Our U15’s participated in the North Regional Round of the Lady Taverners indoor cricket competition, held at Bolton Tennis Centre last week.

The team were allocated into group 2, alongside other county winners Darland (North Wales) and Consett (Durham). The first group game was against Darland. Wakefield Girls’ went into bat first and certainly settled any nerves, with 4 retirees ready to come back in towards the end of the final over. Wakefield Girls’ set a total of 116, meaning Darland needed 117 to win. An excellent fielding display limited Darland to 77, meaning the first victory of the day for Wakefield Girls’. 

The second group game against Consett proved interesting and the team felt they didn’t play to the best of their ability. Giving away 9 wickets from run outs, Wakefield Girls’ were 56 all out. We limited the damage with some good fielding, with Ellie Tingle taking 3 wickets from her bowling over. Consett surpassed the total but only reached 79, meaning the all important run rate was still intact.

The team regrouped and learned from the defeat as they played Darland for a second time. Normal service resumed in this game, with Wakefield Girls’ again posting over 100 when batting. Some shaky bowling and fielding gave Darland a glimmer of hope, however we stood strong and held Darland to 52 runs.

The final group game saw Wakefield Girls’ on top form, seeking a final win that would see the team go through to the semi finals as group winners. Seeking a victory over Consett, the team stepped up another gear and batted their way into the game, seeing off Consett’s county bowler with a commanding display from the top order batters. Setting a total of 106, our U15’s went to field knowing what they needed to do. Again some wide deliveries gave Consett an opportunity, but some great middle overs from Lucy Holland, Ellie Tinge, Molly Robinson and Henny Gibson were enough to bowl Consett out for 86.

In the semi finals, Wakefield Girls’ were drawn against Stonyhurst. Wakefield Girls’ chose to bat first and set a great total of 108. Stonyhurst were a strong team and we started well taking two early wickets. The game came down to the last over which saw Stonyhurst agonisingly take the game by 1 run with 2 balls remaining. 

There were many notable performances of the day, but Ellie Tingle led her team well with both bat and ball, retiring in the majority of games from batting, taking wickets when it counted and having the courage to reset the field in the semi final to take the game to a nail biting finish. Megan Rosendale, who only began playing in the team this year should be commended for both her batting and her fielding. Both Lucy Holland and Henny Gibson grew in confidence throughout the day and gave monumental performances- including Lucy’s over the head backward catch in the field! 

All the team should be very proud of their accomplishments and achievements. From being the U13 team, when indoor cricket was a new concept to them, they have made massive progress in their play and with the additions of new players have gone from strength to strength. They are great role models for their younger peers and it has been a privilege to work with them over the last 4 years. Keep up the good work in the outdoor season! 

Mrs Margereson

Teacher of PE