SEAFORD 2007

Well, once again the Sussex County Stoolball Association ordered sunshine for the Seaford Tournament, and got it! As always the sun shone all day and provided everyone with an enjoyable Sunday filled with some entertaining stoolball.

The early stages of the competition are group phases. All teams take part in a round robin competition within their group, each game consisting of four overs. Angmering were in a group with Meresfield, Clayton, Wealden and Mountfield.

Angmering eased through the Wealden and Clayton games, winning both games by the second over. These games showed some lovely batting ability from Melissa Mantle, Connie Chapman and Kelly Finneran.

The Meresfield game challenged both Angmering’s batting and fielding abilities. Meresfield set Angmering a large 73 runs target to beat in their four overs. Melissa dropped herself from the opening bat to allow Gill Hilliard and Laura Bull to take charge. They took the challenge and succeeded, hitting a much needed 25 off the first over. After the fall of the first wicket in only the second over, Melissa took up her place at the wicket and continued in good form. Still, Angmering needed thirteen off the last over to win. Our captain ensured the target was reached and hit 19 of the 23 runs scored in the final over.  The girls maybe felt a little too close for comfort!

Our fourth and final game of the group stages was against Mountfield, the team who had beaten us in the knock out cup the previous season. A win would ensure we continued into the semi-final of the competition. Angmering batted first, and Mountfield’s bowlers showed us why they were the Knock out cup champions in 2006. The whole of Angmering’s team were required to bat in this short game, I guess it must be said a true team effort! Karen Harmer valued her wicket and showed her steady approach with the bat. Karen and Rachel Lander saw out the last over and gained a much needed 21. We had 64 runs to defend, the least we had scored all day.

Mountfield came out with nothing to loose, they hit twelve off the first three deliveries, with what seemed no effort at all! However, Kelly Finneran hit back and took a wicket on her last ball of the over to dismiss the opener. A new bowler, and they still kept finding the boundary, another two fours were hit off the second over. They had 35 off two- well past the half way point! By this point the rumour that the defending champions, Angmering, were to be knocked out of the Seaford Tournament had circulated much of the ground. However, Melissa then demonstrated some fantastic captaincy skills taking a brave decision to bowl herself in the third over. The batsmen had shown they were not threatened by our fast bowlers, the question was: would they prefer Melissa’s slow bowling? This game would now go one way or the other. The decision proved vital, Melissa took two wickets and restricted the batsmen to only 6 off the over, but more importantly had managed to keep the opening batsmen off the strike. Some superb fielding by Angmering’s newest player, Hayley Sheppard supported Melissa’s fantastic over. Mountfield needed 24 off the last over to win. By this time the team realised that the game was within their grasp. Rachel Lander held her nerve and restricted them to only 13 off the final over, with only one boundary being scored.  

This game showed true team spirit and determination, I was so proud of the girls, we had worked so hard to win the group stage and progress into the semi final. The Mountfield game showed the supporters our true spirit and some fantastic individual performances by Karen, Rachel and of course, our Captain Melissa. 

The semi-final was against Stone Cross, a team we have experience of playing. This game allowed the chance for Laura Bull to find her batting ability again. Laura and Melissa hit an impressive 100 off four overs. The fours and sixes were huge and thoroughly meant. I think the last game had inspired the girls to get a large score. The fielding effort was just as impressive, restricting a good batting side to only 60 runs, 40 short of ours. The previous game seemed to have created a buzz within the team, and there was a real determination about every run being gained and stopping every run being conceded.  

The final of Seaford 2007 was between Horsted Keynes Stoolball club and ourselves. Horsted Keynes batted first. Angmering, once again demonstrated some fantastic fielding, attacking the ball and returning to the bowler quickly and effectively. Kelly Finneran’s first over resticted the opposition to only 8 runs and took one wicket; a good boundary catch from Connie Chapman. Rachel’s second over was similar, again one wicket and only nine runs scored, Gill Hilliard dismissed the opening batsmen with a quick reaction catch behind the wicket. Horsted Keynes finished on 45.

Consistent batting from Laura Bull and Melissa Mantle allowed Angmering to win the game in the third over. Our captain hitting a lovely, well placed six to end the chase. Angmering finished on 46 without loss and an over to spare.

On paper, Angmering had an easy route to final at Seaford. However, this was not the case. The Seaford tournament was won by the girls because of hard work and determination. Even when the odds were against us, we continued to fight back and it proved successful. The day was thoroughly enjoyable for both players and supporters a like; and the dip in the sea was a good finish to a great Seaford Tournament 2007. The team looks forward to next year!

Well done girls!