The Grass roots game in Gloucestershire is celebrating a truly historic achievement after Apperley Cricket Club U15 Girls triumphed in the ECB U15 Girls National Cup, securing the prestigious title at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground. This remarkable victory marks a significant milestone, not only for the club but also for the county of Gloucestershire, with many of the players representing Gloucestershire County Girls pathway. Their success has been nothing short of extraordinary, and their journey to Lord’s has captured the interest of the county.
A Dominant Journey to Lord’s
The road to Lord’s for Apperley U15 Girls was filled with moments of brilliance, teamwork, and determination. It began with a bye in Round 1, followed by a commanding home win in Round 2 against local neighbours Hatherley & Reddings. Apperley’s batters showed their dominance early, posting 176/2, with Megan scoring a superb 76 not out, supported by Millie with 40 and Lucy with 25 not out. The bowling attack was equally impressive, bowling the opposition out for just 28, with Seren, Emily, and Rona each taking two wickets.
In Round 3, Apperley faced Cheltenham, another home fixture. Cheltenham set a modest target of 98/6, with Seren taking 3 wickets and Lucy claiming 2. The chase was swift, as Lucy’s brilliant 66 not out, including 14 boundaries, alongside Lily Rutt’s 26, ensured victory within 15 overs.
Round 4 saw Apperley take on Falkland at home, where Falkland set a target of 101/6. Millie’s 3 wickets and Rona’s 2 helped restrict the visitors, and Apperley comfortably chased the total in 14 overs, with Megan continuing her stellar form, scoring 62 not out and Lucy adding 22 to the total.
In the regional semi-final, Apperley were set to face Odiham & Greywell, but the opposition conceded, sending the team through to the regional final against Taunton Deane.
Regional Final Drama and National Semi-Final Glory
The regional final against Taunton Deane proved to be one of the most exciting matches in Apperley’s journey. Losing the toss once again, Apperley bowled first and restricted Taunton Deane to 127 all out, with Seren and Rona each taking two wickets and Bea pulling off a stunning run-out. Despite losing early wickets, Lily’s composed 20 set the foundation for a memorable partnership between Seren and Charlotte. Seren’s 48 not out and Charlotte’s 24 not out guided Apperley to victory in 16 overs, securing their place in the national semi-final.
In the national semi-final against Dulwich at Wokingham Cricket Club, Apperley’s bowlers produced another outstanding performance. Lucy’s 5 overs yielded 2 wickets for just 19 runs, while Bella bowled 2 overs for 1 wicket and only conceded 6 runs. However, it was captain Millie who stole the show, bowling 5 overs for 1 wicket and giving away just 14 runs at a remarkable economy rate of 2.8. With the bat, Megan and Lily ensured there was no need for any middle-order contributions, with Lily scoring 23 from 28 balls and Megan smashing 71 off just 38 balls. Their clinical performance propelled Apperley into the final at the home of cricket – Lord’s.
Historic Victory at Lord’s
In the final, Apperley faced Ramsbottom Cricket Club, and it was here that their journey reached its peak. Apperley’s players, many of whom have represented Gloucestershire County Girls, showed remarkable skill, composure, and teamwork on the grandest stage. Their dominant display secured the ECB U15 Girls National Cup, marking an unforgettable day for the club.
This triumph was not only a testament to the talent within the Apperley squad but also reflected the strength of Gloucestershire girls’ county set up, with several players playing pivotal roles throughout the tournament. Their victory added a new chapter to the club and the county’s cricketing legacy and came on the same weekend that the Gloucestershire County Cricket Club secured their T20 Blast victory, making it a truly historic and silverware-filled weekend for the recreational and professional game.
A Proud Moment for Gloucestershire
The Gloucestershire Cricket Foundation and the entire county are immensely proud of Apperley Cricket Club U15 Girls for their extraordinary achievement. Their success at Lord’s will undoubtedly inspire future generations of cricketers, both at the club and county levels.
Congratulations to Apperley U15 Girls.