Tunbridge Wells Girls become National Champions at Lords

Tunbridge Wells U13 Girls team have recently become National Champions, winning the ECB T20 Cup in their age group at Lords Cricket Ground.

The Kent based team travelled up to the Home of Cricket the night before and arrived early to warm up on the Nursery Ground pitch on which they were facing Berkswell CC from Warwickshire. Their opposition won the toss and elected to bowl first.

The Berkswell opening bowlers started the match well bowling very accurately and swinging the ball, but Tunbridge Wells’ opening batters, Georgia and Ruby, were up to the task. They dug out out several tricky Yorkers in an opening masterclass. The runs then started to flow and eventually their partnership ended on an astonishing 158 runs, both completing excellent 50s. Ruby was out for 71 off 49 balls chasing quick runs at the end and Georgia pushed the score to 193 for 2, finishing 90 not out off 66 balls, with the help of Daisy and Lottie. An extraordinary batting performance from both Georgia and Ruby in front of a vocal crowd.

Although 193 looked like a great score, there was work to do to defend that total. Despite an early wicket from Daisy in her first over, Berkswell got off to a flier! They scored 40 runs in their first 5 overs but the Tunbridge Wells team didn’t let their heads drop and fielded expertly, chasing down every run. Daisy then removed their dangerous opener for 24 and Berkswell finished the 20 overs falling 52 runs short on 142 for 4 and crowning the Kent side champions. The Tunbridge Wells coaches were particularly proud that the team used 7 bowlers and 2 keepers meaning that every one of the 9 players contributed significantly.

View Full Scorecard

Mike Webb, Chairperson at TWCC commented, “The U13 National Cup success is a very proud moment for the club and is testament to the high quality Women’s & Girls’ cricket programme at the club. Our coaches and managers have worked extremely hard to develop the team and this win gives us a tremendous launchpad for the future.” Whilst Richard Grant, current Head of Women’s & Girls’ cricket at the club, added, “We are absolutely thrilled for the girls, it’s a fitting reward for all their hard work and dedication throughout the season and a great testament to the commitment of the volunteer coaching team. A proud day for TWCC Women’s & Girls’ Cricket.”

The Tunbridge Wells girls were then presented their awards on the steps of the Lords Pavilion, served lunch in the Committee Room and given a Tour of the Lords Ground. A hugely important day for the club, congratulations to all involved.

TUNBRIDGE WELLS U13 SQUAD:
Daisy Brandon Capt
Georgia Moran wk
Lucie Vincent wk
Aurora Crathern
Ruby Marriage
Josie Sharpe
Ava Waduge
Charley Wren
Charlotte Youds
Rosie Bond
Sylvie Brandon

Mentions to Niamh Daly, Lucy Critchley and Ella Phillips who played in the earlier rounds.