It was time to put into practice all that they'd learned during five months of rigorous training. Divided into two teams and with a few Beaconsfield CC Girls to boost their numbers, the players strode confidently out to the first team pitch looking resplendent in their whites. The two captains, Erin (Team Phoenix) and Pushpa (Team Aspire) conducted the toss with Team Phoenix calling correctly and electing to bat.

First up were Erin and Caroline who were cheered to the crease by team mates and spectators alike as they prepared to make history. Aspire Team captain, Pushpa, took the ‘new’ ball and battle commenced.

The opening pair got off to a flying start, Erin racking up an impressive 16 runs, including two boundaries, from 12 balls before being having her bails dislodged by Viki, while Caroline fell to a lovely ball from Melissa, scoring a very respectable 11. Heidi was the third batter to reach double figures, disappointingly retiring with 10 runs due to ill health. Jette Richa, Michelle and Rose all made contributions as the team continued the push, finishing with 114 runs at the end of the 20 overs. Simi and Michele were the not out batters. Credit to Pushpa who took two wickets and effected a run out and to Emily who bowled Rose and ran out Neera, the second run out of the innings.

After a welcome break for tea, ably served by Richard, Ollie and Charlie Walker, it was back to business and the chase was on.

Amy and Viki were up first with the bat, with Erin and Michelle starting the attack with the ball. Vikki fell victim to Neera in the third over while Amy retired on 7, heralding the arrival of redoubtable batter, Nicky. Nicky had the upper hand on the bowlers from the off, scoring rapidly before magnanimously retiring with three boundaries under her belt and an impressive 28 runs. Wickets proved elusive with only two more falling during the innings. The first was a catch by Michelle off a lovely ball from Erin to Ellen, the second a run out of Mags in the 20th over. Pushpa and Melissa retired, leaving Louise and Emily the not out batters (Georgia was the unfortunate dnb). The final tally was 121-7 giving victory to Team Aspire, passing Team Phoenix’s total in the 19th over.

Special thanks go to umpires Jeremy Wilson and Nigel Bruce, scorers Jenny in the book & Edward operating the electronic scoreboard, the Walker boys for serving the tea and, of course, to Percy for keeping our spectators watered throughout the afternoon.

Team Aspire
Pushpa *
Amy
Viki
Nicky
Melissa
Louise
Ellen
Mags +
Emily
Georgia

Team Phoenix
Erin*
Michelle
Richa
Caroline
Heidi
Rose
Michele +
Jette
Neera
Simi