AKS girls are proving themselves a force to be reckoned on the local cricket scene as the U13 & U15 teams claimed their respective Wyre & Fylde Cricket Cups.
It was a sensational day of cricket at AKS U15 girls squad put on a masterful display to win all three of their matches and claim the prestigious Wyre and Fylde Cup on home soil.
The opening match set a fantastic tone for the day as we faced a strong challenge from Hodgson U15 Girls. Bowling first, the girls restricted Hodgson to 63 runs in their 10 overs. Sadie A was in sublime form with the ball, picking up two wickets for just 9 runs off her two overs, while Connie F bowled economically to claim one wicket for 4 runs. Every bowler played their part, keeping the pressure high with Sophia T and Aoife K each conceding just 4 runs from their overs. In response, our chase was anchored by a superb, unbeaten 20 runs from Sadie A. Despite losing early wickets, Aoife K stepped up under pressure with a crucial, composed 12 not out, steering AKS to a total of 70 runs and a hard-fought opening victory.
The momentum carried directly into the second match against Rossall U15 Girls. Batting first this time, the team put on an excellent display to post a formidable total of 83 runs. Alyssa W led the charge with a brilliant 17 runs, and Charlotte R batted aggressively for a quickfire 13. Aoife K and Kathryn S provided vital lower-order stability, both finishing not out to maximise our total. Defending the score was a collective fielding effort, highlighted by an exceptional run out executed by Louisa B. Evie G bowled beautifully to claim a wicket, and Sadie A struck again with another wicket. Rossall fought hard but were held to 77 runs, securing a close but well-deserved win for the hosts.
The final fixture against St Bedes cemented our tournament victory in emphatic style. Our bowling unit was absolutely clinical, ripping through the opposition to restrict St Bedes to just 45 runs. Sadie A again produced an astonishing spell of bowling, taking three wickets for a solitary run in her single over. Thea P, Connie F and Sophia T bowled with great accuracy to pick up a wicket each, supported by an incredible maiden over from Sienna K and sharp fielding that saw Charlotte R claim a catch and execute a run out. Our batters chased down the target comfortably, finishing on 75 runs. Sadie A retired not out on 13, Alyssa W contributed a solid 10, and Connie F retired not out on 9 to seal the perfect ending to the tournament.
With three wins the team were crowned Wyre & Fylde U15 Cricket Champions and captain Aoife Kerr received the trophy. This tournament victory is the culmination of immense dedication, hard work and development through a rigorous training programme, beginning in the depths of winter . The commitment of the entire squad was fully rewarded in a tournament where every single member of our fourteen-strong squad got the opportunity to both bat and bowl, making this a true team triumph.
The U13 girls made it a Cup double as they too proved too strong for all the opposition to lift the trophy. In the group stages we faced Hodgson, Millfield and Cardinal Allen. Strong batting performances throughout the day saw AKS consistently score over 70 runs from their 10 overs, while disciplined fielding and bowling ensured victories in all three matches.
These impressive performances secured a place in the cup final against Rossall School. In a highly competitive and intense final, AKS won the toss and elected to field first. Excellent bowling from Kaitlyn H, Amelie Y, Neve A and Penny A restricted Rossall to 73 runs, setting AKS with their biggest chase of the day.
AKS responded superbly with the bat. Contributions came from across the squad, with Penny A and Winnie v R both retiring on 20 runs before returning to the crease for the final two overs. The match went right down to the wire, with a nail-biting finish seeing AKS reach the target of 74 with just three balls remaining to be crowned Wyre & Fylde U13 champions.