Oakmeeds girls reach ‘Home of Cricket’ after winning regionals

The girls started strongly in their first group game against Didcot, bowling their opponents out for 31 with an excellent all round bowling and fielding display, Emily Goss and Ella Ward in particular standing out with some very sharp work and Jess Knight and Adeline Preston applying pressure with some great bowling.

In reply, Oakmeeds amassed 92-2 from their 8 overs with Chloe Clarke-Walker, Izzy Deamer and Adeline Preston starring with the bat.

The second game against Waingels was a much tighter affair, Oakmeeds again won the toss and opted to bowl first, restricting their opponents to 64 thanks again to some excellent fielding and bowling.

However, the loss of 3 early wickets caused problems and it was only the determination of Izzy Deamer and Abbie Dorgan, backed up by Emily Goss, Ella Ward and Abi Izzard that got the team to a winning total of 91-6.

In the third game against Wycombe High the girls turned in a much improved performance, electing to bowl first again they bowled their opponents out for 68, captain Lottie Palmer-Brown bowled with pace and aggression and the accurate off-spin of Emily Goss caused the Wycombe batters some problems.

The catching and ground fielding was again of a very high standard as was the glovework of the effervescent Izzy Deamer behind the stumps. Izzy and Chloe Clarke-Walker then got off to a rapid start and supported by Adeline Preston the girls raced to a winning total of 70-1 to qualify for the final.

Lottie won the toss for the fourth game running in the final and again elected to bowl first. Tunbridge Wells opened up and found themselves in trouble early on thanks to a successful opening over by Lottie.

Wickets fell at regular intervals as the girls applied pressure with a superb fielding display and accurate, incisive bowling. Tunbridge Wells were dismissed for 50 in the sixth over as Adeline Preston grabbed a smart caught and bowled chance to claim the last wicket.

Chloe and Izzy then opened the innings and put the fielders under pressure straight away with intelligent shot placement and swift running between the wickets. Chloe retired with a well made 15 and Adeline came in to bat and took control of the game with a massive straight six and an all-run 7. When Izzy was dismissed with victory in sight and Adeline retired it was left to Abbie Dorgan and the Lottie Palmer-Brown to knock off the last few runs and take Oakmeeds to victory with 4 overs to spare.

Oakmeeds will now travel to Lords on Wednesday 13th May to take part in the Lady Taverners U15 Girls National finals.