Batting first, Blackheath struggled with Finchley’s opening bowlers and hobbled to 18-3. The normally destructive/suicidal Greer Hill played more forward defensives in one innings than she has for the previous three seasons but, alas, it was in vain, as she fell for six. Thankfully a combination of rock solid defence (Berman), youthful exuberance (Roscoe), unbridled enthusiasm (McMillan) and spanking pull shots (Livesey) dragged Blackheath to a half respectable total.

Blackheath had failed to defend another low score a week earlier against Ashford but the 16 extra runs made all the difference. McWhinnie and Carter opened economically before handing over the Jackson and Atkins – who when they aren’t putting opening partnerships together, are taking seven wickets. Smith and Abraham looked classy for Gunns II but otherwise the pressure of accurate bowling and dedicated fielding took its toll on the rest. Bec Carlton behind the stumps was immense again, taking three catches. At the start of the final over Gunns needed five to win, but could not see off Jackson (let’s not worry about the fact we hadn’t realised we’d won at the fall of the ninth wicket (they had just 10 players)).

Cracking win, against the odds – bring them on in the Super 8s!