The kids are alright for Falkland CC
The Falkland under-19 girls team, Falkland Thunder, are into the last eight of the National Cup following a 20-run win over Welsh side Briton Ferry Steel.
Falkland were put into bat and made a solid start thanks to Holly Rider (20), who is the leading run scorer in Group 4, and Izzy Storrar (12) before the pair were dismissed in quick succession.
Lottie Aird (23), Poppy Camplin (21) and Bo Lee (26 not out) then built on solid foundations to take Falkland to 138/5 from their 20 overs.
Briton Steel started their chase well as some aggressive batting moved the visitors to 58/1 from just eight overs.
A determined Falkland battled back to take five wickets for 30 runs to limit the Welsh side to 88/6, with the game on a knife-edge.
Kira Engall (2-21) claimed two crucial wickets while there was a wicket each for captain Rider and Group 4's leading wicket taker, Lee.
Briton Ferry rebuilt to 108/6 but two vital wickets for Katharine Collie (2-9) as well as some fantastic work in the field saw the chasing side slump from 118/7 to 118 all-out, securing Falkland a win in the most dramatic of circumstances.
Thunder's success is the result of the girls hard work, talent and determination as well as the wider efforts of Falkland CC to champion women's cricket.
Both Rider and Lee are part of the Southern Vipers academy set up, which provides a pathway into the professional game.
Falkland have now beaten Moreton, Henley, Odiham and Greywell and Briton Ferry Steel and will travel to St Cross to face Symondians on Friday in the regional final in search of a place in the last four and a potential spot in the national final.
Whatever the outcome, Thunder have made history for Falkland and continue to break new ground – the kids are more than alright.