This year for Bushy Park Girls has been one of breaking new boundaries and making new friendships on the cricketing map. Today the BPG Middlesex champions crossed the border into Surrey and played their first game in the Gladys Chitty U13 League vs the boys at Shepperton CC. It was hard game for Bushy Park Girls with Shepperton dominating from beginning to end, but as always the girls played the game with a competitive zeal and bonhomie.

Shepperton CC won the toss and put BPG into bat on this fresh Sunday morning. None of the Bushy Park Girls’ batswomen reached double figures although they occupied the crease resolutely and were only one ball short of batting through their 20 overs. Amelie Munday (captain) and Pubudika Punchihewa opened the batting and their stand of 17 was the highest of the BPG innings. The limpet like resistance of Amy Coppin in the middle order helped the visitors to reach a final total of 63 with the stoic Ruby Wilkinson remaining not out at the break of innings.

As we’ve come to expect Bushy Park Girls’ bowling is their greatest asset and they conceded significantly less extras than their hosts. In reality the Shepperton opening batsmen put BPG to the sword with Jessamy Low and Punchihewa coming under pressure in the first 5 overs. Kate Middleton caught a tasty slog on the boundary from the bowling of Abigail Avery to break the opening partnership. Amelie Munday swapped wicketkeeping duties with the able Becs Johnson to then bowl a fast and fruitful spell at the Shepperton middle order (2 overs/6 runs/1 wicket) before Low came back into the attack to claim a smart caught and bowled. Other notable bowling performances came from Priya Chana (1 over/2 runs) and Evie Davies (2 overs/4 runs). In the field Paige Goodwin’s accurate arm dispatched Shepperton’s No.6 batsmen with a direct hit but the ultimate spoils remain with the home side who reached their target in the 10th over.

Congratulations to Shepperton CC on the win and thank you for hosting us at their charming club. Thank you to Mark for umpiring and to Alban, Sue and Graham for scoring. As always thanks also go to the parents for the continued support and on finding another new destination on the cricketing map.