LAST week was another incredible week for the two Devon girls' sides, as they have both reached the English Cricket Board finals for the first time. Once again Hatherleigh players — Clara Nielson, Frances Lausen and Anna Cherrington stepped up to the plate.
On Friday both sides travelled to Derbyshire for the ECB semi-finals. The U15 side played Essex at Ilkeston. Essex batted first and began well but the introduction of the slower bowlers slowed the run rate and then Clara Nielson took three wickets for nine runs as Essex collapsed to 107 all out. Devon in reply soon lost a wicket but Frances Lausen (32) and Amara Carr (51 not out) held firm and took their team to within sight of victory with a stand of 95. However, the run out of Frances led to a mini collapse with three wickets falling quickly but Devon got home by six wickets.
The U13 side played Wales at Derby. Devon batted first and, led by a captain's innings of 84 by Jodie Dibble, scored 182 in 30 overs. Anna Cherrington helped her captain in a stand of 50. In reply, Wales started slowly and only scored 102 to give Devon a win by 80 runs. Both sides will now play in the finals at Taunton County Ground on Saturday, September 6.
l On Sunday, Hatherleigh Ladies finished their league fixtures in fine style with an eight wicket win over Exmouth Ladies.