Magnificent 7 for Abi

A clear measure of the progress and inclusivity of the I'Anson League was demonstrated at the JCG on Saturday where four of Alton's Women team took the field against Kingsley 1st XI in the I'Anson Div 5 fixture. Despite ultimately coming second, the outstanding performance of the day came from Bath University Student Abi Green. A product of the Hampshire women and girls establishment, Abi ripped out the heart of the Kingsley line up moving the ball both ways seemingly at will. With 2 LBWs and 5 clean bowled it was a masterclass of attacking the stumps, with devasting impact ending up with a magnificent 7 for 38, the best bowling figures for a woman in the 120 year history of the I'Anson League.

Only Harding from Kingsley showed any intent to counter attack before he also had his off stump knocked back. With Josie Morris, also from Bath University, taking a wicket, Matt Jeffrey with a smart stumping, the women of Alton took 8 of the 9 wickets to fall. Adrian Trim picked up the other wicket as he ended with miserly figures of 1 for 11 of his 9 overs and Kingsley ended the innings on 143 for 9.

The visitors regrouped at tea and came out determined to show that they were not to be beaten. Skipper Matt Cooper led the way with 5 wickets of his own, Trim made 22 but it was not enough as Kingsley sealed a 43 run victory.

Whist the victory went to Kingsley the accolades went to Abi who along with the other women of Alton CC are leading the light for greater recognition and inclusivity in the game. Abi's performance came on the same day that best friend Gemma Porter made her debut for the Alton 1st XI in the SPL Div 1, another first for the women's section.