The month of July was a hugely successful one for the Girls U18s, culminating in qualification for both the ECB 50 Over Knockout Final and the ECB 50 Over Cup Quarter Final, setting the stage for an exciting August.
Road to the Knockout Final
The team’s path to the ECB 50 Over Knockout Final has been dominant.
- It began with a 203-run win over Northumberland, thanks to a spectacular 159 off 103 balls from Amelia Oliver.
- Next came a clinical 9-wicket win over Durham, where Jeanie Lee stole the show with 6-18 from 6 overs as Durham were skittled for just 68.
- The quarter-final against Cheshire proved more challenging, eventually being decided by a coin toss. The girls had posted a competitive 238/7 on a tricky surface, with key half-centuries from Izzy Fidler (53) and Maiya Charlesworth (58*), and had reduced Cheshire to 10/1 before rain intervened.
- In the semi-final, the team delivered a superb all-round performance to beat Warwickshire by 9 wickets. Another six-wicket haul from Jeanie Lee helped dismiss Warwickshire for 152, before a commanding 148-run unbeaten partnership between Amelia Oliver (71*) and Ines Blackwell (59*) sealed victory.
The girls now look ahead to the final against Surrey, to be played at Kibworth CC on Monday 18th August.
Strong Group Stage in the ECB 50 Over Cup
The team has also reached the ECB 50 Over Cup Quarter Final, to be held on Friday 22nd August, after winning five of their six group games.
- Along the way, they recorded victories over Durham, Northumberland (twice), and Cumbria.
- Standout batting performances included centuries from Ines Blackwell (119*), Amelia Oliver (176*), and Maiya Charlesworth (102), along with a superb 97 from Olivia Breese.
- On the bowling front, notable figures came from Alice Acklam (4-11), Nat Brown (3-8 & 4-21 in the T20 Cup), and Libby Fellows, who at just 14, impressed with 4-29 and 3-7.
Youth Stepping Up
It’s been fantastic to see younger players making their mark. Libby Fellows (14), Sophia Horsfall-Samb (14), India Leach (13), Lois George (13), and Poppy Smith (13) have all stepped up to U18s cricket and made meaningful contributions—highlighting the pathway’s depth and bright future.
Looking Ahead
The team now shifts focus to their final two T20 matches against Cheshire on Monday 11th August, followed by the Knockout Final and Cup Quarter Final. With momentum on their side and contributions coming from across the squad, August promises to be another positive month for the Girls U18s.
