Winning my first toss of the season and choosing to bowl probably wasn’t everyone’s first choice in conditions that can only be described as hot as the surface of the sun, but we chase well, I had complete faith in our bowling attack… and didn’t we just prove that right!

Iris deserves a massive shout-out for making the epic five-hour train journey and essentially abandoning her family for the weekend and wow, did she make it worth it! An absolutely brilliant 4-0-18-3, and at just 15 years old, the maturity she showed was unbelievable. What a performance.

The tone for our fielding was set pretty early with a classic Liv two-knee slide from square leg to secure a wicket in the third ball of the innings. Liv, the work you put in every single week was on full display. You stayed calm, backed yourself and took that chance like it was nothing. Watching you grow into this chatty, confident young lady has been genuinely amazing.

And let’s not forget the opener at the other end, Susie, finishing with 4-0-16-1, including a highly prized wicket! She also decided she might as well do everything herself, taking a brilliant low caught-and-bowled to seal it. Again, only 16 years old and showing nerves of absolute steel.

Then came the bowling changes, bringing in the calm five-step walk-in of Anna, bowling her line and length and skidding it on, alongside the left-arm charging-in-at-full-speed express deliveries of Amber. Both rewarded with wickets.

For 19 overs, we also had the pleasure of watching Chins doing Chins things behind the stumps, driving the energy, keeping everyone going and providing the soundtrack from behind the wicket. You are, as always, our on-pitch cheerleader… and we absolutely love it.

A massive shout-out to Ellie, Kay, Violet and Mils for being brilliant in the field and keeping that energy going. Every run saved, every shout, every bit of encouragement, it all mattered.

And then there was the batting…

What can I say? We like making people sweat.

Anna went full Geoffrey Boycott, putting together a very solid 18 off 53 balls.

Then, after Chins was out LBW for 15, Amber strode in and decided she fancied a bit of chaos, smashing 49 off 35 balls. And then, just to keep everyone’s heart rate up, refusing a few singles before getting herself out LBW.

Before we knew it, we had gone from 94-1 to 94-4.

At this point, we needed THREE to win.

Three.

One boundary.

That’s it.

But why make it easy when you can make your captain age approximately 14 years in 30 seconds?

In strides Kay, carrying the same bat that had already scored 49 in the game. Dot ball. Dot ball.

And then…

BOOM. Through midwicket for four.

Game. Set. Absolute scenes.

Every single person contributed yesterday. Whether it was with bat, ball, in the field, behind the stumps, from the sidelines, or simply keeping everyone going, this was a proper team performance.

And I really hope every single one of them enjoyed it as much as I did, because I genuinely loved every minute, maybe not the mini batting collapse bit.

Thank you to our travelling support, Somerset Cricket Foundation for organising the day and allowing us the opportunity to play at Taunton, and to Wembdon for being fantastic opponents in a great game of women's cricket.

I am so incredibly proud to captain the Belles. Watching them back themselves, support each other, work hard and, most importantly, enjoy playing together is what it’s all about.

What a day. What a team.

If you are interested in playing Women's or Girl's cricket and want to get involved with the victorious Bedminster Belles, we always welcome new players from ages 9-99, get in touch with Rachel Witcombe who can give you more details.