Frenford claimed their debut Women’s Midweek cup with victory over Stokey Spitfires.
Batting first, Stokey lost several early wickets, slipping to 16-3, with Georgie Valerie Heath claiming two wickets in three balls as Stokey struggled to put away some good bowling.
Dulcie Smout and Martha Richards led the recovery before Frenford dismissed Stokey for 91, with wickets shared among the Frenford bowlers, with Valerie Heath the pick of them, with figures of 2-18.
In response, despite an early loss, when Stefania Tasi was bowled by Smout for 8, Frenford always looked in control of the chase, with Fatima Imtiaz finding her weekend form, striking a match winning 50.
Despite the loss of late wickets, with Smout claiming her second, Frenford reached 93-3 in the 13th over to secure the victory.
Division Four’s Gousey pulled off a remarkable double, securing the Vandermark Cup with a dramatic victory over league champions Mighty Tigers—just a week after clinching the Division 4 title.
Batting first, the Tigers started cautiously before openers Shumon Sharif and Mahmad Alikhail built a solid platform, sharing a century stand - both retiring unbeaten, with Sharif on 52 and Alikhail on 51.
Gousey struck back in the closing stages, with Hassan Ahmed (13) caught on the boundary and Emdad Tipu (14) run out. Mahi Karim was bowled by Niall Saigal but late hitting from Azylan Bhutan (23) lifted the Tigers to a competitive 183-4.
Gousey, who had already chased down 213 against a Division One side in the opening round, made a confident start in reply. Openers Freddie Horler and Charlie Purwar kept the run rate in check, with Horler in dominant form.
He brought up his half-century with the score on 60. The loss of several wickets stemmed the flow of runs, although a fine 37 from Purwar and 39 from Saigal maintained the pressure on the bowlers and kept Gousey in the chase. George Lindsay (6) and George Sacre (8) were both run out during a tense middle phase, however it was heading towards a thrilling finish.
With 20 required off the final over, Horler returned to the crease for one final assault on the bowling. Alongside rapid running, he found a couple of boundaries and, with two needed from the final ball, he deftly flicked it over the keeper for four to seal a thrilling victory.
Horler finished unbeaten on 65, guiding Gousey to a famous win and a well-deserved cup-title double.
Thanks to all who’ve played a huge part in making this season’s Victoria Park Community Cricket League such a success. We look forward to doing it all again next season!
Pictured underneath are Frenford Women (top) and Gousey Cricket Club (below)
