Confirmation that TLC has been promoted to Midlands League Division 2 (East) was received at the Midlands League meeting on 23 October. The other teams in this division for 2009 will be Old Grammarians, Ransome & Marles, Lullington, Leicester and Kenilworth Wardens.

TLC win Oak Sports Womens Midlands League East                      final table

TLC V Kenilworth Wardens (17/08/08)

Towcestrians Ladies Cricket recorded a convincing 102 run win in the top of the table clash with Kenilworth Wardens to clinch the Midlands League (East) Division 3 Championship in a rain threatened game at Preston Capes.

Put in to bat on a damp track, TLC openers Katie Taylor and Emma Grannell made a cautious start against the swinging ball until Grannell (8) was caught pulling while looking to accelerate in the seventh over leaving TLC 17 for 1. With Taylor carefully working singles, Hannah Edwards produced another typically attacking knock from the start and the pair soon dominated the bowling to build a match-winning stand. The Kenilworth first change bowlers were hit hard, and the partnership of 80 in 16 overs was only broken when Taylor miss-cued another drive to mid-off for 37. TLC suffered a mid order collapse, losing Gemma English (2),  Anni Blackmore then Frankie Baldwin unluckily run out backing up (4) in quick succession. Edwards continued to plunder the bowling for an excellent 56 before being yorked while forcing to leg, leaving Leanne Hirst, Sara Eddington and skipper Jenny Williams to steady the inning while the Kenilworth bowling gifted extras to the TLC total. With Yvonne Starsmeare bowled in the 36th over the TLC inning closed on 142.

TLC bowlers Williams and Leanne Hirst soon had Kenilworth reeling, reducing the visitors to 12 for 4 from their opening spell of 10 overs. Edwards ( 1 – 5), Taylor (2 – 2) and Frankie Baldwin (1 – 9) kept up the pressure to remove the Kenilworth middle order, and with the visitors reduced to 31 for 8 it was left to openers Williams (3 – 9) and Hirst (3 – 6) to finish off the tail to bowl the visitors out for 40 in 32 overs.

TLC now travel to Worcestershire to face Midlands (South) Division 3 Champions Colwall in the Play-offs.

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Kenilworth Wardens v TLC (15/06/08)

Tows Ladies Cricket recorded another convincing win on Sunday in their top of the table clash away at Kenilworth Wardens in the Midlands League. Put in to bat the Tows openers Emma Grannell and Katie Taylor quickly dominated the bowling, taking 25 off the first 4 overs. Grannell (33) scored freely before being caught at cover to end an opening partnership of 71. While Taylor continued to anchor the innings, Hannah Edwards hooked her third ball for 6 and went on to produce another excellent innings of 48 in a second wicket stand of 101, leaving TLC on 172 for 2 in 30 overs. Star of the show Taylor saw TLC through their 40 overs, carrying her bat for a faultless 93 not out in a final total of 228 for 4.

In reply the hosts struggled to match the required run rate throughout, and on a hard track Jenny Williams’ pace proved decisive in removing the top three bats to record figures of 3 for 12 off 8 overs. Opening partner Becky English also bowled a tight line while claiming 2 for 24, and with Kenilworth restricted to 56 at the halfway stage it was left to Philippa Rawbone to lift home spirits with a spirited 49. Wickets from seamer Hannah Pedel and spinner Taylor coupled with 2 sharp run-outs from Gemma English and Williams saw the Kenilworth innings close on 134 all out, giving TLC maximum points for the win.

Tows Ladies Cricket host Walmley this weekend. If any Ladies or Girls are interested in playing cricket, please call the TLC Coach, Hugh Williams on 01327 860800. Beginners and experienced players are all welcome.

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TLC v Brackley (11/05/08)

Tows Ladies Cricket continued their winning start in the Midlands League with a keenly contested 5 wicket win at Brackley on Sunday. Electing to bat, Brackley started steadily against an accurate TLC attack of Jenny Williams (pictured left) and Emma Cummins before losing Kate Hawes, bowled by Williams with the score on 9. Jackie Dudley (9) and Debbie Kukainis (12) continued to build the innings before both fell to first change seam bowler Hannah Pedel (3-8) to reach 26 – 3. Mary Grasshof (10) and Karen Weston (16) both contributed well while Hannah Edwards (1-11) and Frankie Baldwin (1-17) picked up useful wickets. The return of the opening attack however proved decisive, removing the middle order cheaply with Williams claiming a hat-trick in her 5 – 11 off 8 overs, supported by the economical Cummins, conceding only 11 off her 8 overs. Brackley closed their innings all out 72 in 35 overs.

The Tows openers Emma Grannell (18) and Anni Blackmore (8) provided a solid base against straight Brackley bowling from Haughton (1-12) and Patel before Blackmore was unfortunately run out backing up at the non-striker’s end by good work from Kukainis (1-21). Weston completed a good allround performance for the home team with 2 for 29 while Hannah Edwards (26) (pictured right) put Tows in the driving seat. TLC were seen home by Williams and debutante Sam Boyer to record a good 5 wicket victory with 17 overs spare.

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TLC v Byfield (04/05/08)

Tows Ladies Cricket were on amazing form this Sunday in their second Midlands League game this season, with a winning draw against Byfield.  TLC racked up a massive 294 runs in their 40 overs after having been put in to bat by Byfield; the highlight of which being the record-breaking stand of 269 from Katie Taylor and Hannah Edwards (left).  Taylor broke her own personal best with 83, whilst Edwards hit an astounding 155, which as well being a new individual record for the ladies, is just short of the highest ever Towcestrians men’s score and the third highest ever in the ladies Midlands League.

After tea Byfield defended well against the opening attack of Jenny Williams and Emma Cummins, but it was the spinners who took the first wickets, with Katie Taylor taking 2-5 off 8 and Becky English taking 1-9 off 8.  Quick fielding from Anni Blackmore and keeper Gemma English ran out Byfield’s Wren, and Williams came back on to take 2-3 off 8 and finish the match, with Byfield on 49 runs for 6.