Newport Cricket Girls reach National UK Finals

24th July 2017 | Mallory Gray

Newport Cricket Club’s U15 Girls team continued their winning run in the Lady Taverrners U15 National T20 Cup, beating holders St Cross Symondians in the Wales & South West Zone Final to gain a place in the UK National Finals.

Newport have had a difficult draw in the Wales & South West of England Zone of the Lady Taverners National T20 Cup, but have already beaten Newent (Gloucs), Frenchay (Bristol) and previous winners TARKA (North Devon) to progress through to the Zone Final. In the Zone Final against St Cross (Hants), Newport were put into bat, but got off to an excellent start scoring 77 from 12overs before Sophie Thomas was out LBW for 40. Fellow operer Lori Matthews soon followed for 32, but a good 32 run partnership between Amy Harris 16n.o and Sophia Smale 18n.o, allowed Newport to post a useful 120 for 2 from their allotted 20 overs.

In reply, Newport made a good start with St Cross losing an early wicket to the bowling of Lori Matthews (1-11). With the introduction of Sophie Thomas into the attack, Newport made further inroads with the wicket of the dangerous Lucia Kendall and at 37-2 off 8 overs Newport were in a strong position. The Newport fielding constantly put the St Cross batters under pressure and with further wickets falling, St Cross collapsed to 48 all out to leave Newport Girls comfortable winners by 72 runs. Sophie Thomas with 3 – 9 and Sophia Smale 2-5 were the pick of the Newport bowlers in an excellent fielding and bowling display.

Newport now take their place at the UK National Finals Day at Denby Cricket Club (Derbyshire) on Thursday 27^th July, where they will play against the other UK Regional winners – Porthill Park (Midlands), Sessay (North) and Hayes (London & South). Having been U15 UK winners in 2014, Newport will travel to Derbyshire with great confidence in their quest to become UK U15 National Champions again.