Wanstead U13G v Orsett and Thurrock
Wanstead's u13 girls travelled to Orsett and Thurrock CC on Monday to play their final match in the Essex League.
On what looked like a sunny evening, Captain Keya chose to bat after winning the toss. Deetya and Saanvi got Wanstead off to a fantastic start, adding runs at a steady pace. Deetya retired not out for a swift 51 before our youngest player Saanvi was out for 20. Keya and Emily were left to bat out the overs, getting the team to a total of 119 for 1 off 16 overs (Keya 20 not out, Emily 4 not out).
With the evening getting colder, windier and darker, conditions became more difficult, but the team came through with all members bowling, restricting O&T to 85 for 5 with 2 wickets for Keya, 1 each for Sienna and Emily, plus a direct hit run out from Emily off her own bowling.
The 3 points took the team to the top of the league table with a trip to the county finals on the horizon.
The u13 girls team has enjoyed a superb season having a long run in the National Cup competition as well as success in the league. The whole squad has contributed to this and it has been a pleasure for Amit and myself to watch the season unfold. Although winning games has been amazing the bigger and more important wins have been in the way the team have played, the developments they have made in skills and confidence, the relationships they have made and the enjoyment they have shown and given to others.
Above all, it takes a much wider team to create an atmosphere for young players to thrive in, so thanks to all the parents and supporters. Wanstead has the best interval snacks in the county! Particular thanks to Dev for umpiring and Subhash for scoring. Thanks to the Thursday evening coaching team - your freely given time and skills are a gift to all of us involved in girls' cricket at Wanstead.
Massive thanks to all the players. You have all been truly excellent in all the ways that count. (Report and picture provided by Jo Malcolm)
Wanstead U15G v Upminster
You sometimes have to be there to feel the atmosphere and emotion of cricket matches. Well done to the u15 girls team - Keya, Deetya, Clem, Farah, Emily, Agatha and Sophie - and the Upminster team for giving those of us lucky to be there an amazing evening of cricket.
Having chosen to bat, Wanstead reached a total of 88 for 4 from their 16 overs with Keya scoring 50 not out before retiring.
The feeling was that we were 30 runs too few, and with 2 players short, the team needed to pull off an incredibly strong fielding performance to win. The plan was to make 7 players feel like 9! Team spirit, belief, and commitment took over with each player playing their part in a superb fielding display with the girls encouraging each other at every touch of the ball. With 2 wickets each for Keya and Clem and 1 caught and bowled for Farah we reached the beginning of the last over with Upminster needing 9 to win. Could Wanstead do it? On came Emily with an amazing piece of death bowling to win by 5 runs.
An excellent and memorable game - what an occasion to be part of! (Report and picture provided by Jo Malcolm)
Wanstead U11G v Chingford
Not to be outdone in this week's round of girls games, the u11 team ventured to Chingford on Wednesday for a 16 over softball friendly. As always, the girls played with a great sense of fun and friendship, constantly encouraging and appreciating each other. Batting first, the team built a total of 294 for 7. A combination of amazing fielding and wicket taking kept Chingford to 279 for 8. A fantastic team performance with everyone making key contributions and creating cricket memories. Well done, everyone! (Report and picture provided by Jo Malcolm)