TAUNTON Deane were crowned Somerset Women’s hardball cricket champions after they beat Brislington by eight wickets in the county finals at Wembdon on Sunday.

Brislington won the toss and, after electing to bat first, moved on to 21-1 before wickets started to tumble at regular intervals to some impressive Deane bowling, until they were all out for 69 in 19.4 overs.

Sue England, who was feeling unwell before the game and almost didn’t play, was the pick of the bowlers, sending down four overs, three of which were maidens, and claiming 3-4.

Millie Lusk finished off the last of Brislington’s batting line-up with 3-9 off 3.4 overs.

When the Deane responded, Hannah Hughes and Laura Currie had an opening partnership of 67, before Hughes was out for 32.

Currie remained unbeaten on 29 as Deane reached their target in 13.3 overs.

The squad was made up of: Laura Curry, Amy Sloman, Rebecca Squire, Harriet Kelly, Maria Lamb, Ella Hewton, Chelsea Chamberlain, Hannah Hughes, Sue England, Toni Smyth, Millie Lusk, Jessie Smyth-Lees.

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TAUNTON Deane's boys Under-15s, meanwhile, will compete in the national finals on August 12 after winning the regional finals at Wembdon on Monday.

Ben Chaffey carried his bat as the Deane overcame Thornbury in the regional semi-final and Josh Thomas’ 50 helped the Deane post 171 against St Fagan’s, from Cardiff, in the final.

The Deane attack bowled with discipline to wrap up a 44-run win and seal their place at Rugby School, where they will line up alongside the rest of the country’s top four.