On Sunday the Reigate Priory U/18 girls met East Molesey in the Final of the “Hundred Cup” to decide the club champions of Surrey. To mark the occasion and as a “nod” to the incredible growth in the women’s and girl’s game the final was held at The Oval, a once in a lifetime opportunity for players and supporters.

Given the fixture was in late September, it was a pleasant surprise to be met with clear skies (albeit chilly temperatures), the Oval looking a “picture” and having won the toss captain Lucy Harris had no hesitation in deciding to bat first and make use of the perfect conditions.

Rosie Foster and Lucy strode to the middle and immediately seized the initiative from what looked a very athletic East Moseley. Lucy crashed her first ball to the point boundary, and we were “away”. The girls moved to 20 off the first 15 balls when came the first decisive moment of the final. With Lucy (a key wicket) on 6 runs, a chance was missed by the Molesey keeper and captain. Lucy promptly dispatched the next ball into the members stand for 6 and two further boundaries followed from Lucy to deliver the first “blow” of the final.

Not to be denied however with the score on 38 from 29 balls Lucy was dismissed for 21 to a truly incredible catch at mid off…the Llamas one down and evidence that this was going to be a contest!

Enter Esmae Vos promoted in the order to number 3, she and Rosie came together to form the partnership that “defined the contest”. The girls consolidated for a couple of sets before Esmae dispatched a six over mid-wicket to get herself underway and Rosie continued to turn the strike over, also finding the boundary with regularity. At the halfway point (50 balls) the girls had moved happily along to 1/71 and you sensed were gaining control.

The partnership was highlighted by some excellent running between the wickets and the ability to dispatch the loose ball. The girls bringing up their 50-run partnership from 31 balls and Rosie moved to her personal milestone of 50 from a respectable 42 balls (the milestone marked with her trademark “energetic celebration”). This triggered a “time out” called by the opposition with the Llamas on a “dangerous” 113 with 15 balls left in the innings.

The time out did not achieve its purpose for Molesey however as Rosie with the “shackles” free delivering three boundaries to the cover fence at the restart and the Llamas charged to the end of the innings taking 31 off the final 15 balls, finishing on an imposing 145. The partnership between Esmae (47 not out from 40 balls) and Rosie (67 not out from 51 balls) yielding an unbroken 107 runs.

The girls left the ground to generous applause and expectant (but not complacent) celebrations from teammates and a hugely supportive spectator group from both teams. The Llamas very much on top at the break with their bowling and fielding strength to come however it must be said that the East Molesey girls stuck to their task with energy and skill in the field and bowlers who stayed disciplined to the task under the pressure of both the venue and opposition.

In reply these “Lady Llamas did” what these “Lady Llama’s do”. Some seriously disciplined bowling, safe and aggressive fielding, energy, support for each other and genuine enjoyment of each other’s success.

Bella and Sophie set the tone in the field bowling with control and some pace for the first 20 balls conceding just 17 runs. This was followed by Lucy who bowled with speed and venom, her “hostile” over from the OCS end clearly sending a “shudder” through the Molesey dug out. It was Naomi however that gained the reward for the hard work and a wicket at an international venue claiming the first wicket nicely caught by Harriet Jones.

The girls then assumed full control with tight overs being delivered by Amelia, Harriet, Naomi, Charlotte & Eleanor. Skipper Lucy took the opportunity to spread the bowling load and the girls stepped up to deliver disciplined line and length bowling, supported by safe fielding. When Charlotte was rewarded with the second wicket to fall 65 balls had disappeared and Molesey were 2/58 and the game rapidly slipping away from them.

Saskia Cake gave the score respectability for East Molesey, however when Sophie Bellew rearranged her stumps for a well made 43 the game was all but over. East Molesey finishing on 98 from their 100 balls and all that was left was the “serial winning” captain over the last 2 years Lucy Harris to lift the 100 Ball trophy. Rosie ended up a well-deserved player of the match, but importantly players, parents, coaches and supporters were left to celebrate a win blessed with sunshine and the opportunity to savour a happy moment at an iconic venue.

Player of the Match - Rosie!

Finally, a huge thanks to Tropical Sky (see details below) for their generous support in sponsoring the girls on this finals journey and Surrey Sports for the provision of their playing kit.

Well done Llamas, well done Surrey for making it happen, well done Kate, Vicki, David, Matt and Rich (in the scorebox) for all your efforts. A great way to finish what must be said seems to have been a very enjoyable season for the “older underaged” groups and women’s cricket at Llama Land!

Tropical Sky: www.Tropicalsky.co.uk and @tropicalsky on Instagram
Surrey Sports: www.surreysports.shop

Photo album: www.reigatepriorycc.co.uk/photos/2025-09-21-gu18-hundred-champions-1152386.html