A fabulous summer of Women’s Softball Cricket in Shropshire came to a close with a tournament at Beacon CC with seven teams battling it out for the trophy.
Hundreds of women and girls have enjoyed taken part in the Softball Festivals staged across Shropshire this summer in a fun and friendly environment.
And the tournament gave the seven sides a chance to play a slightly more competitive version of the game – although the emphasis was still on fun.
The teams played off in two groups: Group A had four teams, where the winners automatically went into the final, whilst the runners-up in the group had to play the winners of Group B for a place in the play-off.
Undefeated Beacon Belles A topped Group A, whilst runners-up Beacon Firebats took on Albrighton Ladies in a thrilling play-off.
Albrighton edged through by the narrowest of margins, with the Firebats losing a wicket in their final over which proved crucial as the scores finished on 281 v 286.
Clubs and Community Cricket Manager Steve Reese said: “There were some fantastic individual performances throughout the day and some very close matches. No fewer than four games finished with six or less runs separating the sides.”
In the Final, Beacon Belles A continued their good form and scored 291. First pair of Kelly Braddock and Dawn Tretton gave them a great start smashing 33 off the first two overs. Albrighton fought back with two wickets in the middle of the game but Annette Donahue and Kate Leach finished strong with 37 runs in the final two overs.
In reply Albrighton started slowly with only 10 runs coming from the first two overs and a wicket, despite some big hitting late on they were always chasing the game and a couple of late wickets sealed victory for the Belles by 35 runs.
Other teams taking part on the day were Knockin A, Knockin B, Beacon Belles B and Church Eaton Black Widows.
Rebecca Davidson from the Beacon Firebats said: “Me and my friend had never lifted a cricket bat until you introduced us ladies to Softball Cricket last year.
“We play rounders and netball but always been too scared to play cricket due to it being hardball. When the softball started last summer we all jumped in with both feet and we have not looked back!
"The team would like to say ‘thank you’ to Shropshire Cricket Coard for this opportunity, we have found a home with Beacon Cricket Club they have been so welcoming.”
Steve added: “It was a thoroughly entertaining day of cricket, where all participants departed with a commemorative medal.
“Plans are now afoot for a winter programme of indoor action, which will start in the New Year at three venues across the county."