The reigning National Champions NDCC Tarka U15 Girls beat Broadstone CC from Dorset to become the Lady Taverners U15 20/20 Regional Zone 4 Champions. The team now go forward to the National Finals with winners of the other 3 regions in the country.
In perfect cricketing conditions Tarka lost the toss and were put in to bat by Broadstone. Under the instructions of the coach to aim for 8 an over the girls were determined to set a daunting total for Broadstone to chase. Kate Williams and Eluned Davies opened and quickly set about an explosive run rate much to the delight of their team mates. Davies was caught and bowled on 16 and Williams having cracked a few strong fours was out on 12 LBW. Daisy Meadowcroft and Rose Ball took to the crease. In a powerful display of technically solid shots, despite some brave fielding by Broadstone, Meadowcroft hitting a cracking 79 NO off 63 balls and Ball with a 66 from 44 balls. The girls could afford to really strike out with plenty of batting left on the bench in the form of Charlotte Lipscombe, Molly Muir, Sophie Gillies, Grace Heard and Olivia Churcher. Helped by a glorious outfield nurtured by groundsman, Andrew Cameron, the team amassed a tremendous total of 196 runs.
It was a score always likely to beyond the visitors, but Broadstone, to their great credit went out positive. Tarka opening bowler Sophie Gillies delivered a tremendously deceptive ball which smashed the stumps on only the second delivery of the first over to dismiss Lucy Prest. Gillies went on to take 2-3 off 3. Min Muir added to the visitors misery with 2 for 13 off 3. Changes of bowling style and pace along with excellent catches by Lipscombe and Meadowcroft left the opposition struggling to find boundaries. Churcher and Heard made excellent contributions in the field Rose Ball bowled 3 overs including 2 maidens and a wicket and Daisy Meadowcroft 1 for 10 off 2.2 overs.
Manager Jan Witheridge is delighted at the standard at which the team are performing. The girls greatest strength though is their team spirit and their depth. Several of the players from the winning team last year came down to the ground to support, which is testament to this. Many people in the North Devon and county set-up have played a part in the performance level these young ladies have reached, and we will go forward to the National Finals and try to do Devon cricket proud.
Pic- Back LR Mark Overton (Coach), Rose Ball, Eluned Davies, Sophie Gillies, Kate Williams, Charlotte Lipscombe, Jan Witheridge ( Manager). Front LR Min Muir, Olivia Churcher, Daisy Meadowcroft, Grace Heard.