Our first U15s game of 2026 was against Hursley Park’s strong A team. Captain Izzy lost the toss and Hursley chose to bat first, which was no surprise given they have consistently scored over 120 runs and bowled opponents out for around 60.

The game started well for Falkland as the Hursley captain was dismissed without facing a ball, Amelia producing a sharp run out. However, Hursley were very aggressive between the wickets, regularly turning ones into threes as the scoreboard raced along.

This aggressive running gave the Falkland girls frequent chances to take wickets, resulting in four run outs. The girls fielded brilliantly, backing up each delivery and looking like a well drilled unit. Standout bowling was from Izzy who conceded just 12 runs from her three overs. Hursley were restricted to 96 for 4, comfortably their lowest total of the season so far.

To win the game Falkland needed a good start, and needed to try and be aggressive themselves with their running.

Amelia and Lucy opened the batting. The first wicket fell with the second ball, Lucy hitting an aggressive shot straight to a fielder, who took a nice catch. This brought Izzy in to join Amelia. The bowling from Hursley Park was strong, no width was on offer, the stumps were being targeted each delivery.

Amelia was the next to fall, out for 8 to a quick straight ball. Falkland were struggling at 19 for 2 halfway through their overs. Hope then joined Izzy, and, after a tight over, the pair found their rhythm. Hope hit two consecutive sixes, followed by Izzy, who also cleared the boundary. Izzy reached her retirement score first, bringing Grace in to partner Hope. Thanks to their efforts, Falkland had fought back, and what seemed like a lost cause at the halfway mark now had a glimmer of hope (pardon the pun!).

Grace hit a wonderful four but then tried to repeat it next ball and was caught. Eleanor was next in to bat with Hope. Hope then reached her retirement score of 20 and had to retire with 8 balls left of the game. Izzy came back in, Eleanor and Izzy saw out the game. Eleanor not out 16 and Izzy not out 24.

Falkland finished 20 runs short, ending on 76 for 3.

Although it was their first defeat of the season, I hope the girls took valuable lessons from the match, particularly the importance of running between the wickets and turning 1s into 3s. This was a much older set of girls we faced and I believe we pushed them close, so the girls should focus on that.

Thank you to Isla for staying and supporting her teammates, Will for umpiring the game, and to all the parents for their continued support.

Match Report - Ian Gibson