Indoor crown for all conquering Horsham Cricket Club ladies

An eight run winning margin against defending champions Ansty saw Horsham add the indoor crown to the 40-over outdoor Sussex and the Regional Women’s Eight-a-side titles, plus promotion from Southern League Division 1 to the Southern League Championship.

After a 100 per cent record in the group stage, Horsham faced fellow group winners and 2012 champions Ansty in the final, and scoreboard pressure told as Horsham claimed an impressive victory.

Ansty stuck Horsham in, and their opening pair of Hannah Phelps and Jess Saunders made a busy start. Hannah retired as requested, amassing 26 from six scoring shots, which featured three sixes and a four. Opening partner Saunders also retired on 26 to lay some solid foundations.

Charlie Walder’s 25 retired ensured the momentum was continued despite a duck for captain Izi Collis, while two of the younger members of the side, Kezia Barrett (six not out) and Amy Jeremy (three not out) remained unbeaten as Horsham posted a formidable 111-1 from their 12 overs.

It would take something special for Ansty to retain their trophy, and although Tash Sole retired on 25, Jeremy dismissed opening partner Megan Janman for ten, and followed that up two balls later with the dismissal of Flora Bertwhistle for a duck, caught by Jess Saunders.

In the end, Ansty fell seven runs short off their 12 overs.

Team manager Jo Humphreys said: “Our win was down to some fantastic captaining decisions by Izi Collis along with some determined batting, bowling and fielding by all the players.

“But I would also like to mention the other players who have played in this competition and helped us get to the final, Mystry Deeming, Tara Norris, Bessie and Molly Beadle and Gee Humphreys all of whom along with the above team from the final have played a huge part.”

While Horsham were busy winning the Deans Indoor Cricket League, Izi Noakes, who captained the side to county cup glory in September, is currently with the England Academy side training in Sri Lanka. Three one day matches against a men’s side before a T20 double header have been pencilled-in before her return next Friday.