Double-Header for Women's Softballers

The I'Anson League got underway for the women's softballers at the weekend, with a double-header on Sunday.

Chargers vs Blackheath

On a classic British bank holiday Sunday - where the weather seemed to be flipping a coin between T-shirt weather and woolly jumper season - the cricketing summer began in earnest as Grayshott hosted Blackheath at the picturesque Broxhead ground.

Grayshott won the toss (yes that's right and not a typo!) and opted to field first, hoping the weather would stay on their side, or at least not actively against them.

Blackheath’s opening pair came out swinging - and connecting - racking up an impressive 47 runs, including 6 boundaries that had fielders doing their best impression of synchronised ball-retrieval. But then the tide began to turn, thanks to some sizzling bowling from Grayshott’s attack, particularly Al Grant, whose deliveries had more movement than a toddler on a sugar high. Wickets started to tumble, and Blackheath’s scoring rate slowed under the pressure of tight bowling and sharp fielding. After a strong start, Blackheath finished on 312.

After a quick break, Grayshott had their eyes set on chasing down the target. The first three pairs batted with solid intent, laying a sturdy foundation. That left the final pair with 40 runs to win - not exactly a walk in the park, but certainly not a trek through Mordor either.

With great communication, sharp running between the wickets, and some classy shots, the final pair gave it a good go, taking it down to the wire. In the end, Grayshott finished 11 runs short, a gallant effort that kept the spectators guessing and the scorers on their toes.

It was a cracking afternoon filled with cricketing camaraderie, sporting spirit, and enough cake to fuel an entire Test series. A big thank you to the supporters, umpires, scorers, and of course the bakers - without whom the game simply wouldn’t have tasted as sweet.

Strikers vs Headley, Whitehill & Bordon

The Strikers kicked off the cricket season with an exciting match away at Headly, featuring three enthusiastic new players: Ness, Britt, and Elly. The weather wasn’t quite as warm as we’d hoped, but spirits were high. After winning the toss, the Strikers chose to field first. Despite their best efforts and some solid fielding, a resilient batting partnership at the end of Headly’s innings helped them push their total up to 336.

The Striker's batting response started brilliantly, with Susie setting the tone early and smashing 22 runs, including three consecutive boundaries. The team kept the momentum going but ultimately fell just short, finishing on a commendable 300.

Post-match celebrations included some well-deserved bubbly and Kate’s delicious flapjacks, which went down a treat. We also had some enthusiastic four-legged fans on the sidelines—five dogs, including one utterly adorable puppy, adding to the cheer. A great start to the season, full of promise, fun, and team spirit.