FREELAND under 13 girls finished national runners-up after finals day of the 2008 Lady Taverners’ competition in Bath.

The finals day was postponed twice last year due to the wet weather, with Freeland reaching this stage after winning the South & West regional at the end of season.

But glorious spring weather greeted the players at Bath, with Somerset and England player Anya Shrubsole making the presentations.

There were four finalists and runners-up from the North, Midlands, London & East and South & West.

Games were played on a round-robin basis, with Freeland finishing in second place between Beverley (Yorkshire).

Going into the final round of matches, one of three teams could have won the competition, with Beverley edging to victory to clinch the title.

Final standings (top six): 1 Beverley (Yorkshire), 2 Freeland (Oxon), 3 Wanstead (Essex), 4 Whitland (Wales), 5 Bath, 6 Headstone (Middx).