Winning the toss, Henley chose to bowl first and delivered their most impressive bowling and fielding display of the season. The entire team contributed with tight lines and energetic fielding to restrict a strong Slough side to 123 for 9 from their 20 overs. Special mentions go to Millie Judha, stepping up confidently from the U11s to take two crucial wickets at the death, and Rosie Mills, who was outstanding in the field with two sharp catches and two run-outs.

Chasing 124 as the evening light faded, Eloise Mills and Maeve Bollinghaus got the team off to a strong start against some genuinely quick bowling. Alice Parrett, Aoife South, and Aanika Bhatt all played key roles in keeping the scoreboard ticking and the run rate on track. With the game in the balance, Rosie Mills returned to the spotlight with a superb unbeaten 35 off 32 balls, nearly taking Henley over the line. In the end, the team fell just 9 runs short in a thrilling final over.

Despite the narrow loss, it was a fantastic team effort full of positives—great development, growing confidence, and an ever-strengthening team spirit that promises an exciting season ahead.