Beth Smith reports from Fulbeck CC

Sunday saw two Lincs v Norfolk games, with the ladies’ teams and U15 teams both facing each other. The Mini Imps set the visitors a target of 147, with prominent bat Ellie Stanley gaining 78 of Lincolnshire’s runs. The strength of the U15 bowling attack shone through as Norfolk were bowled out for 50 inside 22 overs. The Mini Imps were fortunate as three of the regular Norfolk U15 players had been called up to the ladies squad to face the Lincs Ladies.

Imps captain, Hayley Butts, lost the toss and the hosts were put into field with only 10 players present. With one less player on the field the Imps needed to bowl and field tightly to restrict a strong Norfolk bating team. They did just that. At drinks the Imps had managed to get Norfolk 80-4, a score board which pleased Lincs coach/ manager Alan Ward, and showed promise for the rest of the game if the Imps could continue to be as tight in the field.

For this to be plausible the Imps needed to get rid of opening bat, Tirimanna, which was skilfully done shortly after drinks when India Freeman got her stumped off Amy Halloran. Norfolk ended up all out for 182 with wickets coming for Rachael Dyer (3-38), Becki Brooker (2-24), Beth Smith (2-28), Sarah McDowell (2-27) and Amy Halloran (1-36).

Lincs began not worrying too much about the run rate, just looking to keep wickets in hand. Unfortunately Smith (17) was run-out early on, and McDowell (8) got caught out to a ball that popped widely off the pitch shortly afterwards. India Freeman and Halloran looked to steady the ship and were in the process of building a partnership when Freeman (27) attempted to go over the top and got caught leaving Lincs 73-3. Halloran (13) fell caught behind 8 runs later, and Butts and Brooker added a small partnership of 19 before a direct hit from Hemp dismissed Brooker (13) and left the Imps 102-5.

Wickets fell steadily after that with Butts, Dyer, Coggan, debutant Knapton and Barnes all failing to reach double figures. The extras score kept the Imps total ticking over but it was a landslide away from what they needed, and they were eventually all out for 126. The pick of Norfolk’s bowling and fielding came from Hogg (3-9), Reay (2-8), Cornelius (2-29), and Hemp (1-23), who also ran out Smith and Brooker.

So ended a glorious day for the Mini imps, but a disappointing one for the ladies, who for the team to succeed need one of their top 6 to achieve a big score, like the one that Tirimanna got for the travelling team. The Imps have two months to learn from the game before their next county champs fixture; in the meantime, they head to Ellesmere in a fortnight, where they will open their T20 campaign after last week’s scheduled game ended in a washout.

A full scorecard can be found here.

Steve Dent reports from Bridgnorth CC

Gloucestershire maintained their winning record in the county championship this weekend, with a hard-fought 36-run win against Shropshire at Bridgnorth CC.

After winning the toss and batting, openers Abby Evans and Charlie Walker built a large opening stand based on positive strokeplay and determination to lead from the front. Both were quick to despatch anything loose and their stand of 92 provided a great platform for the rest of the innings. Abby reached 50 from 64 balls with 6 boundaries before she was bowled by Lara Jones. With the score on 108 Charlie was given out LBW sweeping for a measured 36 from 66 balls.

Abby Evans Celebrates Her 50

Gloucestershire then lost two quick wickets before Bethan Moorcraft and Eve Alder produced a positive partnership to give the innings impetus. Bethan played with a clear purpose, ran positively and hit 7 boundaries in her innings of 50 from 62 balls. Eve played a valuable supporting role and the pair put on 55 in 13 overs before Eve was run out for 17 and, shortly after reaching her 50, Bethan was bowled, with the score on 174.

Bethan Moorcraft Celebrates Her 50

However, Laura Marshall (10*), Danika Dyer and Chloe Davis ensured that the score passed 200, and Gloucestershire finished on 205 – 9 from their 50 overs.

