Match report by Mark Austin
One word – wow. Today saw the return of the Women’s Indoor League, against Thame. Availability was a struggle and we were kindly donated a player from Deddington but, despite a last minute recruitment plea from other teams, we still only had 5. Katie Cross lost the toss and we were put into bat.
The first pair, Lucy and Zoe P, had a steady start but then exploded in their final 2 overs hitting 3 maximums and a couple of 4’s to give us a great start, 56 with one wicket lost, in their 4 overs. Our loanee, Fleur, went in next with Karen Cross and both batted solidly, especially on the leg side, against some good bowling, putting on 14 but for the loss of 3 wickets, none of which were run outs which pleased Karen. The final pair of Katie and Zoe (batting again) started slowly but 41 in their final two overs with 6 boundaries including 2 maximums saw them add 55 tour score for the loss of 2 wickets. We finished with 125 but the 6 wickets gave Thame 30 runs to start their reply. It could have been more scored but for 2 shots hitting the net next to the back wall so yielded 2 runs each rather than two 6’s.
Thame’s 1st pair batted consistently putting on 44 but lost 2 wickets including a catch behind for Karen off Katie’s bowling. Their 2nd pair got them ahead by 14 runs. So, the final pair needed 42 at the start of their innings but a brilliant opening over by Fleur, going for only 2 runs, followed by a wicket for Lucy in the next over put them on the back foot and they fell 18 short.
A brilliant, well disciplined win with only 5 fielders. Well done everyone and thanks to Fleur for a) helping us out but also for her performance. We go again next week against the All Stars