Richmond Borough girls cricket team won a silver medal in the London Youth Games final at Lords on Sunday, their highest ever placing in the competition. The girls who all play their cricket for Bushy Park Girls CC won their quarter-final against Harrow before beating Bexley in the semi-final.

The game against Bexley typified the Bushy Park fighting spirit. After being bowled out for 58 in an explosive but brief 4.4 overs the girls fought back, reducing Bexley to 42 all out. Sports Development Officer for Richmond upon Thames Dan Hughes said “The bowling and fielding against Bexley was up there with one of the best sporting performances I’ve ever seen, at professional level as well!”.

Despite the team of Ella Waldren, Phoebe Head, Sadie Day, Abi Avery, Jess Low, Emma Bridge and Imogen Higgins receiving the pitchside support of Richmond Mayor Cllr Martin Seymour they were unfortunately beaten by 20 runs in the Lords final by Hammersmith & Fulham Borough.  It didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of the Mayor though, “Wow! Cricket really can be exciting!  It was an amazing day of accurate bowling, steady batting and some spectacular catches. Getting the silver medal at the end makes this the best girls team in Richmond for a generation. It was a privilege to watch them representing the borough.” The Mayor was so impressed with the girls’ performance that he has invited the team for tea at York House.

Photos of the Bushy Park girls in action can be seen here – LYG Lords 2016 photos