crowned Champions of England!
Horizon CC came away with more silverware from the T20 National Finals Day in Oxfordshire, competing against some of the best Independent Schools across England.
The weather played its part on the first day of play, forcing all schools to return for a rain effected second day.
Horizon were up against Taunton School (Somerset) in the first semi final, now limited to 10 overs a side. Despite a slow start from Taunton due to an early wicket, they recovered to be at 53/1 after 8 overs. But the final two overs proved to be game changers, with E. Rossi picking up a second wicket in the 9th, before captain A. Darlow completed a hat-trick in the final over, restricting Taunton to 62/5. HCC's innings got under way in good fashion scoring at a steady rate, and even though the opening partnership was broken for 21, HCC cruised to victory, reaching the 63 needed with 11 balls to spare.
[A. Darlow 12-3 (22*), E. Rossi 13-2 (13*)]
Horizon CC were now to compete for their second domestic title of the year, facing a well oiled machine from Hurstpierpoint College (Sussex). Due to the sun now filling the countryside with beaming sunshine, the final was played over the full 20 overs. HCC won the toss and put HurstPP in to bat, and the captains decision proved a great call. Two wickets in the first 13 balls left HurstPP reeling, stumbling along slowly. Just after the half way point proved another important breakthrough, with 4 wickets falling for just 7 runs. HurstPP's tail enders held up well, before falling to another great bowling attack for 88ao. Between innings, HCC knew that only half the job was done, and focus and determination would be needed to see the goal reached. A nervy but cautious start to the innings followed, with the opening pair of A. Darlow & E. Williams not wanting to take too many risks. After 9 overs, they were at 33, before the next two overs changed the outlook. A strong partnership of 85 in 15 overs saw HCC almost over the line, before reaching victory inside the 17th over to take the crown of national T20 champions.
[K. Hay 27-3, E. Rossi 13-2 (0*), E. Williams 25-2 (12*), A. Darlow 10-2 (43) D. Hancock 12-1].
In praising the girls, teacher Dan Russsell said ''There is no debate now, this team is undisputed Double Champions of England! The girls as always, did themselves, their parents, coaches, teachers, school, and town, immensely proud. They will go down as one of Horizon CC's best ever sports teams, and leave a legacy that many attending Horizon can now aim high in their hopes of achieving similar success.''
The successful Horizon team are:
Adrianna Darlow Y11 (C) (wk)
Ellie Williams Y11
Darcy Hancock Y11
Tiegan Bligh Y11
Lucie Barlow Y11
Imogen Butcher Y11
Emilia Rossi Y10
Anika Hill Y10
Neve Stretton Y10
Katie Hay Y8
Klaudia Kuklinska Y8
Louise Biggins Y8
Evie Mitchell Y8.