WAVERTREE GIRLS ARE HARDBALL LEAGUE WINNERS

Date: 7th October 2021

Inaugural competition set to grow next year.

The final day showdown to determine who would lift the Liverpool Comp Girls U15 Hardball League trophy was in jeopardy for most of the day last Sunday. Thankfully, the clouds were to lift and the patience of both camps were rewarded as the game was eventually able to get underway in the late afternoon.

Upton won the toss and chose to bat. The bowling from Wavertree was tight and incisive with the Wirral side thwarted in their attempt to establish a foundation and then look to gain momentum. Phoebe Sheriff and Martha Newnes top scored for Upton but the Wavertree girls, bowling as a unit, maintained pressure throughout and captured 15 wickets. Captain, Cassie Kennedy Nation finished with figures of 4 for 7, with fellow seamers Mia Jacob and Aoife Donohue, taking 3 for 1 and 3 for 3 respectively.

In reply, Wavertree scored 124 for 4 with notable contributions from Mia Jacob (28 off 15 balls) and Tara Scanlon (12 off 16 balls). Upton worked extremely hard in the field, supporting their bowlers - spearheaded by Phoebe Sheriff (4-0-16-1) and Olivia Harvey (4-1-10-1) - but there was too much ground to make up, and the points went to the home side.

The game was played in admirable spirit and the players came together at the end where the winning team were presented with their medals. The business concluded with Cassie Kennedy Nation, Wavertree captain, stepping forward to receive the trophy which she held proudly aloft.

The new competition had been keenly contested across the season between Hightown St Mary's, Rainhill, Tarleton, Wavertree and Upton. The clubs are to be highly commended in getting the games on with the challenge of Covid-19 isolations within schools severely impacting player availability. The clear enjoyment of the girls taking part provides much inspiration.