Taunton Griffins’ experience helped them retain the Women & Girls Indoor Finals trophy with an emphatic win over Ashford after a full day of competition at Malvern College Sports Complex.
Playing the pairs format of indoor cricket and batting first in the final, Lorraine Szczepanski and Shannon Sims gave the Griffins a great start, scoring an impressive 28 runs in their three overs.
This was followed by equally-imposing scoring from the second Griffins’ pair, Charlotte Berry and Holly Hands, who made 27.
The final duo of Georgina Adcock and Hannah Thompson played the last three overs very intelligently to keep the scoreboard ticking over, leaving the Griffins with a defendable score of 67.
Ashford’s reply started slowly with Sarah Taylor, namesake of the England international, and opening partner Yolande Mayner losing too many wickets to make a big score.
The next Ashford pairing again lost wickets and only added 10 runs to the total. This left Rebecca Halls and Katie Butler, the final Ashford pair, needing 48 to win off the last three overs. Despite a valiant effort, they fell well short.
Ashford had come second in their group, having beaten Wanstead but lost to group winners Potters Bar. This put them against Hursley, who had beaten every team in group two, in the semi-finals.
Taunton, with wins over Harrow Town and Truro, were second in their group and were paired with Potters Bar in the other semi. The table-topping teams were defeated in two very close semis.
Although there were many outstanding performances on the day, the whole event was played in the best possible spirit and wonderfully officiated by the umpires. All the teams came to compete hard, but the players and spectators’ determination to enjoy themselves added to the fantastic atmosphere.
Participation Manager, Philip Nedley, was very impressed with the standard of the players and the variation of ages and abilities taking part. To see all the teams organise themselves to be on time, play to the best of their capabilities and have a great time doing it made it all worthwhile.