FROM complete beginners to county champions in seven years, the success is somewhat of a fairytale for this set of Angels.

When a group of women were persuaded to start a new female only cricket club from Corbridge, never did they think they would progress as rapidly in the sport.

The party started on Monday evening for Corbridge Angels ahead of their game with Newcastle, the news they had secured the Northumberland Women’s Cricket League sparking scenes of celebration.

Captain Lisa Scott said: “Seven years ago, there was a six week ‘come and try’ session at Wentworth Leisure Centre run by Chris Catnach, and we all rocked up but didn’t have a clue. He and Dave Smurthwaite at Corbridge encouraged us to set up a team for the summer, which we did, but we still didn’t have a clue and got absolutely thrashed every single game!

“But we just kept on going throughout the years, and we are thrilled we have all persevered and never gave up to get this far.

“I think we would all sum it up as a seven year team effort because everybody has played a part in this success. It has has not been down to anybody’s individual talent, and it is just a wonderful feeling to have proved to ourselves we could do it.”

Corbridge finished 23 points ahead of Tyne Valley neighbours Stocksfield, and it is the blend of experience from seven years ago, coupled with some brilliant young players, which have helped them to top spot.

Of the original team, Sandra Tiffin, Karen Chomse and Jen Sewell still play regularly, while they have also attracted upcoming juniors who turn out for the county sides.

Lisa said: “When we started the team, my daughter Lizzie and Sandra’s daughter Ellie used to play around the boundary when we were playing. They would always watch us over the years, and now they have started playing this year as it is the first one they are allowed to as they are old enough. They and the other youngsters have made a massive difference to the team, and what is great now is we really have a balanced team.”