Downham Stow women cricketers shine at Dereham softball festival against Snettisham and Bradenham

The Downham Stow women’s squad travelled to Dereham to take part in a softball festival against the hosts, Snettisham and Bradenham.

After being so close to victories at their last festival, they were keen to make their mark.

Batting first in game number one, the ladies took total command with the combination of M Flitney and A Hoskins setting the standard with an opening score of 33 not out.

The shots kept coming and most importantly the ladies protected their wicket to lose no runs. The mother/daughter combination of A Bruce and J Bruce closed the innings, leaving Snettisham to chase an impressive target of 276.

Downham Stow’s bowling remained tight and an early wicket from L Mann kept the pressure on Snettisham.

Going into the final two overs, the opposition needed 28 to win, but K Neaves and M Flitney’s bowling was solid, taking a wicket apiece they limited Snettisham to 267 as Downham Stow won the game by nine runs.

With spirits high, the ladies attacked their second game and it was clear they were taking no prisoners.

Bowling first this time against Dereham, the Downham Stow fielders were unstoppable.

The catches kept coming and the commitment of all players was clear as an impressive eight wickets fell and Downham Stow went into bat in a very strong position.

The girls played sensible cricket as they kept it safe and the combination of A Bruce and F Matthews ended the innings with an impressive 27 runs including three sixes as Downham Stow won the game 264-195.

The final game was always going to be tight as Bradenham had previously beaten Downham Stow on the previous three occasions.

But this time there was no stopping Downham Stow as, after a wobbly start, the girls settled and worked hard with the bat to rack up 261.

They knew they had to keep their heads as they took to the field as Bradenham have some very strong batters.

But the bowling and catches of mother and daughter pair L Page and H Page-Heyes proved too much for the opposition.

Closing the innings, M Broad’s impressive series of dot balls secured the game for Downham Stow 261-234.

All in all it was an incredible day for Downham Stow – just six months ago there wasn’t a women’s squad and they have now finally reaped the rewards of all their hard work.

Huge thanks to David Grady for his time and patience coaching the squad who have come far in such a short space of time.

The Under 11 girls at Downham Stow certainly ‘sparkled’ as they took part in their third festival at Ely CC.

With a mixture of players, including C Ayres who was playing in her very first game, the girls worked well for each other and supported their team-mates every step of the way.

Playing against Ely in the first game, Downham Stow bowled first and, with a little bit of support, were able to deliver all eight overs.

Ely batted well and showed their experience by finding the gaps where they could.

The Downham Stow girls then went in to bat and were helped by some beautiful deliveries from Ely allowing both A Skeffington and T Bagge to really slog the ball.

The game was played with excellent spirit and it was lovely to see the help and support that the Ely players provided the Downham Stow girls.

In their second game, Downham Stow were clearly much more focussed and they showed great improvement.

Tidy bowling from E Griffin and her partner in crime Molly set the standard but the Chippenham girls were just too strong.

Despite some speedy fielding from Downham Stow, the opposition’s experience showed and they took the game.

The whole festival was played with great spirit and everyone had a thoroughly enjoyable time.

Once again, it’s great to see so many girls getting involved with cricket and improving with every game.