Women’s 1st XI come out 2nd best in high scoring affair at Datchet CC
The Women’s 1st XI slipped to defeat against Devon in our opening fixture of the defence of our Metro Bank One Day Cup – League 3 title. Having secured top spot in the T20 competition, finishing above our opposition Devon on bonus points, the team headed to Datchet CC.
Leading the side for the first time having been appointed vice -captain, Molly Bulteel won the toss and elected to field first. On a flat wicket and rapid outfield, Devon got off to a flyer in the powerplay, quickly moving to 60 after 8 overs. Having recently signed a professional contract with Hampshire, Eliza Bristowe was the first to strike having seen the devon opening sky one and completing the return catch. Devon were then able to form two 120 plus partnerships for the 2nd & 3rd wicket moving the score to 307/3. Lily Bowlby (3/44) was the pick of the bowlers returning a remarkable spell having been tasked with defending the short straight & leg side boundary. Lily was also able to eventually pick up the big wicket of Jemima Vereker. After a remarkable batting display which included 30 fours and 5 sixes, the Devon opener was removed for 205 (136b). The Devon innings would eventually close on 378/5 with Freya Johnson picking up the other wicket.
While Devon had posted an imposing total for the Berkshire batters to chase if there was any venue it would be possible it would be Datchet. The Berkshire batters were able to keep within touching distance of the 7.5 runs per over required. However, Devon were able to break every partnership just as we were starting to turn the momentum and get within real striking distance. The innings was held together by Sarah Pearson, who featured on loan from Middlesex last season as a bowler, striking 78 (73b). Naaz Asif Iqbal (28) returning to the top of the order in the 50 over format showed real promise with the bat. Numbers 6/7/8 – Ava Lee, Lily Bowlby and Liv Sharma all made starts and passed the 30-run mark. Liv Sharma topped off an excellent week that saw her make scores off 106 & 64 for the U14 county side and finished 33* in her 3rd appearance for the 1st XI. The innings would eventually close on 264 with Berkshire dismissed on the 44th over.
Head Coach Tom Jackson said “While the scoreline will read a 114-run defeat there was a lot of positives to take from the day. The girls stuck at for the duration of the 50 overs despite the ball racing to the boundary. Following a winter of hard work to remodel her action, Lily Bowlby continued to show her potential with her left arm spin picking up 3 wickets and only going at 4.9 runs per over while the innings run rate was over 7.5s. On the batting front the side showed composure in the run chase. We stayed within touching distance of the Devon run rate for the first 30 overs which was the point when the set Devon batter was able to accelerate rapidly. To finish 263ao in 43 overs with a young batting line up was a really pleasing display. In the end the difference between the teams was a remarkable display of batting from Devon’s Jemima Vereker. The game really showcased the quality of cricket within Tier 3. The batting on show from both sides against what was two high quality bowling attacks was great to watch.
I’d also like to take the opportunity to congratulate our 1st XI captain Izzy Storrar who having recently signed a loan agreement with Gloucestershire made her debut on Sunday. A just reward for Izzy’s hard work and perseverance to continue to progress in the game through the new routes offered by the tier system.”
The Women’s 1st XI now has a break in the schedule before we return with a trip to newly promoted side Shropshire on Sunday 21st June at Shrewsbury School before we then face Staffordshire at Arundel Castle on Sunday 28th June in the T20 Final.