Oxfordshire Women have completed a remarkable unbeaten campaign in the Women’s Vitality Blast League 3 – Division 2 South, winning all eight of their matches in dominant fashion to be crowned divisional winners.
The team proved unstoppable with both bat and ball, posting four scores over 180, including two in excess of 200. The league’s top three run-scorers were all from Oxfordshire, with Sophie Grayson, Sophie Mitchelmore, and Emilia Bartram combining for over 800 runs across the season.
On the bowling front, Oxfordshire’s attack was just as effective, claiming 62 wickets out of a possible 80. Leading the charge was Katie Waugh, who finished as the second-highest wicket-taker in the division with 12 wickets for 108 runs from 20.2 overs.Wicketkeeper Ellie Ingram, another shining light, recorded a league-high 13 dismissals, including four catches and nine stumpings, underlining her importance behind the stumps.Genny Porter featured prominently across all facets of the game, finishing in the top 10 for batting, bowling, and fielding, highlighting her versatility and consistency throughout the campaign.
Head Coach George Setterfield said:
“This has been a highly impressive campaign by the team so far, and I’m thrilled that they have this opportunity to take on Shropshire at Wormsley as part of Finals Day. The squad has been working so hard this season and have put in some outstanding performances. We have a real mix of youth and experience and I have confidence in every one of the players to go out and do their best in each match. There is a huge sense of belief and trust in the squad, which is what has underpinned our success so far. It’s a very special group to work with, and I’m excited to see what they can achieve this season.”
Emilia Bartram, Women’s Captain , added:
“It has been a fantastic season so far, we have dominated the T20 group and shown what we are capable of as a team. Everyone has contributed significantly across the games and I think that shows our depth and talent. I’m really proud of this group and back them to go all the way. It’s really exciting to keep pushing the boundary of what’s possible and I don’t expect that to stop any time soon.”
Matthew Barnes – Performance Director at Oxfordshire Cricket said:
“This year marked the launch of the new women’s domestic structure by the England and Wales Cricket Board, with Oxfordshire along with all other National Counties competing in the Tier 3 competitions. While we were disappointed to be placed in Division 2 – South for the inaugural season of both the T20 and 50-over formats, this only strengthened the determination of our players and coaching staff to earn promotion to Division 1 by 2026.
We are incredibly proud that our Women’s team have been deservedly crowned Division 2 – South champions in the Vitality T20 Blast. On behalf of everyone at Oxfordshire Cricket, I extend our congratulations to the players and coaching staff on this fantastic achievement. We now wish the team very best of luck in the National Finals, where they will face the winners of Division 2 – North.”
With an unblemished record and a series of standout performances, Oxfordshire will take on Shropshire Women in the Division 2 Final of Vitality Blast Women’s League 3 National Finals at Wormsley on the 27th July 2025. The National Finals for both Divisions will be taking place on the same day with the Division 1 final following the Division 2 final. Play is scheduled to commence at 11:00am.