A BRILLIANT weekend was had by all by the Kelly College teams at the England Rounders Tournament held at Filton College, Bristol. On May 10 the U12s and U13s had lots of coaching from the England camp and although Kelly didn't win any matches, the U13 team came within half a rounder to draw with the U13 England team. All 17 girls were asked to come to the England trials in Birmingham at the end of September, especially Katy Collingwood whose bowling was outstanding all day. The next day the seniors were again coached by the England coaches and U15 (who were coached by the England U14 coach. She said she would like the girls to go to trials especially Kathryn Jory who has already been selected and confirmed for a place with the U15 development team. Kelly U18s lost 6 and a half to 8 to England U18s in an exciting game. The selected few from the senior squads were Fiona Thomas, Anastasia Steed, Claire Bruna (outstanding) Bethe Crews (aged 14), Anna Balm and Chloe Bassett. l There was also success for Mount House school rounders team with a series of outstanding performances at the tournament. The team was pooled in the England senior A team's group, but rose to the occasion with bravery and determination. After a brief training session with the U13 England team and coach, the Mount house girls went on to play matches against the U13, U14 and U15 senior England teams. The girls played their worst game against the U13s, with too many basic errors, though Emily Redman took two good catches and Fern Toynton scored 1½ rounders in the 4-13½ defeat. They performed better against the U14 team, losing a good match 8-10. Fern Toynton and Phoebe Malcolm scored three and two complete rounders respectively, and the Mount House fielding improved immeasurably. The U15 was probably the match of the season for Mount House. Facing one of the quickest bowlers in the country and some excellent fielders, India Leigh and Emily Redman both scored full rounders followed by halves from Fern Toynton. In the field, India Leigh took a hard catch from the opening batter. Mount House lost this game 4-12 to their stronger and older opponents. The Mount House girls were praised for their enthusiasm and sportsmanship, and for their tough and competitive attitude. The event organisers also asked several of the girls to seriously consider the England selection trials later in the year. Mount House rounders coach Suse Hammond said: 'This was a really valuable and rewarding experience that the girls thoroughly enjoyed, and they will have learned a great deal from playing against such high-quality opposition.'
