Woodbridge (73-9) v Battisford (72)

On a sultry afternoon, Battisford won the toss and decided to bat on what looked to be a decent wicket. However, the home attack was soon sending batsmen back to the pavilion at an alarming rate, leaving Battisford on 12-6 with only 15 overs bowled. The ship was steadied somewhat by the partnership of Card and Everett who added 39 runs to the tally before being out lbw for 16 (Card) and bowled for 23 (Everett) in quick succession. The remaining batsmen picked up enough runs to end the innings on 72 all out, a far healthier score than looked possible at one stage and one which the team felt was entirely defendable.

The Woodbridge innings got underway with a strange feeling of déjà vu as wickets began to tumble cheaply. By the halfway stage, the comparative scores were practically identical and both teams knew they were in for a tight finish, certainly Woodbridge were not going to be allowed the easy win that they'd perhaps imagined. Wickets continued to fall as the score crept slowly towards the target but the home side eventually reached 73 for the loss of 9 wickets to take the win. As close a game as Easton away, 2007, but whilst the outcome might have been different, as Jane put it so eloquently, "We never gived up."

Cambridge NCI 278-2, Battisford 59

Having acquired an 11th player as we left the clubhouse, travelled to Cambridge on the hottest day of the year and negotiated seven floors of the multi storey car park opposite Parkers Piece, losing the toss and being forced to field confirmed that this wasn't necessarily going to be Battisford's day. Holly ably kept up the family tradition of top wicket keeping, Chloe demonstrated cat-like reactions and debutant Becca Wooding impressed with some brave, some might say kamikaze, fielding but the Cambridge attack was relentless as they stacked up a huge 278 runs. However, a good tea bouyed Battisford and they set out to bat. Maybe the hours in the scorching field had taken their toll but no-one managed to really establish a scoring partnership. With nine wickets down, heavy rain looked to have brought the game to an early close but a short break in the deluge was all that Cambridge needed to ensure they wrapped up the match. Big thanks to Chloe who had envisiged a pleasant stroll around Cambridge with an ice cream before being persuaded to play!

Woodbridge Tournament 2008

Battisford (54) v Woodbridge (47)

Battisford opened batting with Debbie 'big hits' Munro taking first strike- exceptional innings followed from Mrs Munro who had to retire at 28, the go large shouts from the crowd leading to 5 fours. Natalie Samuels backed up the score well with 13 and a credible short appearance from Lois 'Mansy' Mansfield who was not out too!

There followed an incredible performance in the field and bowling with Ellie 'I don't like Tunnocks' Crame taking a wicket with her second ball. The next wicket was that of an ex Battisford playing being caught out by the wicket keeper. The entire order bowlind well keeping Woodbridge controlled. A satisfying performance celebrated with the first bottle of bubbly!

Battisford (59) v Cambridge (48)

Fresh from victory over Woodbridge, Battisford lost the toss but were sent in to bat first, the first of Cambridge's mistakes. Lois opened with Ellie 'i don't understand no' Crame - keen paced running between stumps led to Lois M 22, not out, and artificial respiration after the innings. Debbie fell on her sword at 4 caught, Saskia W carving out an impressive 12 not out despite barracking from the scorer (her mum).

What can be said about Battisford during fielding and bowling? During her debut bowling stint, Jane 'take it on the leg' Doughty gave a credible showing with the ball, but is currently researching prosthetic limbs. Anna Jarrold, having recieved expert tuition, took a fiendish wicket dismissing Cambridge's best batswoman. The fielding was tight leading to Battisford's second victory.

Ipswich (184-4) v Battisford (62)

Battisford went out to field with a good feeling after Ipswich had been defeated for the first time in the league during their previous match. Considering the experience and depth of the Ipswich team, the ladies fielded well keeping Ipswich to a score that Battisford knew they could challenge playing at their best.

However, during Battisford's batting innings, the strength of the Ipswich bowlers proved to be too much and wickets started to fall in quick succession. The likes of Deborah and Linzi started to show the true strength of the Battisford Batters but, unfortunately, no-one could get settled at the crease. Battisford were all out for 62 and although they showed glimpses of excellent team play, Ipswich worked for and deserved the win.

Battisford (105) v Woodbridge (106-7)

Battisford went in to bat first and, despite the opposition's bowling leaving much to be desired, put a defendable score on the board.

After the lunch break, Battisford went out on to the pitch with a postive mind and set an attacking field. The team put up a tough fight but when a Woodbridge batting pair got settled at the crease the game started to slip through Battisford's fingers. During the dying overs, Woodbridge crept into the lead making what would be a frustrating loss for Battisford.

Easton (132-6) v Battisford (171-4)

Battisford started their season playing Easton, the last team they faced during the 06/07 season. There was a shaky start to batting, with Battisford losing a wicket during the first over, bringing Bell in earlier than she was ready for! Despite this, the pair of Bell and Mansfield forged what seemed to be an unbreakable partnership, creating a great start for Battisford. Samuels and Munro later came in and continued the same form giving Battisford a score of 171 to defend.

The second innings proved to be just as successful for Battisford, with essential wickets being taken and all round great team work. Easton played brilliantly and put up a great fight but Battisford managed to restrict them to 132, giving the pink ladies their first victory of the season.