Having won the West division of the Surrey Smash It League, Tilford CC's new women's team qualified to play in the Surrey Finals Day at Farncombe CC. With fast paced matches of 8 overs-a-side and a round robin format, the pressure was on.

Ottershaw, Reigate Priory, and Overton Park (a club founded for women and girls only) were the other qualifiers. Inexplicably, Ottershaw failed to turn up so Tilford were given a walkover for the first scheduled game. With nerves in overdrive, the team used the time wisely to check out their opponents. Reigate were set 44 to win but were handsomely beaten by Overton, a team that boasted a couple of excellent spin bowlers who took 4 wickets between them in their 4 overs.

First up for Tilford were Reigate. Yet again skipper Annabel won the toss (all but one toss won this season!) and thanks to an excellent all round bowling effort from the Two Jo's (Cochrane and Hendrikson) and nimble fielding from Steph, Liv and Cheryl, Reigate were restricted to 38. It was a target easily within our compass but made harder by a couple of high risk calls between the wickets that cost us 5 runs. However, Emily put bat to ball effectively and the middle pairs played sensible low-risk cricket until our final pair stepped to the crease. With a couple of lusty blows, Flora sealed the win for Tilford.

So, it was on to Overton Park in what had become a straight shoot out for the cup. There was a general sense among onlookers that we were the underdogs going into the final but these spectators hadn't detected the steely resolve of the TCC women. If there's one thing that has been a feature of their success this year, it is that they really play as a team. Constantly supportive of each other and tireless in the field, Tilford squeezed their batters dry. Fast work from Liv caused a run out. Steph took two catches as wicket keeper and we were safe under the high ball for further catches from the team. After 5 overs, Overton had only scored 5 runs (you lose 5 for every wicket lost). A few desperate blows at the end got them to 24. It was game on.

If we batted sensibly and saw off their dynamic spin duo we could knock the runs off the other 4 overs. The plan was executed to near perfection. First up, Lara and Jen did very well to limit the damage against their spin attack. The team went on to display a brilliantly disciplined batting performance, with some excellent running between the wickets, which got us home. Special mention goes to Jo C, who had the tough job of facing the last over against Overton's exceptionally strong bowler; a masterclass in defensive batting.

How far we've come since that first tentative training session at Edgeborough school; the energy in the room was undeniable but to go on and win the league.. I wouldn't have dared to hope! With natural sporting talent in abundance, a strong commitment to learn and under the inspirational captaincy of Annabel, an irresistible squad spirit has been forged.

And now here we are: Surrey Champions.