The Petersfield Ladies 1st XI made a slightly nervous trip to Portsmouth for their return to Division 2 of the Hampshire Ladies League following their double promotion of last season, their first return to this level since 2021.

Captain Izzy Russell won the toss and elected to field on a chilly day that gradually improved throughout. Opening strike bowlers Georgie Russell and Holly Haynes looked to continue where they left off from last year's unbeaten season and combine they did with Haynes removing Portsmouth opener Burgess, smartly caught low down by Russell at mid off, Russell then followed suit removing the off bail of the Portsmouth number 3, Marke, in the next over. When Russell then repeated the trick with an even better low catch at mid off from Haynes removing the Portsmouth captain Chan for 2 Portsmouth were in some trouble at 8 for 3. Petersfield took the opportunity to settle some nerves and cycle through their bowling attack. Fifi Goldsmith impressed with two wickets with her swing bowling and debutant Claudia Cottle took a wicket with her fourth ball leaving Portsmouth on 32 for 6. Penny Clarke, also on debut, came into the attack along with Emily Heapy who was playing up from the U13 side and both did not look out of place in a good bowling line up, both were well supported by the consistent Kate Harfield. Amelia Davies counter attacked well for Portsmouth hitting consecutive fours down the ground to show some resistance but when she was bowled by Lily George for 21 the returning Penny Clarke and Simone Hellyer worked through the tail, Simone's wicket to a 3rd catch by Georgie Russell before Russell herself returned with her spin option to finish the Portsmouth innings at 70 all out in 26.1 overs. All of the bowlers were well supported by Izzy Russell behind the stumps.

After a spitfire fly past which distracted the away umpire (which worked well with the nearby African drumming which accompanied the entire match) and a lovely tea provided by the opposition Petersfield decided to mix up the batting order and open with Claudia Cottle and Lily George. The first over of leg spin from Hampshire age group player Burgess was respectfully watched by George before Cottle attacked from the off in the style to which we have become accustomed in the winter nets. Her frequent lofted drives and powerful ground strokes supported so well by the solid batting and running of George soon put the result beyond doubt as Petersfield raced along at 8 an over for the first 7 overs, the only question being whether Claudia could reach her 50 on debut in time. With the scores level and needing 1 to win and 2 for her 50 Claudia hit the mid on fielder from the last ball of the over an took the single run sealing the victory for Petersfield by 10 wickets and leaving herself 49 not out to the dismay of her fantasy league owners.

We were all a little nervous today but this went as well as we could have hoped. Special mention to the entire team including those that made debuts, gave up some valuable revision time or stepped up in the case of Emily and Rachel Heapy, you made a coach very proud of you all today. Training is still on tomorrow night at 6pm though!

Chris.