This was followed by a friendly against Sussex which Middlesex won by 9 wickets. This left enough time for a ten over match which Middlesex also won comfortably. Then came the first league match, away against Kent (we are still trying to work out why the "home" sides in the league are the same each season!). After a worrying start with Middlesex wickets falling quickly, we managed to reach 127 in the allotted 35 overs. However we struggled to dislodge the Kent openers and lost the game by 8 wickets.

The next league match was against Hertfordshire which Middlesex won. Similar results followed against Cambridgeshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire. The remaining league match was to be away against Essex. Unfortunately the time table for the league matches meant the match was due to be played at the same time as the national Ampleforth tournament in which both counties were taking part. An earlier date at a Middlesex venue was agreed but again rain resulted in its cancellation. Despite efforts to rearrange it, with summer holidays looming it proved impossible to find a suitable date and venue for the match. Kent went on to win the league.

Our attention then turned to the Ampleforth tournament. With one or two exceptions we would be taking our strongest side. However, the weather defeated us yet again. Only on the first full day could any matches be played. Weakened by injuries during the game Middlesex lost this match against Surrey. It did provide some entertainment and organised chaos when at one stage both our batsmen had "runners". There was a suggestion that the first LBW appeal would be given to try and lessen the confusion!

The remaining three days brought non stop rain. It is not easy keeping 100+ U15s girls occupied in a college on the edge of the Yorkshire Moors with very limited transport. To their credit the girls made the best of it and there were some exciting indoor matches in the evenings but we can only speculate on what the catholic brothers sharing the Halls of Residence made of Eminem played at full volume. Thanks to our joint coach, Katie Berry, who bravely stayed with the girls in the college.

On a sad note, we were shocked to hear of the death of London Schools’ Bob Barclay at Ampleforth the following week. As well as his other duties, Bob had come to our assistance by travelling back with those Middlesex girls returning by train as Katie had had to catch an earlier train.

With further bad weather, the season came to a frustrating end with no other matches played. It was especially disappointing for the girls who will be moving on from the U15s next year who had hoped to end on a winning note at Ampleforth. We wish them well and hope they will continue playing cricket at county level.

Whenever girls take on a sport that has been traditionally played by boys, they have to have that extra bit of character and determination to withstand peer pressure and the misconceptions of others. We believe the girls in the squad have this. We have a strong squad for next season with many talented players who could go on to higher levels in cricket. With a bit of luck on the weather front, we hope next season will be successful and enjoyable one.

All the girls in the squad contributed to the team but we would identify the following individual achievements:

Captain Poppy Croft was Middlesex’s leading wicket taker (including two five wicket hauls) and also finished top of the nationwide bowling table for girls county cricket. This was supported by excellent bowling from others in the team, Emily Jones, Hannah Rea and Emily Clarke. With a special mention for Issey Cannon who recently won the countrywide Natwest "Speed Star" competition to find the fastest girl bowler.

Rachel Thompson finished her U15s career as top batsman including her first 50. She was closely followed by Helena Stolle with Lizzie Leith, Sara Begg, Jaya Pindoria, Jennie Willard and Sarah Poole not far behind.