A very professional display in the Finchley gloom

We were all done by just after 7pm, but actually the game had been won long before that as North Middlesex's bowlers destroyed a young and inexperienced Finchley batting order. Jasmine was first up and bowled fast and straight. Brilliantly Finchley's stumps light up when they get knocked off and twice we enjoyed a mini fireworks display as Jasmine rattled the timbers. Lakeesha started at the other end and first ball she too grabbed a wicket. Even when Finchley did manage to lay a bat on the ball they got into trouble, Izzy swooping in from mid-wicket to effect a very smart run out. Finally Amani administered the coup de grace, ending with two in two including a smart caught behind from Jacqui.

I was so proud. I hope the girls know how effective and professional they were. They were also sporting and respectful.

At the back of my mind was a similar game last year when I was u15 manager. Unfortunately the boot was on the other foot that year, and we got shot out for about 15. This was sweet revenge.

Alexie and Diya opened the batting and made short work of seeing off the runs. Finchley had a handy opening bowler, whom they treated with respect, but they saw us home before the drizzle and the gloom got the better of us.

The girls who did not actually get a chance today to bat, bowl or achieve something glorious in the field should know that they definitely contributed to our auspicious aura. They will get their chance. We win as a team.