OC Ladies beaten in inaugural match

The inaugural girls’ cricket match between the Old Cranleighans and the school took place on the St Andrew’s and, despite the overcast sky and the constant threat of rain overhead, a few moments of sunshine were seen, and the match only had to be suspended once, for a short time, during the afternoon.

A six-a-side format was used, with the OCs borrowing a wicket-keeper from the school during their fielding innings. Four of the team were relatively recent leavers: Zoe Crouch, last year’s captain, opened the batting for the OCs, and went on to make a creditable 21 before being caught by Chloe Nicholls off the bowling of Lottie Grafton. She was followed at the crease by three girls from the year before, Georgie Hodge, Amy Stott and Eleanor Jolly. The first two were dismissed in competent style by Jennifer Vincent, and with score standing at 29 runs for three wickets, there were some worries that the OCs would not provide a decent score for the school to chase. However, Olivia Townley, who captained the OCs for the day, came in at No. 5, and despite having not played cricket in the six years since she left the school, impressed everyone with her competent batting display, and feisty running between the wickets. In the end the OCs managed to score a total of 116 in their 20 overs, with Oliva and Eleanor both ending up unbeaten on 38.

After a brief interlude, whilst most players partook of the usual feast of goodies provided by the Keith family, the OCs took to the field, ready to deal with the challenge provided by the school team. Unfortunately they were faced with some excellent batting and the School won with five overs to spare, and with only the loss of two of wickets. The three Lower Sixth girls in the team - Lucy Keith (captain), Lottie Grafton and Mara Waters - all batted very well, with the latter two being retired in order to give all the girls in the school team a chance to bat. Jennifer Vincent was the top scorer of the day, with 50 not out, in an innings that included ten boundaries.

The match was followed by a barbecue in front of the Jubilee Pavilion, joining the many players and spectators involved in the Cricketer Cup game against the Eton Ramblers. The school players enjoyed chatting with the OCs, and some interesting reminiscing took place, helped by the records of past girls’ matches provided by the old scorebooks brought along.

It is hoped that the match will be the first of many more to come, and the aim for next year is to play an 11-a-side match. Carolyn Nichols