CHELMSFORD Cricket Club’s women’s and girls section have finished as regional runners-up in a national competition.

The team - known as the Willows - reached the last eight of the U13 Lady Taverners Cup.

Chelmsford had a walkover in the first round against Colchester & East Essex before defeating Hutton by 46 overs in the second round.

The Willows posted 147-2 thanks to strong batting from Imogen Hill, Akshadha Nikam and Mollie Tuff before restricting a Hutton team containing several Essex to 101-5 thanks to disciplined bowling and fielding.

That set up a third round tie against North London CC, where Chelmsford posted 130 all out, with Emily Thorpe hitting 42 and Imogen Hill 28.

Maia Harris - who had scored nearly 200 runs in the previous rounds - anchored the North London reply with 32 but the Willows bowled out their rivals for 87 for a 43-run win.

The regional final was played in south London against a strong Spencer CC team.

Chelmsford again batted first but were unable to set the defendable target they were hoping, posting 85, with Akshadha Nikam contributing 38.

Maddy Blinkhorn-Jones had anchored many of Spencer’s innings in earlier rounds but she was bowled by Darcie Cleaver off the third ball.

The loss of their star player stunned Spencer but they rallied and an unbeaten 32 from fellow opener Alice Eltringham helped them to victory.

For more information on the Willows email chelmsfordwillows@gmail.com.