Things didn’t go to plan for Gloucestershire once Shropshire’s innings got underway, as Robyn Mathews played very positively right from the start. She shared in partnerships of 41 with Lara Jones and 62 with Millie Home to give Shropshire a real chance of chasing down their target.

The introduction of Danika Dyer brought about the change Gloucestershire were after, and she took the wickets of Jones and Home, both LBW. Her mid-innings spell of 2 – 22 from 10 overs was crucial. While Mathews carried on, passing 50, Dyer and Mollie Robbins started to turn the screw with some tight bowling.

The game looked to be heading for a tight finish with 8 overs to go and Shropshire wanting 51 with 6 wickets left, but a brilliant stumping by Laura Marshall off Mollie Robbins dismissed Mathews for a superb 80 and from that point onwards Gloucestershire dominated.

Robbins picked up two further wickets to finish with 3 – 27 from her 10 overs. A late wicket from Sidra Khan put the seal on the victory as Shropshire ended their 50 overs on 169 – 8.

Afterwards, coach Steve Dent described the win as “hard-fought”. “Shropshire looked likely winners at more than one stage. However the team stayed patient and positive and got their just rewards in the end, to record our 2nd win in the competition. There were excellent contributions all round, and it’s good to see confidence and belief high.”

Gloucestershire are next in action in the County T20 competition against Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire on 5th July.

Georgia Isaac reports from Harrogate CC

Yorkshire’s tight bowling and aggressive batting at Harrogate CC put an end to Middlesex’s unbeaten run this season, as the Meatballs suffered a 9-wicket defeat.

Yorkshire won the toss and, in overcast conditions, it was a good one to win. There was rain around, but it was good to see no overs were lost.

Middlesex were once again without Cath Dalton, who remains injured after hurting her ankle on the eve of the T20s last weekend. Sophia Dunkley and Natasha Miles opened for the visitors, but there was no repeat of last week’s heroics. With Katherine Brunt and Laura Spragg opening the bowling, Spragg took the first wicket in the 4th over as Dunkley was bowled for 7, unable to add many to her unbeaten tally of 91 runs from the previous two games.

Spragg and Brunt bowled six and seven overs respectively in their opening spells, with Brunt’s penultimate over being a wicket-maiden which saw the end of Tash Miles for l4.

Fran Wilson, who was in good form following her 55 in the recent EWA game against Loughborough MCCU, played fluently, sharing a partnership of 29 with Beth Morgan. Morgan also shared a solid stand of 39 runs with Izzy Westbury (33).

But wickets fell regularly, with Katie Levick (3-21) and Brunt (3-23) finishing with three wickets apiece, and Middlesex were all out for 176 after 40 overs – 10 short of the allotted number. On a good deck, this was some way short of a competitive total.

If Middlesex were to even entertain an away win they had to take early wickets. Danni Warren and Ria Raval opened the attack against the threatening right-hand/left-hand combination of Winfield and wicketkeeper Beth Mooney. After 10 overs Yorkshire were a sound 46-0, and Westbury was ringing the bowling changes in an attempt to find that elusive wicket.

Yorkshire gave no chances as both Winfield and Mooney reached half-centuries. They found the boundary with ease, including one six from Mooney, and continued to attack the bowling as they closed in on their target of 177. This resulted in the one positive for Middlesex from the innings: Alex Hartley’s dismissal of Mooney for 69, as she tried to secure another boundary but was caught on the fence by Anna Nicholls.

Winfield continued her fine form as she finished on 99 not out, having been unable to hit the required six to reach her century. This saw Yorkshire to a convincing 9-wicket win after just 30.4 overs.

After the match, Winfield – who averages well over 50 this season – said that she felt her innings was significant in the lead-up to the Ashes next month. “Today was important for me to go on past fifty and spend as much time at the crease as I can, and turn those starts into big scores. It’s important building up to the Ashes that we’re feeling confident.”

However, she stressed that “winning games for Yorkshire is very much what is important for me right now”.

