Having started a girls cricket academy in 2022 they entered their first Surrey U11s softball league this year. Tuesday 9th May was their first ever match and they won by six runs!

Eight girls (aged 9-11) from Dorking played opposition Horsley and Send at Westhumble Playing Fields in a sunny spell between thundery showers. Most of the team had never played before and had only trained together twice.

Batting first, Dorking managed to chalk up 67 runs with some good running between the wickets and a couple of lovely leg-side boundaries from the opening pair. Sensibly leaving any wide balls to earn two runs each, they only lost one wicket all innings (a beautiful bowl from Horsley). But with the score easily reachable by a more experienced team, who came in and looked comfortable at the crease, the game was in the balance. Some excellent bowling from beginners Dorking kept the second innings tight. A clean bowl from a brand new player, plus outstanding fielding from the Captain running three people out by hitting a single stump gave a total of four wickets (each costing the batting side five runs): victory was in sight…

As the weather closed in, Dorking held their nerve and delivered an excellent final over to secure the win: 67 for 1 to 61 for 4. Girls cricket coach and manager Sarah Billiald said "I couldn't be prouder of this team, most have never played before; all batted, bowled and fielded with energy and skill; and the wicket taking was incredible. My thanks to Horsley and Send Cricket Club for being such friendly opposition and making it a close and enjoyable match".

For more information on girls cricket in Dorking e mail girlscricket@dorkingcc.co.uk