FOUR womens’ cricket teams in South Essex are taking part in an indoor six a side cricket competition sponsored by Thurrock Sports Council over the next few weeks at Gable Hall School, Corringham. The first round of league fixtures took place last Thursday, with Stanford le Hope securing a win over Thurrock with just one ball to spare. Thurrock batted first and posted 62 runs for the loss of four wickets, for whom Catherine Hodge top scored with 13 not out.
But Stanford’s Laura Knight claimed three wickets in one solitary over, without conceding a single run. Olivier Wyatt provided excellent support by taking one wicket for just one run. In reply, Stanford made a steady start as Wordley and Hales both scored eleven runs and McCarthy chipped in with nine runs. With one over remaining, Stanford required two runs to win, with Wyatt on strike. The first four deliveries were dot balls, but two runs were scrambled to earn victory in a thrilling finish, with Stanford reaching 63-4. For Thurrock, Hodge was impressive as wicketkeeper, claiming one stumping and a run out.
In the following match, Rayleigh, who are looking for their third consecutive success at this annual tournament, enjoyed a comfortable six wicket win over Belhus.
The North Stifford based club scored 45 for the loss of four wickets from their alloted ten overs as Tracey Sloan top scored with ten runs, while Amy Squires and Rachel Cordell scored nine and seven runs respectively. Elisha Brett kept a firm lid on the Belhus batting with three wickets at a cost of just ten runs, while assistance came from Louise Harmsworth with 1-13.
In reply, Rayleigh openers Lorraine Frost and Kelly Lee put the match beyond doubt with respective undefeated scores of eleven and ten as the Rawreth Lane club finished on 46 without loss.
Match umpires were Roy Saunders and Michael Squires.
