A belated start to TCC ladies’ season saw a visit from Hampton, unbeaten in the Cambs and Hunts league since its formation, and looking to avenge last year’s thrilling tied match.

Thriplow’s opening pair Freya Watrasiewicz and Lucy Duncan started briskly and by the half way stage had built up a commanding score of 64-0. However, Lucy’s dismissal for 21 was soon followed by the departure of Rachel Howe, Trinity Hales and Freya (25) and at 67-4 Thriplow’s innings had stalled. However, Zoe Barkes and Lara Neild (15) did some rebuilding and Thriplow finished their 20 overs on 96-8.

Hampton also had a solid start, exceeding the required rate whilst keeping wickets intact. After Odette Abbasi’s breakthrough, bowling Zoe Berryman for 17, Nicky Flanagan and Jo Knell pushed on and threatened to reach their target with time to spare. Some challenging bowling by Lara Neild was met with firm resistance until Knell was trapped lbw by one that nipped back, and then Neild’s direct hit ran out Heidi Walton after a calling mix up. Flanagan was then obliged to retire after reaching 30 with an exquisite square drive, leaving Hampton needing 12 to win off the last 3 overs but with two new batters at the crease. Annabel Follows completed an excellent spell with a wicket maiden, and a much tidier over by Watrasiewicz returned a wicket for only one run - suddenly Hampton needed 11 off the last.  Hales kept calm under pressure and bowled Lauren Burns off the final ball, with a six required to win.

Calm heads and persistence in sweltering conditions for bowling and fielding had seen a very young Thriplow side to a deserved win – with hopefully more to come later in the month.