Tynedale were crowned Northumberland Women’s Premier League Champions as they went the season undefeated after beating Benwell Hill, Stocksfield and 2019 winners South Northumberland.

The West Tyne outfit went the 2021 campaign undefeated and racking up an impressive 117 points with seven wins and two cancelled games. They saw off clubs such as Benwell Hill, Stocksfield and 2019 champions South Northumberland.

Halley Falla with 282 runs and Amy Radcliffe 262 were very consistent with the bat and were able give Tynedale a platform or no score was out of their reach, while plenty of players chipped in with the wickets, including U15 prospect Ella Mae Penny.

The club welcomed a few of new faces like Northern Diamonds Academy prospects Lizzie Scott and Ellie Tiffin who certainly strengthened the squad when they were available to play. With new players on board the team had a good balance of experience and youth.

Captain Wendy Martin said: “It was good to have some competitive cricket again after no league games last year due to Covid.”

And Blagdon Park Women were crowned Northumberland Division One champions after defeating Stocksfield CC by 58 runs in the division playoff final. Both sides defeated Alnmouth and Tillside respectively from the north division.

The final featured 16 players under the age of 18 – promising for Northumberland Cricket to see so many youngsters emerging in the women’s game.

Stocksfield invited the hosts to bat which proved to be a risky call as Blagdon posted 120/6 from their 20 overs. In form Billie Santos top scored with a quick fire 37 from 27 balls, and she was supported by cameos from Isabella Goodall 23, and Sophia Mayers 21, until Kate Cole 2-17 dismissed both players.

In reply, Stocksfield kept up with the run rate initially, but star of the show Billie Santos turned the screw in Blagdon’s favour with bowling figures of 4-11 and two stunning catches. The visitors were always in the game while Emily Ward occupied the crease, however the introduction of youngster Brooke Williams bowled the Stocksfield skipper for 22. The West Tyne team were eventually bowled out for 62 as captain Grace Langley removed the lower order with three wickets.

Blagdon Park coach, Adam Robson, said: “I’m absolutely delighted for girls. We have only been running a women’s team since 2019 and the progress these talented young players are making is fantastic, and likewise in the Stocksfield camp. We found things tough earlier in the season with a handful of players forced to self-isolate and it contributed towards us losing our opening two league fixtures. However, once players returned, they bounced back well, enjoyed their cricket, and carried their momentum into the final.”