THREE South Somerset players starred for Taunton Griffins as they successfully defended their national indoor women’s cricket title at Malvern College.

They were vice-captain Lorraine Szczepanki (Merriott), Hannah Billing (Chard) and Shannon Simms (Ilminster).

The Griffins knew a stern test faced them and their cause wasn’t helped by the fact that they hadn’t been able to practice as a team through the winter months.

Each of the matches played consisted of nine overs with the batters playing in pairs and bowlers able to bowl for a maximum of three overs per innings. Batters were deducted five runs for each time they were out.

In their opening match against Hursley CC the lack of practice showed and the Griffins lost by 16 runs.

The second match was a must-win affair and saw Griffins score 67 from their nine overs against Harrow which was enough to secure a win by 22 runs.

Truro proved to be much tougher opponents for the Griffins. Szczepansnki grabbed three wickets for the Somerset side before Hannah Thompson and skipper Georgina Adcock cut loose to see Griffins squeeze home by four runs.

In the semi-final against Potters Bar the Griffins played with much more confidence, freedom and belief.

Potters Bar posted 49, with another three wicket haul from Szczepansnki, but the Griffins booked their place in the final by responding with 57 for an eight run success.

By this time the Griffins were on fire and their cup final opponents Ashford were blown away.

Batting first, Griffins scored a respectable 67 thanks to good runs from Szczepansnki, Simms, Charlotte Berry and Holly Hands.

When the Griffins bowled Ashford were no match as both Thompson and Szczepansnki claimed four wickets each.

Ashford managed just 32 runs between them to give Griffins a winning margin of 35 runs.

The seven player squad ranged in age from 15 to 19.

Team manager Robert Adcock said: “This is a fantastic accolade for women’s cricket in the South-West as teams from the South- East of England have previously held a stranglehold on all of these competitions.”