New Forest CC women win thriller at Yateley CC in first game

THE newly-formed New Forest CC women won their inaugural match against Yateley women in a thriller at Yateley CC.

Formed entirely of teenage girls in their first year in the women’s league, New Forest batted first but lost the early wicket of opener Ash Tye to excellent pace bowling from Yateley’s Alanna Birch (2-16).

Amy Mills (18) and Sure de Beer (18) steadied the team in a fine partnership with some excellent batting, including several fours by both girls. De Beer was then bowled by Nayani Davies- Patel and New Forest lost two more quick wickets in Leah Cutler and Reagan Thomas to a swinging ball.

Mills continued in confident form with Sophie Cooper (21), but when Mills was caught by Charlotte Payne off Megan Stentiford’s bowling, New Forest then had to fight for runs to build a defendable score. They pushed hard, including a daring run by Katie Jones (4) that resulted in her being run out.

After a strong innings including several boundaries, Cooper was out LBW to Birch. Captain Izzy Hill (10*) gave an assured batting performance, with Olivia Ridout (3*) playing well to see out the 30-over innings. New Forest CC scored 143-7.

In reply, Yateley were put under immediate pressure from excellent bowling by all of the New Forest bowlers. Fast seam bowler Cutler (0-6) had a maiden-over in a precision spell. Thomas (1-8) kept up the assault with unerring accuracy from her four overs. Jones (1- 12) took the first wicket for New Forest and had a maiden.

I. Hill (1-21) was relentless as well from five overs and wore down the opposition. Ash Tye (1- 8) continued the high-quality bowling and slowed Yateley’s run-rate. Cooper (0-6) kept up the pressure, as did Lucia Hill (0-11), Ridout (0-18), Mills (0- 15), and de Beer (0-7).

New Forest excelled in the field will several excellent diving stops. De Beer and Lucia Hill both took great catches.

Wicketkeeper Emily Taylor put in a stunning performance that was vital, being both brave and agile with incredible stops. New Forest saw out a tense last over to win the match. Yateley scored 121-5.

Captain I. Hill said she was privileged to guide the side to victory in this first-ever match and welcomes new faces to join training for this exciting new team. Hardball training is held every Monday night at New Milton's Fernhill.