What a season it was for Frensham Ladies, full of grit, growth, and glorious moments. Whether we were smashing boundaries, taking stunning catches, or cheering from the sidelines, every one of the team contributed to the spirit and success of the team. A highlight of the season came when I was welcomed to play alongside the men against the Vancouver tourists. This just reinforces how far women’s cricket is coming along at Frensham.

We kicked off the season on 4th May against Peper Harow, setting a competitive 244. Though they chased it down with 299, we saw flashes of brilliance; Ash’s 3 wickets, Julie’s one-handed catch, and a team full of promise. It was a match that reminded us why we love this game: talent, determination, and fair play all rolled into one.

Over the next two games, we were inching closer to that win. Every batting pair contributed, and ran those singles like pros. Tamsin took a debut wicket, Amanda and Rosie kept it in the family, and Laura’s catch off Roz’s bowling was a beauty. We continued tightened our bowling, focused on line and length, we were close to a win, but cricket is a game of small margin and large bruises!

Then came the breakthrough! Our first win of the season, and what a win it was: 300/3 against The Bourne’s 259/5. Orla top-scored, Roz and Tamsin were lightning between the stumps, and Tanya’s striking was sensational for just her second game. Roz, Nicki, and Tamsin took key wickets, and despite taking a knock to the head I managed to get a wicket the following ball.

Away to Farncombe Fernettes, where we battled hard. Sophie and Nareem made strong debuts, Georgina and Laura stepped up with the ball, and Tamsin’s commitment lip injury and all was nothing short of heroic. We matched them for wickets and despite having them 2 down for 0 in the first over and my best return of 3 wickets and maiden they found the boundary more often. Still, we held our heads high.

And then, a performance for the history books. A scorching 336 without loss against Grayshott’s 297/3. Julie, take a bow: 5 fours and a strike rate of 176.92! Roz and Holly joined the boundary fest, and everyone batted with judgement and finesse. Holly’s bowling economy was superb, Laura’s catch off Nicki’s bowling was sharp, and we earned praise from the lads who came to support. In blistering heat, we delivered a masterclass.

Then onto our penultimate match vs Farncombe Wanderers, shoutout to Nicki for stepping up as captain while I was living my best life at Latitude Festival! Both Jo & Melissa making their debut and smashing it to the boundaries like pros, Jo even bagged herself a wicket! Georgina took a cracking catch, and Roz & Orla bowled like legends. No win, but we bounced through it literally, thanks to the trampoline-like Astro!

Our last game against Liphook was a bit of wash out, but we still secure some much-needed league points!

Throughout the season, we’ve grown not just as cricketers but as a team. We’ve celebrated debuts, embraced challenges, and built a culture of encouragement and excellence. To our umpire Bridger thank you. To our scorers Mark, Michala and Julie, thank you. And to our loyal supporters, family, friends, and fellow players you’ve spurred us on every step of the way.

Our Player of the season went to Laura! No one has optimised the spirit of our campaign more this season, working on every element of her game, with the bat, the ball and most importantly the gloves. Extra sessions in the nets, investing in gear she needed, improvements in every single game which converted to some stunning catches, the saving of many an extra and smart work when there was even a hint of a stumping.

We raise a glass to the wins, the near wins, the bruises, the boundaries, and the brilliant people who make this team what it is. Here’s to more victories, continuing to get more women into the game and more importantly our first European tour next year!

Helen Adam, Frensham Ladies Captain