CORBRIDGE’S remarkable run in a national girls’ cricket competition has finally come to an end.

Twelve months ago, the village’s U13 team memorably won the grand final of the Lady Taverners Hard Ball Competition with a victory over Kent side Hayes.

But the Corbridge defence of the prestigious title ended last week, when they bowed out at the regional final stage of the competition.

Speaking after the defeat to Leyland, of Lancashire, coach Karen Chomse said the team had done remarkably well after losing some of last season’s stars at U13 level and bringing in new players.

She explained: “We have a mix of experienced girls and some who only took up cricket this season.

“It was always going to be a tough challenge.

“Unfortunately, Leyland were the stronger side on the day, but the Corbridge girls played so well.

“They have a great team spirit, and did themselves proud, both in the final and in the earlier rounds.”

Corbridge had an exceptionally strong team in 2017, but several key players have now moved further up through the ranks.

Karen’s daughter Katie Chomse (14), Ellie Tiffin (15) and Lizzie Scott (14) are all county players and have represented the Northern Jets team.

Despite her tender years, Ellie Tiffin has already made a name for herself in the West Tyne Senior Cicket League.

Now playing for Matfen in the West Tyne League, she took two wickets against Benwell Hill III two weeks ago.

The match will also be remembered for the contribution of Matfen’s other woman player, Kelly Withycombe, who took five wickets.

Karen said: “Ellie is playing in the senior men’s league and I’m not surprised at how well she’s doing.

“Ellie powers in. She’s a very fast bowler and I certainly wouldn’t like to face her.”

Karen currently captains the women’s second team at Corbridge, as well as coaching the youngsters.

She added: “Several years ago, myself and a few other mothers, including Sandra Tiffin and Lisa Scott, encouraged our daughters to play. They came in at the ages of six and seven, and went into the U9s.

“Now it’s great to see them doing so well.

“It’s great to see young women playing cricket, enjoying it and succeeding.

Karen believes getting the junior girls on to the county cricket programme is good for their overall development.

She added: “It’s a transitional time for Corbridge U13, but we have some very talented young players.

“Beyond this season we will train over the winter and get ready for next season’s Lady Taverners competition.”