Last Monday (09/05/2016) Bushy Park Girls took on their park neighbours Hampton Wick Royal CC U13 in the competitive boys league. Unfortunately the clouds that threatened the game eventually played their part in curtailing a match which promised to be a stern test for both sides. It was a first casualty to rain this season and obviously we hope it will be the last.

Bushy Park Girls’ captain and vice-captain batted first on the Kings Field strip with Ellie Lord (C) and Amelie Munday (VC) opening against a tidy spell from the Royals. The first sprinkling of rain in the air spiced up the pitch, creating a variable and awkward bounce from the Home Park End. It was Munday who succumbed first to HWR opening bowler Ralph as she attempted a stylish flick off the hip. Lord was the rock of the innings with a range of powerful and measured strokes. Such was her strength and timing that the umpire had to rescue the match ball from the busy A308 road before she was out for a fine 25. Millie MacEacharn took a steady turn at No.3 while both Phoebe Head and Abi Avery were stranded on 5* and 15* respectively by the time the rain came. It was an unfortunate ending to what appeared to be a fine start for Bushy Park Girls who reluctantly walked away from the match on 73 for 3 after 10 overs.

Thank you to Hampton Wick Royals CC for hosting us and all the girls/parents who came out to play/watch but were destined to huddle under the horse chestnuts to keep dry. As always thanks to umpire Ben Bartlett and scorers Jo Lord and Amy Coppola.