Burgess Hill Girls U13 Finish National Runners-Up at Lord’s

Burgess Hill Girls U13 Finish National Runners-Up at Lord’s

Burgess Hill Girls Under 13s ended an incredible ECB Vitality Girls U13 Club T20 campaign as runners-up after a closely fought final against Duffield at Lord’s Cricket Ground. Although the trophy went to Duffield, it was still a weekend the girls, their families and everyone connected with Burgess Hill Cricket Club will never forget. 

Travelling to London as a squad, sharing meals and staying alongside the other national finalists all added to the occasion. Walking into Lord’s the following morning, warming up on the Nursery Ground and preparing to play a National Final was something few young cricketers ever get to experience. 8 girls, all state school took the field in a national final, we are very proud of that.

The build-up was made even more special by the generosity of MPPH Cars and Haime-Buttler, who provided every player with personalised commemorative items. A huge thank you also goes to Zoe Jarvis and Toni Saunders for the time and effort they put into getting everything personalised and ready for the girls.

Burgess Hill Start Strongly

Burgess Hill took to the field knowing early wickets would be important and could hardly have started better. Jess Parker struck in the opening over, bowling Darcey Yellott for a duck. Violet Bassett then removed Daisy Flindall and Halimah Khan to leave Duffield 29-3. The Lord’s outfield was much slower than many the girls had played on during the summer, making boundaries difficult to find and running between the wickets particularly important.

Duffield responded well through Charlotte Newsome and captain Autumn Beavan. Newsome anchored the recovery with an unbeaten 52, while Beavan made an important 39. Cora Saunders eventually broke the partnership, dismissing Beavan with a well-disguised slower ball and an excellent catch from Orlaith Jarvis. Cora then removed Martha Ford, with Neve Felton taking a well-judged catch. Burgess Hill’s bowling and fielding were excellent throughout. Under the pressure of a National Final, the team conceded only three wides and no no-balls. Their bowling and field placements also restricted the dangerous Newsome to facing only 11 of the final 30 deliveries.

The leading bowling figures were:

• Cora Saunders: 5-0-25-2
• Violet Bassett: 5-0-33-2
• Jess Parker: 5-0-26-1

Duffield finished on 126-5, leaving Burgess Hill with a challenging but achievable target.

A Chase That Went to the Closing Overs

Cora Saunders and Neve Felton gave Burgess Hill an excellent start. After six overs the score had reached 31 without loss, before the opening pair moved it on to 49 without loss. Duffield then fought back. Eva Ryder bowled Cora for 22 before Neve’s determined innings of 20 was ended by Harriet Malkin. When Chloe Kent was trapped lbw shortly afterwards, Burgess Hill had lost three wickets in three overs and slipped to 57-3.

Evie Peskett and Orlaith Jarvis responded with an important partnership. Orlaith played positively for her 24 from 17 balls, while Evie rotated the strike well and punished anything loose. Together they took Burgess Hill to 93-3 and put the team firmly back in the match.

After Orlaith was dismissed, Burgess Hill still needed fewer than 35 runs and had a real chance of victory. Duffield, however, regained control through some excellent bowling from Autumn Beavan and Eva Benstead.

The decisive moment came in the 18th over. Beavan dismissed Evie for a valuable 20 from 18 balls before sharp fielding from Benstead saw Violet Bassett run out attempting a second run. Jess Parker was then run out from the final delivery. Three wickets had fallen in five balls and the match had turned decisively in Duffield’s favour.

Burgess Hill were bowled out for 110, finishing 16 runs short.

A Team to Be Proud Of

Congratulations to Duffield, who were deserved National Champions. They recovered from a difficult start and stayed composed during the key moments of the Burgess Hill chase. A great team.

For Burgess Hill, there was still plenty to celebrate. The girls had competed brilliantly against the best teams in the country and remained in the final until the closing overs. Every member of the squad played their part throughout the competition: Cora Saunders, Evie Peskett, Neve Felton, Chloe Kent, Jess Parker, Violet Bassett, Orlaith Jarvis, Sophia Medhurst, Daisy Bichard-Van Dijk and Flo Deacon. They represented Burgess Hill with skill, determination, and a brilliant team spirit throughout the campaign.

The support at Lord’s was also fantastic. Families, friends, coaches and club members backed the girls from the warm-up through to the medal presentation, helping to create an atmosphere worthy of a National Final.

There was understandable disappointment when the final wicket fell, but the girls collected their runners-up medals with their heads held high. They may not have lifted the trophy, but they made their club, families and community incredibly proud, and created memories that will last a lifetime.

For the full match report head to the BHCC Facebook page.

For more information about girls’ cricket at Burgess Hill CC, contact Rob Gaunt, Head of Coaching: rgaunt@gmail.com

Or, if based elsewhere in the county, please contact Ayscha Woods, Women’s & Girls’ Cricket / Diverse Communities Manager: ayscha.woods@sussexcricketfoundation.org.