South West Regional Champions
As South West Regional Champions, Aston Rowant Girls travelled to Birmingham on 15th July for the national finals only for the event to be postponed because of rain half an hour before the start. At least they hadn't travelled from Devon or Durham as some teams had. The rescheduled event took place at Loughborough University on 15th September in glorious sunshine.
Batting first Aston put on 100 runs against their first opponents South Northumberland who could only muster 57 for 4 in reply. The next game was a sterner test, again batting first Aston made 46 for 5 and after starting strongly their opponents Headstone Lane slid to 16 all out, this was Astons 10th consecutive victory of the season. Then a nervous lunch, one more victory would put them in the final but again batting first it was Astons' turn to collapse, the wobble starting when Elspeth Walker was caught behind in the first over. Despite a heroic innings from Emilia Bartram, Aston were skittled out for 38 including a hat trick of wickets for Wellingborough. Knowing that restricting the score was not an option Aston had to go for all out attack which was looking good when the Northants opener was caught and bowled by Walker 4th ball but from then on it was the bat that dominated, the final score being 84/3.
Wellingborough went on to lose the final narrowly to Nonnington of Kent and Aston ended being joint 3rd with Thornberry.
Earlier in the summer as South West Champions the Aston Girls were invited to Bath to watch a 20-20 match between England Women and New Zealand Women, met both teams and were presented with signed bats which they are seen holding in the enclosed photo, they also saw some amazing cricket which will hopefully inspire them.
From our own Ewelme Cricket Correspondent