 5 off their first over before Els smashed a 4 back down the ground to long on before Rose hooked one for 4 to long leg which bounce agonisingly short of the boundary . Hard running from the next ball gave Rose 3 more and they were looking good! A well flighted first ball in the final over sent the bails flying. A final score of 292 was posted. Isabel briefed the girls on the expectations for our fielding, keep the bowling tight, chase down the ball and work as a team.

Darcey opened with two dot ball and then a wicket! Cracking start and at the end of the first over they had scored but due to the wicket were still on 0.

Els was next in to bowl with a great pace, stinging Katherine’s hands behind the stumps.

Alexa bowled next over followed by Rose as they looked to restrict the opening pair with Isabel nearly securing a run out on the final ball. 215-1 after 5 overs.

Liv took on the new pair and missed led stump and off stump by an inch in successive balls.

Maggie stepped in took a wicket with her second ball knocking over the stumps! Rose and Alexa returned for their second spell as the wind built and the clouds looked ominous. Katherine was speedy behind the wicket nearly getting a run out at the non strikers end from mid off position! Next ball Isabel tempted the batter who struck his own stumps. Liv managed 2 balls before our third rain break. On her return she tempted the batter into taking off her own bails too! Twice in one match. The next ball was dispatched but stopped in a puddle! This was uncharted territory for us as we were used to toiling in the sun.

Katherine took the ball next having swapped wicket keeping duty with Alexa. The field was now really slick and footing was tricky but the outfield was holding the ball up as they chased 7 an over. Isabel adjusted the field looking to restrict the runs. A few boundaries were not what we needed but that’s what we got and we were being punished by this pair. The captain brought herself back on and took a wicket fourth ball! 4 overs to go with 22 needed. The sun finally peeked out as Liv came back on followed by Els. Darcey came back and nearly had a run out very first ball! This was a tight finale.

A huge mix up and nearly a run out at 3 different ends, with 3 overthrows summed up this topsy turvy game.

Entering the final over Hungerford needed 8 to win. Dot ball. Dot ball. Dot ball. Bye. Wicket! Bye.

We were over the line thanks to that final wicket as Hungerford ended on 282-6. A great collective contribution from all with bat and ball, we know these girls can and do step up when needed.

Best batter: Maggie
Best bowler: Isabel

Thanks as always to our loyal supporters and the hospitality (and shelter) from Hungerford CC.

Match Report - Matt Percy