The Senior Kestrels Softball 1st XI produced a superb all-round performance at Chelmer Park on Sunday 9th August, overcoming Chappel & Wakes Colne CC to lift the Incredi20 Softball Cup and become 2026 champions.

At the heart of the victory was an outstanding batting performance from Momina Hussain, whose unbeaten 118 from just 82 balls provided the platform for Frenford to post an imposing total. Momina's innings was packed with authority and clean striking, including 18 fours, as she took control of the final and ensured Frenford finished with a total that would put the opposition under serious pressure.

She was superbly supported by Diana Tasi, who contributed an important unbeaten 55 to the total. Diana's innings provided the perfect complement to Momina's dominant knock, helping the Kestrels build the kind of imposing target required in a cup final.

With the ball, Frenford immediately set about defending their total.

Anya and Afsheen set the tone with excellent control and important early wickets, putting Chappel & Wakes Colne under pressure from the outset. Their disciplined bowling ensured the opposition were unable to settle into the run chase or build the momentum needed to seriously challenge Frenford's total.

As the innings progressed, the Kestrels continued to squeeze the life out of the chase. Diana and Momina both returned to the bowling attack to take two wickets apiece, maintaining the control established by Anya and Afsheen and ensuring that Chappel & Wakes Colne could never wrestle back the initiative.

It was a complete team performance: powerful batting, disciplined bowling, excellent game management and a collective determination to finish the job.

For Momina, the day was made even more special by her magnificent unbeaten century, earning her a place in the FCC #HundredClub. But this was never simply an individual achievement. Every contribution mattered in a final where Frenford's strength came from the collective.

Away from the action, the Kestrels were brilliantly supported by their families, creating a wonderful atmosphere and giving the final a genuine family-day feel. The celebrations at the end reflected not only the achievement of the players, but the wider community that surrounds and supports the team.

Winning the Incredi20 Softball Cup is a hugely proud moment for the Senior Kestrels, for Frenford Cricket Club and for everyone involved in the Essex Cricket in the Community project.

Champions on the field. A community off it.

One team. One club. Champions.