Guildford make it a hat-trick of wins at Lord's in MCC Foundation Hubs National Competition
Guildford Girls Cricket Hub have been crowned national champions for the third year in a row, after defeating York Girls Hub by just four runs in a thrilling final at Lord’s on Saturday 13 September.
The victory means Guildford have now lifted the MCC Foundation (MCCF) National Hub Competition trophy in 2023, 2024 and 2025, with this year’s win marking their fourth consecutive final appearance.
The match was played on the main ground at the Home of Cricket in front of a packed Pavilion and Grand Stand.
This year’s achievement is particularly notable as only two members of the squad had previously played in a Lord’s final, with the majority of the team making their debuts.
Their success underlines the depth of talent being developed in Surrey through the MCC Foundation Hub Programme.
Freya Edwards, Guildford Girls captain, said: “What a privilege and amazing opportunity to play in the MCC national final at Lord’s.
“I am so proud of all of the Guildford Hub girls – together we make an unbeatable team!”
Darren Talbot, Guildford Hub Lead, added: “It was amazing to win a hat-trick of titles at Lord’s today.
What made it all the better was the fact that we had to dig deep and snatch victory from the jaws of defeat against the strongest hub team in York that we’ve ever played in this competition.
These hubs do so much for state school girls and playing at Lord’s is a lifetime experience shared with their parents who do so much to support their daughters every summer.
All the hubs are improving quickly, and a fifth consecutive Lord’s Final appearance next year is going to be very hard-fought if it happens.”
The MCC Foundation’s National Hub Competition, generously supported by Barclays, is the culmination of a 20-week tournament involving 164 hubs nationwide, more than 5,500 state-educated boys and girls benefit each year from the MCCF’s free-to-access coaching and match play opportunities, which aim to make cricket more inclusive and open pathways into the game.
Lord’s once again provided an unforgettable experience for all finalists, including full use of the Home and Away Dressing Rooms and lunch in the Players’ Dining Room.
Medals and trophies were presented by MCC Chief Executive & Secretary Rob Lawson, MCC President Designate Ed Smith, and London Spirit’s Tara Norris.
To find out more about the MCC Foundation, head over to https://www.lords.org/mcc/mcc-foundation