Norfolk Ladies in a class of their own to win league title

Norfolk Ladies won their final match of the season at Cambridgeshire and Hunts Ladies to remain undefeated in The Royal London Women's Championship Division Four North-East and secure the title in the process.

Going into the match the ladies knew that five bonus points would be sufficient but a fourth league win was always the objective.

Batting first, runs were hard to come by on a wet wicket and very slow outfield.

There were useful contributions from Rachel Chettleburgh (15), Emily Woodhouse (19) and Robyn Edge (18) but the innings highlight was a quick-fire 31 from Lauren Hemp and whilst a score of 127 all out was perhaps a little short it was always going to be competitive.

From the moment Lauren Hemp took a wicket with her first ball the home batsmen were always up against it and so it proved in a race against time to secure victory with the weather closing in.

Cambridge finished 45 all out in 22.4 overs with Emily Woodhouse finishing things in fine style with three wickets in four balls. All the bowlers did well – Bethany Harmer (2-7), Hemp (2-9) and Candy Cornelius (1-6) were the other wicket takers, backed up by some excellent fielding with two run-outs and two fine catches by Aimee Palmer.

A delighted coach Tom Davies was quick to praise all the players for an excellent season – the reward for all their hard work over the winter period. 'Division three cricket next season will be a huge challenge with the greater number of fixtures and travelling involved but I am confident that our young team will continue to develop and not be over-awed against the stronger opponents,' said Davies.