Newport Cricket Club’s U15 Girls team continued their winning run in the Lady TaverrnersU15 National T20 Cup, beating Bristol Phoenix U15 Girls in the Wales & South West Zone Final to gain a place in the UK National Finals.

Newport have had a difficult draw in the Wales & South West of England Zone of the Lady Taverners National T20 Cup, being drawn away in every round. However, having already beaten Plympton (Plymouth), Ipplepen (Newton Abbot) and Tarka (North Devon) the team travelled to Bristol in confident mood. Newport put into bat got off to a disastrous start losing both openers in the first 2 overs to slump to 2-2. With the Bristol Girls completely on top, Nicole Reid and Ella Reed began to rebuild the innings, first seeing off the opening bowlers and then increasing the run rate expertly.  In an excellent 3^rdwicket partnership of 143, Ella Reed top scored with 71no (11 fours), with Nicole Reid scoring 46no, to take Newport to a very good 145-2 total at the end of their allotted 20 overs.

In reply, Bristol lost early wickets slipping to 17-4 with Rose Evans taking 3-11. The strength in depth of the Newport bowlers never allowed Bristol to recover and they were restricted to 64-5, to leave Newport Girls comfortable winners by 81 runs, with all bowlers Nicole Reid, Charlotte Scarborough, Christina Shaw,Izzy Berry and Thea Huckle bowling well.

Newport now take their place at the UK National Finals Day at Leamington Spa, on Sunday, September 8th, where they will play against the other UK Regional winners - Walmley (Midlands), Banbury or Freeland (Home Counties) and Ansty (London& South). Having been runners up in 2011 as U13’s, Newport will be hoping to go one better this time and become UK U15 National Champions.

Squad :- Izzy Berry (Capt), Tabby Attwood, Sophie Bignell, Sian Carrel, Laura Dixon, Rose Evans, Thea Huckle, Georgia Parfitt, Ella Reed, Nicole Reid, Christina Shaw, Charlotte Scarborough