Almond Cracks It as Ladies 1st XI Bridge the Gap to Victory!

Sunshine and software-smooth batting were the order of the day at home as our Ladies 1st XI squeezed the life out of a spirited Stalybridge chase to secure a 14-run victory. Batting first, Charlesworth posted a formidable 109/4, anchored by a blistering 26 from Laura Almond, who treated the Stalybridge attack with all the respect of a hungry badger in a bin bag, smacking four boundaries in just 16 balls. Laura Heslop (10), Jill Metcalfe (6), and the dynamic duo of Leanne Urquhart and Kerry Fletcher (5 apiece) kept the scoreboard ticking over nicely to set a stiff target. Stalybridge’s reply was stifled from the off by a masterclass in accurate bowling. Grace Pierce was the undisputed star with the cherry, ripping through the visitors to claim 3-18. Despite some resistance from Danielle Wheeler (13) and Rachael Messham (11), the required rate climbed higher than the pavilion bar prices. Kelly Brownhill (1-24), Laura Brownhill (1-13), and the multi-talented Danielle Wheeler (1-18) all chipped in to ensure Stalybridge finished on 95/5. A clinical performance all round, really—proving that while Stalybridge might have the bridge, we’ve certainly got the better foundations!