Newly formed Crouch End and Highgate Women's Cricket Team played at Lord's (yes, Lord's, The Home of Cricket, founded in 1787...) at Middlesex CC Women’s day Cricket Festival on the 29th May.

Ten of our most regular players arrived at ‘The Home of Cricket’, a first visit for many, expecting to be playing on the Nursery Ground. Excitement levels were lifted as it became apparent the main pitch would host the many teams playing Softball matches.

The team was 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, it was 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 mid 40’s to chase, Pam Cowburn opened our innings with an almighty six, which was then followed by a strong partnership between Kelly Minett-Robson and Lisa Mangan leading us 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 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 our team coming up trumps, winning 49-46!

Team member Monika Temple 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 who won both of their two matches. "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!

Two out of two wins, a day for all to remember at such an iconic venue. Coach, Lucy Pringle, was incredibly proud to have played along side her team for the second match, commenting on how ‘committed and confidently everyone played, putting all the hard work from training into practice and getting the result they deserved!’ An overall great opportunity to realise their fast growing potential and have fun bonding further as a team.

They day ended by watching Middlesex Women in the T20 London Cup against Surrey, where the home team retained the London Cup, despite the weather cutting the overs short. A fantastic display of cricket from both teams and an exciting match which was decided on the final ball of the game.

If you are interested in playing cricket (absolutely no experience necessary) we would love to welcome you to come and join us on Tuesday evenings at 6.30pm at Crouch End/Highgate Cricket and Tennis Club.

Or Join us at our next Free festival or come and try it session.

The two host clubs, Crouch End CC and Highgate CC can be found on Shepherds Cot Trust, off park road, opposite park avenue south) on Shepherds Cot Trust, N8 8JJ

For more info email Kelly Minett-Robson on Kellyminett@outlook.com