Tunbridge Wells Cricket Club, based at the Nevill Ground, have a thriving women and girls section. The girls Under 13 team won final of the 2023 National Cup T20 competition at Lords Cricket Ground. Here is a report of their adventure. If you would like more information about either Men’s or Women’s at TWCC click www.tunbridgewellscc.org.uk
“For those who are superstitious, our journey to Lord’s started badly. We were invited to stay up in London on Friday by the ECB and visit Lord’s to familiarise ourselves with the surroundings. Due to the rail strikes we decided to go by coach. However coach company after coach company cancelled. Phenomenal performance from Chelsea and Anu saved the day. A quick visit to Lord’s then to our 1980s hotel near High Street Kensington.
An early start on Saturday to get to Lord’s first (plus another coach cancelled at the last minute for our supporters!!) meant we walked through the Grace gates just before 8:30. We bagged the best warm up area, turned the music up loud and had some fun throwing crazy catch balls and playing some rugby!!
Now to the cricket. First the pitch. The nursery ground was in good shape however the size of the pitch was lopsided (a 35 yard boundary on one side). Overcast conditions but it looked like a good wicket. Berkswell from Warwickshire, won the toss and elected to bowl. We were going to bat any way so this suited us. The girls were already understandably nervous playing in a final at Lord’s with a fair few spectators. The stadium announcer then ramped up the music and announced the teams, building the atmosphere to a level similar to a Hundred match and suddenly the pressure was rising to new levels the team haven’t experienced before. Their opening bowlers were very accurate and swung the ball, but our openers were up to the task, digging out several tricky yorkers in a masterclass of an opening platform scoring 8 runs in the first 3 overs. The runs then started to flow, Berkswell went through their varied attack, which included left arm swing and left arm wrist spin, but they could not generate any chances. Georgia and Ruby brought up 50 in 35 balls and the 100 in the 11th Over as both girls peppered the Verve Cliquot and Hendrix concessions on the boundary. In the end Georgia and Ruby put on an astonishing 158 runs, both completing excellent 50s. Ruby was out for 71 off 49 balls chasing quick runs at the end. Georgia pushed the score to 193 for 2 and finished 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, partisan, pasty-munching 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 and the few Brummies in the crowd started to get excited. The girls didn’t let their heads drop and fielded like demons, chasing down every run. Daisy then removed their dangerous opener for 24, bowling her with a ripsnorter. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Daisy was then able to rotate our bowlers as Berkswell were unable to break their stranglehold. Our ground fielding was excellent, particular mentions to Ava (who was the ball magnet this match), Charley and Josie who all saved 10-15 runs each. Lucie and Georgia were excellent behind the stumps, conceding only 3 byes between them. Charley came on to close the innings and picked up 2 quick wickets. Daisy, Ruby and Charley were the pick of the bowlers finishing with 2-12, 0-11and 2-14 respectively. Lottie Youds bravely opened the bowling and tested the openers with her usual disciplined line and length, Aurora and Josie troubled them with bounce and pace and Ava kept it tight. The coaches were particularly proud that the team used 7 bowlers and 2 keepers meaning that every one of the 9 players contributed significantly.
An amazing achievement for the girls and thoroughly deserved. Berkswell was by far the best team we have played (the only team all season we haven’t bowled out!) and they contributed to an excellent final. Their number 3 was an excellent batter and finished on 76 not out of 59 balls.
After the final we had an amazing experience. It started with the presentation on the steps of the pavilion, then lunch in the committee room, a tour of the ground and eventually finished with having the freedom of the Pavillion. The girls were able to wander where they wanted whilst watching the girls u15 final on the main pitch (inspiration to come back next year!).
What an incredible achievement for the girls and Tunbridge Wells girls’ section. The girls’ section was formed in 2009 with 19 girls and now boasts around 150 players from aged 7 to 18. Although they have had lots of success, most noticeably reaching the Lady Taverners national finals in 2021. this is their first major trophy (hopefully the first of many). This is also the first national title for the club’s junior section since 2007, when the boys won the U15 national cup.
Mike Webb – Chairperson TWCC
“The U13 National Cup success is a very proud moment for the club and is testament to the high quality Girls & Womens’ 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.”
Richard Grant – Head of Women & Girls’ cricket TWCC:
“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 & Girls Cricket.”
