Friday evening saw the U/19 Girls take on a strong Horsham side in the Quarter Final of their National Knockout Group. The game hosted by Horsham and played in perfect conditions in front of a strong local crowd (a credit to the hosts). Horsham won the toss asking the Llamas to bat, however at 0/81 with Kiera Johnson playing with class and poise utilising the short square boundaries they were probably regretting their decision. Kiera finished with 56 off 49 balls and following the opening stand of 81 with Rosie Foster (28) there were a string of useful partnerships before Sophie Bellew with new found batting confidence struck a momentum building 29 off 13 balls including "clipping" the final ball of the innings for 6 over square leg to what seemed to be her "giggles of delight"! The Llamas posting 161 from their 20 overs (probably just a little better than "par" in the conditions).

Horsham in response "flew out of the blocks" reaching 45 runs in the powerplay for no wicket & at the 10 over mark were 0/75 and in control. Lucy Harris tactical ability was on show however with the introduction of spin (Lily and Kiera) slowing the rate and finally Lily Foster broke the opening partnership with score still on 75 aided by her sister behind the stumps. The spin combination of Kiera and Lily (supported by exceptional fielding and field placements) got through their 8 overs for just 40 runs claiming 3 wickets along the way and effectively ending the home sides push for a place in the Group semi-final. Lily finished with 2/21 and Kiera 1/19. Wickets to Eleanor & Lucy plus 3 crucial run outs saw Horsham finish on 124, 37 runs short in a contest that felt closer for the bulk of the evening.

Next up for the Llamas are Slough in the Group Semi Final.

Live stream: here