The Swardeston girls travelled to Old Buckenham on Wednesday 30 July 2014 for a triangular tournament with Brooke and hosts, Old Buckenham. In very warm sunshine, we waited for Brooke…and waited…and waited. The appointed hour arrived and there was still no sign of them, so instead we played a 2 innings match of 12 overs per innings (we never did find out what happened to Brooke).
The Swardeston team was: Emma Bailey (captain), Emily Bunn, Abi Sutherland (wicketkeeper), Emily Chambers, Abi Flatt, Olivia Gass, Katie D’arcy and Maddie Reynolds. However, Old Buckenham had 10 players, so they loaned us Liv Olpin and we played 9-a-side.
Old Buckenham batted first and made an imposing 86 without loss off their 12 overs. Abi Flatt was the pick of the bowlers, going for just 7 runs off her 2 overs, with good support from Emily Bunn and Emma Bailey.
In reply, we made 54 for 3. Abi Flatt batted very well making 15, including 3 boundaries, and Emma Bailey made 10 not out (if only her dad could bat this well!).
In their 2nd innings, Old Buckenham made 96 for 1; Emma Bailey picking up the only wicket to fall, caught by Abi Flatt.
Our 2nd innings finished on 54 for 6.
So overall, we lost by 74 runs. However, we were playing against an experienced and skilful Old Buckenham side featuring at least 4 Norfolk U13/U15 girls and, in that context, we gave a good account of ourselves.
Finally, thanks to Liv Olpin for playing so enthusiastically for us and to Old Buckenham for their hospitality.
Lee Beadman.
