This year’s campaign has been a struggle against both the weather and some strong teams in the boys league. Ashford CC were our opponents last night (15/06/2016) and currently top the U13 Division 3 table with 4 wins from 4 games. Although fortune favoured the brave and we won as far as the weather goes, unfortunately it was Ashford who proved too strong for the Bushy Park Girls, winning by 16 runs.

Heavy June rain storms submerged our designated pitch so we switched to a plastic/grass/mud strip that was a little slippery and hard for batters and bowlers alike. All credit to the Ashford groundsman and personnel for getting the game on.

Ashford batted first and it was a very tight and tidy opening spell from Pubudika Punchihewa (2 wickets/10 runs/ 4 overs) and Jessamy Low (1 wicket/4 runs/4 overs) which kept Ashford’s openers under wraps. Both Abigail Avery (1 wicket/7 runs/2 overs) and Paige Goodwin (5 runs/2 overs) turned the screw before Ashford’s big hitter, Connor, came to the crease in the middle order and freed the shackles. Despite the onslaught Sadie Day and Molly Bartlett bowled 2 accurate overs between them and both Issy Ryan and Lucy Barton brought their good form from the training ground onto the pitch. Ashford finished their innings on 91 for 3 (20 overs). Thank you to Becs, who we’ve grown to rely on in the past months behind the stumps.

Our chalk and cheese openers Lauren Avery (captain) and Millie MacEacharn (14 runs) hit the ground running, racking up 20 runs in the first 2 overs. MacEachan has been on fine form for BPG this year with some big hitting scores and once again she strong-armed the opposition in an opening gambit that was sweet and short. Avery (L) is the glue that so often binds the BPG batting together and she accumulated a well crafted innings (all in singles), but she is worth much more than merely a number, she is a talisman (taliswoman) for all Bushy Park girls. Both Avery (A) and Bartlett bolstered the middle order with boundaries but the target of 92 to win proved out of reach as BPG reached 75 for 7 in their 20 overs.

Thank you to the umpires Graham and Paul, also the scorers Alban and Connor/Tan/Andy. As always it wouldn’t be possible without the supporters who braved the elements and got everyone there on time. Congratulation to Ashford CC for a good win, thank you for hosting us.