It was a rare sunny day in August when Ipplepen hosted Sidbury for the Under 18s Final, the first of it's type in the county. Sidbury won the toss and elected to field. With one player down, Ipplepen offered to field the gap, showing the game would be played within the spirit of cricket from the start. 

Ipplepen got off to a great start with Rosie Miller bowling Edie Humphries in the 3rd over. Naomi Hancock came to the crease and she was to be the player around which the innings would hold. Whilst players cam and went, Naomi remained at the crease and with 10 boundary 4s played in her innings, she eventually retired on 52 off 49 balls. With Naomi's immings and some unfortunate extras given by Sidbury, Ipplepen ended their 20 overs with a total of 127/5. 

Naomi leaves the field with her first 50 scored

 

Ipplepen went out to field with confidence, but Sidbury started well. However Sidbury knew they had a score to chase and took some risks with their shots, which paid off until Naomi Hancock took a great catch off her sister's bowling to dismiss the opener Rosise Miller. In fact, the Hancock name would dominate the bowling line up, with Tansy Kench being the only non Hancock bowler to take a wicket - but even that was from the most amazing catch from Libby Hancock! Sidbury could not find an anchor in their innings and with Rosie Miller top scoring with 23, they couldn't reach the target needed, falling short by 49 runs. 

A good game played in great spirit

 

Presentaion's saw Naomi take Manager's player for Ipplepen and Imogen Bagwell for Sidbury and the WOW! moment of the day was certainly the catch by Libby Hancock. 

Thanks to Ipplepen Cricket Club for hosting and congratualtions to them on their victory.