IN only their second season, the girls' section of Chelmsford Cricket Club have been crowned London and South East regional champions.

The Willows, as they are affectionately known, qualified for the regional finals of the Under-11 Lady Taverners soft-ball competition after winning the Essex tournament earlier this summer.

Despite a close final game against Hutton CC, the Willows were unbeaten throughout the day and went into the regional tournament, held at Wisbech CC with high expectations.

With three counties unable to field teams, the Willows were faced with just two opponents from Bedfordshire (Luton Town & Indians CC) and Hertfordshire (Harpenden CC).

The first match pitted Chelmsford against Harpenden, who reached 240 runs under the terrier format before Chelmsford replied with 282.

Chelmsford scored a 98-run win over Luton Town & Indians after posting 300-2 and restricting their rivals to 202.