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Success for St Albans in the Soroptimist Audrey Collins Under 14 Girls Cricket League

While England’s men were battling it out in the final of the Cricket World Cup in June, St Albans Soroptimists Helen Byrne and Barbara Saunders (pictured here either side of the team with Helen on the left and Barbara on the right) were at Knebworth Cricket Club, supporting the under 14 girls playing their League final for the Audrey Collins Cup and Shield. after a summer of hard-fought matches. This season has been successful with regular matches at local clubs and several Festivals for the enthusiastic girls. The final was played in good spirits between St Albans and Bishop’s Stortford but St Albans had the competitive edge and won the match.

There was lots of enthusiasm and skill on display from both teams, but good length bowling from the Bishop Stortford girls gave St Albans batters a chance to hit out, find the boundaries and score more runs. Helen presented the Soroptimist Audrey Collins Under 14 Girls Cricket League Shield and Cup to a very happy St Albans team (see pic) – the first time they have won! Bishop’s Stortford were runners up for the second time after joining the league last year. Thus, eight years after Audrey Collins legacy inspired our club to support girls’ cricket as a foundation for personal development, good health and team work, the League is in good shape. Many thanks also go to the parents and volunteers at the local cricket clubs who arrange all the matches and ensure the girls get to the grounds on time!

News travels and good news travels fast! Sue Merrill of SI Kidderminster was messaging Soroptimists about the result. A justifiably proud grandmother, her grand-daughter Jessica Cowen is captain of the St Albans Under 14 Team and apart from receiving the Shield and Audrey Collins Cup on behalf of her team, she also received the players’ player award. Inspiring leadership and a being great role model for her team-mates are characteristics Audrey as a teacher, England cricketer and Soroptimist appreciated.

To read more about our support and Audrey Collins involvement in the Club and her cricketing career please click on this link www.sigbi.org/st-albans/projects/cricket