The deteorating light & drizzle were the only things that beat our Under 15 girls in their 1st league fixture of the season at Oxford Downs on Thursday.
After being put into bat we lost captain Hannah Tweddle in the 1st over but a superb partnership of 39 by Laura Marshall (23) & Charlotte Levett (22) set the tone for a good score against a young Downs side. A spirited knock of 10 not out by Harriet Boland at the end of the innings against their best bowling (including C Manning 3-3-0-2 & R Taylor 4-0-15-2) is also worthy of a mention. We finished on 91 for 7 off our 20 overs.
As Downs innings got underway it was becoming clear that the worsening light would be a problem for both sides. The Banbury girls have obviously been listening in the winter about bowling wicket to wicket as all 6 wickets taken were bowled and when the ball was hit the fielding, backing up & encouragement from all the girls was first class. In the 5 and a bit overs we managed to bowl Laura Marshall took two for 3 off 2 overs & Georgina Menage 2 for 4 (all extras) off 1 including the opportunity of a hat-trick. Coral Reeves & Jess Hummer also took a wicket apiece.
The umpires & coaches came together mid way through the 6th over when one of the Downs girls was hurt and decided to call an end to proceedings. Downs were 15 for 6 off 5.4 overs when the game was stopped.
Thanks to Gill & her, always smiling, young Downs team. They play the game in the right spirit.
Note – the next game against Freeland (originally in early June has been moved to early July)