Mere days into the 2019 cricket season and the BPG girls were scheduled to face Hampton Hill CC U13B in their first fixture on Wednesday. Knowing full well how close our matches against the Hampton Hill boys can be, the girls were primed and ready for action. But with a player down on the day, securing an early season win was not going to be an easy task.

With an eye on the gloomy light conditions this early in Spring, team captain Paige G won the toss and elected to field. The boys came out focused, with their opening batsmen doing a very good job and bedding down, but the BPG girls bowled and fielded very neatly. Their efforts were rewarded with tasty wickets for Iris S and Emily B. Bowling kudos overall goes to Emily B for a sterling performance (3 overs/1 maiden/5 runs/1 wicket).

The boys closed out their innings on 112/2 and the BPG girls went in to bat, opening with Jess L and vice-captain Molly B. Both looked keen to get some runs on the board and a lovely boundary from Jess L looked like they were starting well. Alas, the Hampton Hill opening bowlers delivered some beauts and both Molly and Jess fell victim too early to the same opener.

Paige G and Iris S then took to the wicket and steadied the ship for the next few overs, with Paige G settling in and scoring a very respectable 25 runs off 30 balls before falling to an LBW decision. A flurry of excitement in the middle order meant wickets began to fall quickly and it looked like a victory may be in doubt. That isn’t to say there wasn’t some impressive batting in between – some tasty boundaries and lovely calling and running meant the middle order of Evie M, Erin G, Ruby O and Emily B made it very entertaining to watch for the spectators.

With the overs running out, it was left to Imogen H and the youngster of the team, Rosie D, to try and close out the overs – and both made a tremendous effort. By the time the last over began, the girls needed 10 runs to win. Imogen H batted with ease and calm overall, evidenced in her final figures of 21 runs off 24 balls (not out). However, their efforts brought them close, but not close enough as the final wicket fell with two balls of the game to go and BPG on 106 all out.

Despite the result, the game was a close encounter played in very good spirit, as is always the case with Hampton Hill CC. The girls can take heart from the fact that their opening match was a thriller and we look forward to seeing where they go from here. Each of the girls brought their A game and looked to have loads of fun.

Thank you to Tim Bryce for scoring, Mark Avery for umpiring, Dave from Hampton Hill CC for hosting and to the BPG parents for their support.