St Cross Symondians Women are national champions after defeating Dorridge by six wickets in the final of the ECB Women’s National Club T20 Cup at the Sir Paul Getty ground in Wormsley. The Winchester club secured the title with a composed chase, finishing on 138 for 4 after 17.2 overs in reply to Dorridge’s 135 for 8.
Second final win over Dorridge
This was St Cross’s second appearance in the final, having previously lifted the trophy in 2023, also against Dorridge. This time, however, their opponents were strengthened by the inclusion of former Wales player Gabby Basketeer and Warwickshire captain Georgia Davis, who played for England in ODIs in 2024.
Dorridge batted first and posted a competitive total of 135 for 8, a score that looked more challenging than it should have been after a slow start by the West Midlands side. Wilson (3 for 21) and Lawler (2 for 16), both bowling their full four overs, were the standout performers with the ball for St Cross.
Avoth and Moore anchor the chase
In their reply, St Cross suffered an early setback when Darcey Clarke, who had scored 82 in the semi-final win, was dismissed for just 2. However, the team rallied behind Alex Avoth’s 68 off 49 balls and teenager Emma Moore’s 30 off 27 deliveries to seal victory with 16 balls to spare.
The celebrations at Wormsley lasted for some time before continuing at the clubhouse in St Cross, where the Men’s 1st XI were also celebrating after beating Wimborne and then Finchampstead in the Area Finals of the Men’s ECB Club T20 Cup.
Double success for the club
Adding to the day’s joy, news arrived that the St Cross Symondians Women’s 2nd team had won the Women’s Hampshire Cricket League Division Two title, thanks to their nearest rivals losing. The victories mark a successful weekend for the club across both men’s and women’s competitions.
