BEXLEY, Leiwsham, Bromley and Greenwich are all through to the Lord’s finals of the London Youth Games indoor cricket cup after qualifying at Harrow Leisure Centre on Sunday.
Greenwich girls produced the outstanding innings of both the day and the whole weekend as they chalked up a massive 150 runs without loss against Newham.
They also enjoyed a relatively comfortable victory over Lambeth to seal their finals place from group eight.
Bexley emerged from a winner-takes-all final round tie against Hillingdon before making sure of their place at the Lord’s finale.
Both boroughs won their opening ties against Kingston and Redbridge in group four to set up the showdown, in which Bexley won with just four balls to spare.
Greenwich manager Len Sales said: “It’s just great to see so many girls playing cricket.
“They will all improve from this experience.
“We came second last year and we have pretty much the same team as last year, so we’re pretty hopeful, but we also know there are other good teams around.
“Bowling straight will be the key.
“It’s very nice to get to Lord’s again though, with all the history and heritage, it’s always a great place to visit.”
Bexley manager John Daniels said: “Our concentration throughout was very good.
“In the last couple of years, girls’ cricket has really taken off in the borough thanks to a combination of support from the schools, parents, clubs, coaches and councils.
“In 2008 we didn’t even have enough players to enter the London Youth Games.
“After entering last year, I set us the target of qualifying for Lord’s within three years, so we are a year ahead of schedule.
“It means everything to get to Lord’s. A lot of sportspeople never get to play on that sort of stage.”
He added: “Not many cricketers get the chance to play at Lord’s, not many footballers get the opportunity to play at Wembley and not many tennis players get the chance to play at Wimbledon.
“So I think playing at Lord’s is something that will live with these girls forever.”
The teams will join Hounslow, Haringey, Hammersmith & Fulham, and Brent in the finals at the home of cricket on March 6.
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