Ilkley Grammar School’s under-15 girls team have been playing at the home of cricket.

They travelled to Lord’s to compete in the Lady Taverners’ Indoor Cricket finals.

Their first game of a round-robin tournament was against South-East representatives, Brighton Ladies’ College and Anna Ross and Maya Booton set off at an electrifying pace to take their team to 45 for 0 in 3 overs before each had reached the retirement score of 15.

Unfortunately, Ilkley could not capitalise on this and stuttered to a below-par total of 81-7 in their eight-over innings.

Despite some skilful bowling, particularly from Alexandra Murray, the Sussex school surpassed their target, recording 95-6 to take their place at the top of the league table.

Ilkleyresponded superbly with an emphatic win against Tudor Grange, scoring 100-3 before dismissing the Warwickshire winners for 70.

Very similar performances followed against Somerset’s Millfield School who were also bowled out for 70 in reply to Ilkley’s 95-6 and Welsh champions, Newport, who reached 71-8 against Ilkley’s 96 all out.

Brighton continued to win their games and deservedly retained the trophy with a 100 per cent record.

The entire Ilkley Grammar School squad played vital roles during the day, with Anna Ross, Maya Booton, Alice Edwards and Johanna Murray scoring consistently at the top of the order and Laura Donohue, Abigail Prentice, Alexandra Murray and Eleanor Pilling maintaining a high run-rate under constant pressure.

The pace bowling of Anna Ross, accuracy of Alice Edwards and Johanna Murray, skilful leg-spin of Alexandra Murray and excellent wicketkeeping of Eleanor Pilling were of the highest quality throughout, despite one poor performance.

Reserves, Rose Hagan, Roanna Holmes and Grace Malir all made significant contributions as they stepped in to help their team secure second place in the prestigious competition which had over 750 entries.

Ilkley Grammar School’s record in the ECB Lady Taverners competition now stands at 71 wins and four defeats in 75 matches.

They ,have won six Yorkshire, five North of England and three England titles in the past six years.