Drawn in the ‘Group of Death’ alongside Bradford Park Avenue (2024 League Champions) and North Leeds, it would need something special from whichever team made it through to the final.

Group game 1 v Bradford Park Avenue

Bradford Park Avenue won the toss and chose to field. Early movement greeted the batters, but we capitalised on loose deliveries and extras to post a competitive 126-5 in just 16 overs thanks to an aggressive foundation from opener Sophie Jacobson, who retired on 32 from 26 balls (with six 4s), and Rachael Jones who anchored the middle order with a well-paced 27 off 27 deliveries, while Maggie Lindsay’s late cameo of 17 off 12 kept the scoreboard ticking. Bradford Park Avenue managed only 82-6 in their 16 overs, never quite finding momentum against disciplined bowling. Charlotte Norris the pick of our bowlers claiming 2-9 in 3 overs.

Group game 2 v North Leeds

North Leeds won the toss and elected to field. We capitalised immediately, posting 110-5 in our allotted 16 overs. Opener Sophie Jacobson starred again with a whirlwind 34 retired not out off just 19 balls (with four 4s and two 6s), while fellow aggressor Rachael Jones also retired on 31 from 36 deliveries (with three 4s and two 6s). Holly Cowper’s quickfire 15 ensured the score kept climbing, aided by 16 extras. In reply, North Leeds fell 5 short as regular wickets halted momentum. Lauren Manley (2-18) and Holly Cowper (2-21) struck early, supported by Steph Robinson (1-14), Maggie Lindsay (1-17), Hollie Newsome (1-6), and Charlotte Norris (1-23).

With two wins from our two group games, we qualified for the final and earned a break whilst Bradford Park Avenue and North Leeds played their dead rubber.

Archer Cup Final v Crossflatts

Crossflatts won the toss and opted to bat. Their top order struggled against a disciplined attack, folding for just 76 in 15.1 overs. Our bowlers shared the wickets, with Player of the Final, Maggie Lindsay (2-12) taking two wickets in the first over of the innings to set the tone for the bowlers. Holly Cowper (2-9), Steph Robinson (1-22), Lauren Manley (1-10), and Charlotte Norris (1-10) all chipped in, while sharp fielding contributed three run outs. Chasing a modest target, we raced to 79-2 in just 7.5 overs, sealing a comfortable 8 wicket victory. Sophie Jacobson torched the bowling with a rapid 30 retired not out from 15 balls (with six 4s), setting the tone for an emphatic chase. Rachael Jones (17 from 12) and Caitlin Byrne (14 from 9) saw us over the line.

The performances throughout the day demonstrated the depth and firepower that has defined this season, and nobody can argue that we didn’t deserve to retain the Archer Cup.

Thank you to everyone who came along to support the team, including the family members who travelled hours to be there. We know it was worth it.

What a fantastic day of cricket (and celebrations)!