Cricket club’s female members have double reason to cheer

North London Cricket Club’s women got off to a winning start at Totteridge Milhillians in the opening game of their Middlesex Cricket Championship campaign.

Captain Sophie Mulcahey’s decision to insert the hosts was soon vindicated as Maia Harris took two early wickets in her opening two overs.

Milhillians looked to have stabilised things but a smart run out by Cerys Walker was then followed by Stasia Masterton claiming an historic first-ever hat-trick for the North London women.

And when Harris hit the stumps again in the next over, Totteridge were tottering at 28-7.

The tail showed some resistance until Devon Spragg (2-0) and Emily Hart wrapped things up.

Jackie Cooper and Olivia Scott-Burman started solidly in pursuit of just 41 as North London’s rearranged batting order found life difficult against a very accurate attack.

Aileen Kennedy claimed three wickets, before county age group players Harris and Walker came together to guide their side to a five-wicket win in the 11th over.

Team manager Martin Issitt said: “It was a nice start to the season with everyone getting a chance to make a contribution.

“The bowling was excellent, in particular Stasia, Maia and Devon who all used the pitch conditions well. There is plenty to work on in training, but lots to look forward to this season.”

North London hosted the Lady Taverners Under-11 Middlesex tournament, with four clubs from across the county taking part and several county age-group players on show in a series of closely-contested matches.

A round-robin competition took place over the course of the morning with all teams playing each other to determine semi-final seedings.

North London headed the table with a 100 per cent record, followed by Bushy Park, Ealing and North Middlesex, and went on to meet Bushy Park in the final.

A very tight game remained in the balance until two fine “death overs” by Mabel Matejczyk and Amu Surenkumar brought four wickets to secure victory for the hosts.

Middlesex mascot Pinky the Panther watched the final before awarding the trophy and medals on a day that showed again the enthusiasm and talent of young cricketers from across the county.