The Swardeston girls travelled to Garboldisham CC on a gloriously sunny day to compete in the Lady Taverners U13 Competition, along with teams from Great Melton, Old Buckenham and Garboldisham.
Games were of 12 overs per innings, not played as pairs, but as normal cricket. Teams were made up of 8 players a side and that put us at an immediate disadvantage, because we only had 6 players! Fortunately, Garboldisham were able to lend us 2 girls for each of the games, so a big thank you to them.
Our team was: Emily Bunn (Captain), Abi Flatt, Olivia Gass, Sam Melton, Abi Sutherland (Wicketkeeper) and Emily Chambers.
The first game was against Garboldisham and, on paper, this represented our best chance of a victory. However, things didn’t go according to plan…Emily Bunn and Abi Flatt opened the batting, but Emily was run out for 0 in the 2nd over and Abi was caught at square leg for 0. In the end, we made 42 for 5 off our 12 overs, the vast majority of runs coming from extras. Garboldisham found this target easily surmountable and made 94 for 1 in reply, Abi Flatt picking up the only wicket to fall, bowling their opener in the first over.
Our second game was against Gt Melton, who included a familiar face – April Herathge! Once again, we batted first. Things got off to a great start as Abi Sutherland hit the first ball of the innings for 4. Unfortunately, Abi Flatt was then run out off the next ball! Sam Melton also struck a boundary in our total of 41 all out. In reply, Gt Melton made 94 for 4. Emily Bunn picked up 2 wickets, Abi Flatt 1 wicket and there was 1 run out. This game was also notable for Olivia Gass’ spectacular nosebleed – that’s what comes from fielding at a very deep mid wicket!
The final game was against Old Buckenham. As before, we batted first, but could only muster 28 for the loss of 3 wickets against a very good bowling attack, who gave away only 14 extras (wides and no balls counted for 2 runs each). However, special mention should be made of Abi Flatt, who made 11 not out. Old Buckenham made 106 for 2 wickets. Abi Flatt bowled one of the openers in the first over of the innings and Abi Sutherland made a great direct hit with only a stump and and a half to aim out to run out their no. 3.
Overall, the girls did their very best against some strong opposition and were well captained by Emily Bunn. Old Buckenham ran out winners of the competition, winning all 3 of their matches, and going on to represent Norfolk in the regional finals.
Lee Beadman.
