The newly formed team didn’t let the occasion at the ‘Home of Cricket’ get to them
Newly formed Highgate & Crouch End Women played at Lord's last month at Middlesex CCC Women's day Cricket Festival and won both of their matches.
Ten of the club's most regular players arrived at the 'Home of Cricket' - a first visit for many - expecting to be playing on the Nursery Ground, but excitement levels were lifted as it became apparent the main pitch would host the many teams playing softball matches.
Highgate & Crouch End were supported by a fan club of other keen weekly players and their families gathered by the pavilion stand for the first of two matches.
Opting to bowl at the toss, they made a strong start with tight fielding keeping runs to a minimum. Lea Govender in particular performed numerous important boundary stops, while Monika Temple displayed some solid wicket keeping not letting anything through.
With a score of just over 40 to chase, Pam Cowburn opened the innings with an almighty six, which was then followed by a strong partnership between Kelly Minett-Robson and Lisa Mangan leading Highgate & Crouch End to victory.
The heavier rain didn't deter anyone in the second match, with Sarah Gambold getting some good early runs on the board, which Clare Ludlow then fiercely built upon, finding plenty of quick singles.
Aware it was to be a tough battle with the opposition starting their innings scoring various boundaries, Louise Mellor executed a fantastic run out from square leg to dismiss their biggest hitter.
Daisy O'Connor then piled on the pressure in the final over, bowling rapid deliveries the batswomen simply struggled to hit. It was a nail biting finish with Highgate & Crouch End coming up trumps, winning 49-46!
Monika Temple, a team member, said: "It was incredible playing on such an iconic ground and lots of fun was had by all.
"There was some brilliant batting and the bowling ranged from a trundle and a prayer to some seriously fast bowling with quick fielding by Lucy Pringle producing a successful run out. It was a fantastic day for the new team.
"It was a marvelous day spent in the company of a great bunch of women," Louise Mellor, another team member enthused. "The celebrations were pretty good too!"
Highgate & Crouch End finished the day by watching Middlesex Women in the T20 London Cup against Surrey, where the home team retained the trophy, despite the weather cutting the overs short, with the final decided on the last ball of the game.
If anyone is interested in playing cricket (with no experience necessary), Highgate & Crouch End would love to welcome women to come and join them on Tuesday evenings at 6.30pm at Highgate Cricket and Tennis Club.
For more info or how to book click here or email Shelley Eaton on admin@highgate-cricket.co.uk
Or Join Highgate & Crouch End at their next Free festival which is a fun come and try it session on Friday, June 28. For more, click here
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