The Petersfield Ladies 1st XI made a welcome return to league cricket after a three year absence as part of a W10/Ladies double header on Sunday, May 11th. They were welcomed by a beautiful day, a resplendent Heath ground and the addition of a newly qualified scorer in Eleanor Furse (excellent job Eleanor!).

Captain Izzy Russell lost the toss and Petersfield were asked to bat by an equally young Compton and Chandlers Ford side with the oldest player on either side being just 17. Izzy was accompanied to the crease by her younger sister Georgie in a repeat of their 4 season opening pairing. The Compton attack started well, bowling a consistent line and length but the Petersfield pair were soon into their usual stride with Izzy placing the ball and running well supported by some big hitting, including a very large six, from her younger sister, the 50 partnership quickly arrived. Izzy was the 1st to fall, playing around a swinging straight ball from Lorna Blomfield for 26 with the score on 75 after 8 overs and Georgie was then dismissed in the next over being well caught in the covers after a quick fire 36 from 24 balls including 6 four's and 1 six. This could have seen Petersfield wobble but Lily George and Milly Green quickly settled in, taking singles when they could and punishing anything on the leg side (see the attached picture!). Millie retired hurt after being overcome by the heat for a valuable 22 from 24 balls to be replaced by debutant Simone Hellyer. Simone and Lily continued to run well and when Lily was bowled for a quality run a ball 34 the effervescent Annie Burnell-Nugent (13) kept the run rate high and tested Simone's (15 not out) fitness with Petersfield posting 170 for 4 from their 25 overs.

Tea was taken and then Compton started their reply with Petersfield led by the pace attack of Holly Haynes, who had decided to take a break from her revision to play, and Georgie Russell. Wickets started to fall in the 2nd over with Russell yorking opener Erin Almond for 1, Haynes quickly followed suit bowling both the other Compton opener and their number 3 batter and when Georgie then got Medi Jeremiah to play on in the 6th over the writing was on the wall. Simone Hellyer was introduced with her off spin and took a wicket with her 1st and 3rd balls, the 2nd wicket well caught by skipper Russell standing up to the stumps leaving Fifi Goldsmith to take the 8th and last over of the Compton innings which closed when she cleaned bowled Compton captain Katie Bryant with the last ball of the over with the Compton score on 34 all out, a win for Petersfield by 136 runs.

Celebratory ice creams were then enjoyed by all, well played ladies and good luck to those who have exams starting this week.

Chris.