Hampstead Ladies continue title defence with emphatic victory over Hemel Hempstead

Defending champions Hampstead strode to an emphatic victory over Hemel Hempstead in Division A of the North London Women’s League.

Fielding first, Hampstead took their first wicket just 10 minutes into the game and continued to field tidily, keeping Hemel to a run-rate of just three per over until the first drinks break.

Tight bowling from both ends built up the pressure, with Sian Culley finishing her spell 0-14 and Ange Bonora 1-15 – both off six overs.

Punam Dahya then took the ball and claimed a wicket with her third ball, recording figures of 1-9 and bowling two maidens in her highly-impressive four overs as Hemel finished 92-3 from their allotted 30 overs.

Control was maintained at the crease after tea with opener Sian Culley hitting an unbeaten 31.

The welcome return of skipper Lucy Horitz (16 not out) from injury and another strong display from Angela Bonora (20), who hit a six, meant Hampstead cruised to victory at 93-3 after 19 overs.

Horitz reflected: “It was the best all-round bowling that we’ve had this season, with all six bowlers on the money from the start.

“Again we demonstrated the depth of the Hampstead squad and I am confident we’ll be up there challenging for the title again.”