Berkshire Women’s 1st XI, ran out winners in a pre-season encounter against a Southern Vipers side at Reading CC last Sunday.
Following the recent run of good weather, the Women’s 1st XI was able to get a pre-season friendly in on Sunday 13thahead of the start of the Metro Bank Women’s League 3 this weekend, with an away trip to Devon.
The side played host to a Southern Vipers side that included a mixture of Hampshire 1st team, Vipers Academy & EPP players. Berkshire were also able to name Hampshire 1st team players Poppy Tulloch & Ava Lee in our side.
Newly appointed vice-captain, Izzy Storrar took charge of the side for the first time and having won the toss elected to bat first. Following a steady start, the opening batters Shristi Patil & Alex Avoth were able to put the opposition bowlers under pressure and steered the side to a solid start of 43/0 at the end of the powerplay. The middle order were all able to spend time at the crease, get starts and build partnerships with Poppy Tulloch top scoring with 31. A heavy shower came through after 37 overs which saw the innings shortened to 45 overs. Following some excellent late running between the wickets which saw Eliza Bristowe make 27* (24b) without hitting a boundary, the innings closed on 212/9 (45). This left a revised total of 222 for the Vipers to chase.
Following an early wicket from Freya Johnson, the Vipers built a solid foundation finishing the powerplay 43/1. Kali-Ann Docherty would then pick up the wicket of Hants 1st team batter Abi Norgrove 26 (28b). Following this wicket, bowlers Eliza Bristowe (2/15) and Ava Lee (4/13) were able to pick up regular wickets including an excellent diving catch from Izzy Storrar to reduce the Vipers to 82/6. Berkshire would then go on to bowl the Vipers side out for 149/11 with left arm spinner, Lily Bowlby also picking up 2 wickets. This completed a strong bowling display with the bowlers regularly challenging the stumps as well as an excellent early season fielding display.
The fixture was brilliant preparation for the season as well as an excellent opportunity to test themselves against a strong opposition.
Attentions now turn to our season opener with an away trip to Devon in the 50 over competition. The side will make the trip down to Budleigh Salterton CC on Easter Sunday. Team news will be available on our social media ahead of the match this weekend.