After another successful league campaign, the Girls U13 and Girls U15 teams from Oxford Cricket Club both qualified for their respective finals, hosted at Goring-on-Thames on Sunday 6th September.

First up were the Girls U15, taking on Henley. After winning the toss and electing to bowl first, the team started with a bang, as excellent opening spells from Nell Griffin and Anjali Kotnis reduced Henley to 10/2. An impressive batting partnership then took advantage of the quick outfield, but determined fielding, thoughtful captaincy from Eleanor Hurt, and accurate spin from Eloise Garrod prevented the game getting away from the team. Rose Brown then took two classic leg-spinner’s wickets in three balls: a googly turning back through the gate, and a smart stumping from Nerys Garrod.

Despite being set a challenging 148 for victory from twenty overs team spirits were high, having beaten Henley in the league earlier in the season. There were some good moments in the chase, with Ruby Wilkie batting very well and forming promising partnerships with Nerys, Bridget McGuirk, and Eloise, and the tail definitely wagged when Anjali and Rose put on 21 for the final wicket. However a brilliant bowling performance from Henley (with all seven wickets clean bowled) meant that Oxford fell just short, being bowled out for eight-five to lose by sixty-two runs.

The coaching team of Ben McFarlane and Bryn Garrod were keen to not let the result on the day detract from a really impressive season, and expressed their gratitude to all the players who represented the team throughout the summer, helping the side finish top of the league table, including: Flora Alexander, Alba Bocci, Holly Cole, Audrey Feddersen, Imaan Hassan, Nancy Lord, Iris McFarlane, Harriet Newsum, and Siri Sarangmat.

Next up were the Girls U13. After a fantastic league phase that saw the girls lose just once, the girls saved one of their best performances for the biggest occasion, defeating Goring-on-Thames to become Oxfordshire Cricket League Champions!

Captain Emma Richardson, ably supported by vice-captain Gwen Feddersen, won the toss and elected to bowl first, confident in Oxford's ability to chase.

Goring began their innings with Oxford immediately applying pressure. Susanna Large and Daisy Phillips opened the bowling, before Mia Buckland and Imaan Hassan came on against the second batting pair. The pair firmly seized control of the match for Oxford, as Hassan delivered one of the standout spells of the season, taking an incredible three wickets in her first over, including two in two. Somehow she seemed determined to make two her lucky number, finishing with an impressive economy rate of just two runs per over from her two overs. Buckland complemented her brilliantly, also claiming a wicket during her spell.

Behind the stumps and in the field, Richardson marshalled her team superbly, adjusting field placements, and cutting off scoring opportunities as Goring struggled to build momentum.

The pressure continued throughout the innings. Feddersen produced an excellent spell, taking two wickets at an economy of less than five runs per over, whilst Richardson chipped in with a wicket of her own.

Oxford's final bowling pair, Mary McFarlane and Ella Phiilips, ensured Goring never recovered. McFarlane struck with the very first ball of her spell and finished with outstanding figures of two wickets and an economy rate of just three runs per over.

The relentless bowling and disciplined fielding forced Goring to a low score. The 100 runs from the bat with the loss of 10 wickets proved costly, leaving them with a net score of 250.

Oxford's chase started in positive fashion, with Feddersen and Hassan opening the batting. Feddersen was particularly impressive, making 14, including three boundaries, at a strike rate of 128. Crucially, both batters finished not out, ensuring Oxford preserved valuable runs.

The second pair of Richardson and Amelie Brown built superbly on that platform. By the halfway point of the innings Oxford were already closing in on Goring's total. Richardson led by example, striking three boundaries and finishing not out with a strike rate of 100.

With the target within sight, Large and McFarlane continued the momentum. Their partnership moved Oxford into a commanding lead before the final pair even took to the crease. McFarlane was in great form, finding the boundary three times as both batters remained unbeaten.

That left the Daisy and Ella to bring the innings home in style. The pair added further boundaries, lost just a single wicket between them, and pushed Oxford's score well beyond Goring's reach.

Oxford finished on 299, having scored 114 runs while losing only 3 wickets, to win by forty-nine runs.

Team Manager, Ben Richardson, had this to say after the game:

“From Emma’s all round performance, to Imaan's destructive spell with the ball, to contributions from every batting pair, this was a true team performance and the girls were thoroughly deserving winners.”

“This comprehensive victory was a fitting reward for a team that has worked hard, supported one another and played some outstanding cricket throughout the season.”

“Thanks to Goring Cricket Club and their players for hosting the finals and being such great representatives for the spirit of the game.”

“To all the other U13 Girls, who didn’t play in the final, a big call out! You’ve all contributed to the teams success throughout the season at training and in matches - we would not have reached this result without you!”

“Finally a massive thanks to Ben McFarlane for scoring the final and support you’ve given the U13’s in addition to your U15 Girls duties. Also to Julia Giese, Beth Richardson, Bryn Garrod, Joe Ward, and all the other volunteers for your support behind the scenes and with coaching throughout the season.”

The Club would like to thank Goring Cricket Club for hosting both finals, and also thank the Oxfordshire Cricket Board for organising both competitions this season. The Club also extend our thanks to all the volunteer coaches, parents, and helpers for their dedication this season. Finally, and most importantly, we thank the players for their commitment this season, their determination and teamwork all coming together to reach the league finals is testament to the ability in both teams, showing that the future is bright for Oxford Cricket Club!

Images and reports courtesy of Ben McFarlane and Ben Richardson.