Ipswich School’s U15 girls’ cricket team were crowned national T20 champions yesterday – the second year in a row that they have won the title.

The team from Ipswich School were also runners-up in the national indoor championships, which were held earlier in the year at Lords Cricket Ground.

Ipswich played Kingston Grammar in their first game yesterday, and elected to field first. Accurate bowling restricted Kingston to 73 all out inside 16 overs. Ipswich batted with confidence and intent in reply, chasing the total down with 8 overs remaining and for the loss of only one wicket (74-1). Run contributions from Eliza (20), Amie (25) and Evie (20) and wickets for Evie, Ella (5-13) and Ishani.

Ipswich then progressed on to the final in game 2 against Repton, again electing to field first. Ipswich bowled with great accuracy and control, heaping constant pressure on the opposition batters and taking wickets at regular intervals. This led to Repton being bowled out for 78 in the penultimate over. 

Ipswich came out all guns blazing once again in reply, showcasing their superior firepower, skill and composure at the crease. The total was reached in the 10th over, with the loss of only one wicket (79-1). There were wickets for Libby (4-10) Evie (3-2) and Ishani (3-10) and runs for Amie (30) and Evie (25).

Mr Sam Bennett-King, Head of Girls’ Cricket at Ipswich School, and the U15 girls’ coach, said: “Many congratulations to all members of this exceptional team on an incredible end to a highly successful season. This is an outstanding achievement for the Ipswich girls, and really cements their place in history as they are the only team in the competition to date to retain their national title at U15 level.”

Mr Nicholas Weaver, Headmaster of Ipswich School added: “We are very proud of the girls, and delighted that their hard work and dedication to training has paid off in such a spectacular fashion. Well done to them all!”