Rainhill’s U11s Amazons confirmed as joint champions
Champions!
Rainhill’s U11s Amazons team were confirmed as league champions following a win over Northern on Tuesday 1st August. However, they had to wait a few days to discover whether they had won the title outright or would share it with Southport and Birkdale.
Playing at home against a talented Northern team. The Amazons knew that a win would guarantee at the very least sharing the title. The butterflies were present before the game but those were soon settled as the action got underway.
Winning the toss and batting first, Rainhill made steady progress throughout their batting innings. Rainhill managed to post a score of 269 on a very slow and low wicket.
What was particularly impressive was the calmness each time a wicket fell which meant 5 runs were to be deducted. But each pair took their time to steadily rebuild the innings. April Jones, Maddie Rotheram, Sam Du Plessis, and Annabelle Clifford each finished with a net score of 9 a piece. They were supported by Erin Jones (2), Olivia Clifford (5) and Scarlett Ashton-Smith (3), all of whom scored in the positive.
It was then over to the bowlers to do their thing. Throughout the season, Rainhill’s bowling attack has proved too strong for the opposition and this was no different. The Amazons managed to limit Northern to a net score of 232. Wickets were taken by Maddie, Sam, Annabelle, Lucy, and Sarah who all took one a piece. There were also 3 run outs.
The win over Northern meant the stage was nicely set for the Southport and Birkdale versus Formby match (2nd v 3rd) that was due to take place on Sunday morning. However, adverse weather meant no play was possible and Formby have since conceded the game, giving Southport the three points. As a result, both Rainhill and Southport finish the league with 33 points from 12 games – a fantastic accomplishment from both clubs.
The result means that, for the first time ever, one of Rainhill’s U11s teams have won the league. It is also the first time that any girls’ team has won an LDCC mixed-gender league – a terrific achievement and a significant milestone. The Amazons have played positive, confident cricket throughout the season, showing that girls cannot only play cricket but excel at it and have created history in the process.
JJM Services
The Club would like to say a huge thank you to JJM Services and Exports which is run by Matt Diggins (pictured back row, third from right). They kindly sponsored our U11s teams this year and this has been rewarded with a 3rd place finish by the Musketeers, a championship winning team in the Amazons, and a positive development trajectory for those who played in the Spartans. It is great to see the development of the U11s and we are lucky to have partners like JJM who support the Club. nnA huge thank you from everyone at Rainhill CC.