One of the more impressive traits about the squad has been how they have developed as a team with everyone able to contribute with bat and ball. Ava (M), Poppy (M) and Issy (J) shone with the bat with Ava often being the rock whom innings were built around.
Miranda (I), Fionnhuala (I), Bea (M) and Amy (I) all bowled with precision and tied more than a few batswomen in knots with Fionnhuala also leading the side with confidence and helping develop a wonderful team spirit. Minny (I), Bella (I) and Jenna (M) all took huge strides forward and with them the future looks incredibly bright.
Joining them next year will be a number of members of the U15 team who went unbeaten in all of their school fixtures, were crowned County champions and progressed through to the National rounds of their Cup competition. The talent of a number of Bradfield cricketers has been recognised this season with Ava and Poppy among those representing County sides. The pair have played for Berkshire at both age group and adult levels, a fine achievement.
For the first time in our history the girls’ 1stXI took to Pit where they met the MCC in a 25-over match. There were a number of highlights throughout a thrilling contest which saw Bradfield narrowly miss out on victory, falling an agonising eight runs short of the MCC’s 161 run total.
Poppy (M) took three wickets in one remarkable over, Issy (J) dismissed Southern Vipers player Rachael Potter with an outstanding one-handed catch and Ava batted superbly throughout her stand of 86 which took the team to within touching distance of the target. Plenty of motivation to pursue victory in next year’s contest.
Girls’ cricket has grown in strength and popularity over the last five years and we are now one of the leading lights for the sport.
Our Upper Sixth members Fionnhuala, Emma (J) and Rosie (K) who left the College over the summer, have been at the centre of that growth. They have always been fully committed, have stepped up to the plate whenever asked and, over the course of the last five years, have developed into fine cricketers.
They leave Bradfield girls’ cricket in a very strong place and we look forward to seeing how far this team can go next summer.
