ORSETT and Thurrock Ferrets retained the Thurrock Sports Council’s women’s indoor cricket title at Gateway Academy.

They overcame strong opposition from Belhus ladies and two further teams from their own club - the Amazons and Valkyries.

Against the latter, Jo Simmons was instrumental in chasing down a target of 108 with a superb match-winning innings of 42 not out after all five of her colleagues had been dismissed.

Sarah Fergey laid the foundations with 24 runs, but opposing bowlers Ella Allen, Honey Realf and Charlotte Jarvis picked up a wicket each.

The match against Belhus finished in an incredible tie, with Ferrets requiring four runs from the final delivery.

Three runs were scampered to leave the encounter all-square with 95 runs apiece. Simmons was again top scorer with 25, this time supported by Jenna Fogg with 13.

For Belhus, Katy Sullivan scored 17 while Emily Price and Tilly Barnett both scored 13 runs.

In their final match against the Amazons, Ferrets batted first and posted 77 for the loss of five wickets, with Fogg setting the pace with 21 runs.

Jazz Smith provided good backing (18), despite a wicket apiece for Amazons’ Jessie Hughes, Courtney Chaplin and Amelia Avery.

It was Avery who led the reply with 13 runs, but Marie Green collected 2-9 and Fergey 1-13 to curtail the Amazons’ final total to 68/4.