Falcons soar to win indoor cricket championship

THE New Milton Falcons U15 girls’ team flew to victory as champions of the Hampshire Vipers Indoor Cup.

Having been runners-up twice in previous years, a young Falcons side were without several of their county players. Last-minute injuries forced more changes, so they had to enter with only seven, plus a stand-in player.

Six teams from the south coast faced each other in league matches with the Falcons winning their opening three games.

The girls showed great spirit, helping each other with fielding decisions, encouraging hard running and keeping their focus to limit opposition runs.

Every girl played their part. Captain Reagan Thomas took several wickets and a superb leaping catch. Emma Mills and Izzi Pugh had the highest-scoring batting partnership. Amy Mills took four wickets in one fantastic over, including a run-out.

Wicketkeeper Sammy Digby-Duell took an excellent run-out with a creative deflection. Sasha Law took several wickets and a fine catch. Anchor Ash Tye hit the most runs without losing her wicket.

The tense final match resulted in a draw, with the Falcons being crowned champions due to a superior wicket rate.