A joint Abbots Langley and Watford Under-13 girls cricket team won the fourth annual Audrey Collins Trophy – becoming the first girls side in the area to win a County prize.

The Abbots Langley and Watford Under-13s side beat opponents Knebworth Park by one run in the final to lift the trophy. Knebworth had previously been unbeaten for more than two years prior to the final defeat.

The combined club team, pictured, won with a total of 232 for four, whilst Knebworth came agonisingly close but ultimately fell short with a total of 231 for seven.

The Abbots/Watford side had qualified for the tournament by finishing in the top two of the league to set up a final tie against last year’s winners, Knebworth.

Reflecting on his side’s success, lead coach Phil Lewins said: “I hope this can be a springboard to further promoting girls and ladies cricket in the area, attracting girls of primary age to build an equally successful side at Under-11 age group next year.”

The final was played following the pairs format, meaning both teams started with 200 runs with the batsmen working together to preserve their wickets.

The loss of a wicket results in the loss of three runs from their starting total; the objective being to preserve as many wickets as possible, whilst scoring runs, to build the highest-possible total.

As a result of their success, Abbots Langley/Watford Under-13s automatically qualify for next year’s tournament.