From Middlesex’s perspective, it was a disappointing loss, made worse by the fact that Ria Raval had to leave the field after tearing her hamstring as she leaped for the ball. She is expected to be out for several weeks.

Georgia blogs about cricket regularly at https://georgiacricket.wordpress.com.

Georgia Isaac reports from Edmonton CC

Edmonton CC in London provided the setting for three exciting games of T20 cricket, and considering play began in misty rain it was good that the teams lost only eight overs in the day. For Middlesex, it was an excellent all-round performance as they beat reigning champions Nottinghamshire by 9 wickets, then followed this up with a 10-wicket win over Somerset.

Middlesex captain Izzy Westbury was clearly thrilled with the team’s winning performances. “Our squad of 15 is all pushing for places in the first eleven, and that’s the beauty of Middlesex. There are no superstars, but we’ve got a very good team.”

The first match was between Middlesex and Nottinghamshire. As Notts won the T20 competition last year and have three England internationals in their side, they were always going to be tough opponents. Danni Wyatt was in an explosive mood and hit 89 off only 54 deliveries including eight 4s and two 6s. She gave chances, but the ball was damp, fielders struggled to hold it, and there is always extra pressure when attempting to take the wicket of an international.

Wyatt dominated an opening stand of 86 with captain Sonia Odedra, who was bowled by Izzy Westbury for 25 off 22, including four 4s. Soon afterwards, the persistent drizzle became rain and the players were taken off. Although there was only a short delay, with three fixtures needing to be completed in a day, overs are quickly lost. Each innings was reduced to 16 overs, which meant Notts had just five overs to build on the Wyatt platform.

A second wicket soon fell as Sophia Dunkley had Georgie Boyce stumped for eight, with the score on 132. Ria Raval then took the wickets of England pair Wyatt (89) and Jenny Gunn (0), and with one run added by Abbey Hawkins, Nottinghamshire ended their 16 overs on 136-4.

It was going to be a challenging chase for Middlesex as 136 is a good score after 20 overs and even more impressive after just 16, particularly when the overs were lost not from the start, but midway through the innings. The hosts also lacked one of their top-order batsmen – Cath Dalton – who had injured her ankle at training on Friday night.

Dunkley and Tash Miles opened the batting against Odedra’s pace and Wyatt’s spin. Middlesex attacked from the start, with crisp square drives a feature of Dunkley’s unbeaten 66 off only 46 balls. Miles also batted well, but fell short of a half-century when caught by Zoe Richards off the bowling of Rebecca Widdowson for 42, including five 4s and a 6. Miles fell at 94; Fran Wilson joined Dunkley and they saw Middlesex to an impressive nine-wicket win in 14 overs.

After the game, Sophia Dunkley said that Middlesex had approached the run chase positively throughout. “Tash [Miles] and I normally go out and play quite freely anyway, so it was a good chance to play our natural game, and we pulled it off.”

The second match saw Nottinghamshire face Somerset. Notts again batted first and Wyatt continued her superb form, scoring a boundary-filled 103. Her ability to score all round the wicket again highlighted her quality, and showed she is pushing for a spot in the Ashes squad. Although dropped eight times across the two games, she refused to change her aggressive style of batting. Nottinghamshire completed their innings on 142.

South African-batsman Lizelle Lee and Gwenan Davies opened for Somerset. Lee made a century in her previous county game and is in good form for Bath CC, so hers was the key wicket. She played an entertaining innings, striking the ball powerfully and forming a solid partnership with Anya Shrubsole worth 61 before the England fast bowler was caught by Jenny Gunn off Amy Gauvrit for 27.

This left Somerset on 89-3 after 15 overs, almost completely reliant on Lee if they were to stand a chance of victory. But she was dismissed by Rebecca Widowson for 77, having scored nearly two-thirds of her runs in boundaries, as she took a big swing and was caught by Gauvrit. Somerset fell short by 17 runs, finishing on 125-5.

The final match of the day was between Middlesex and Somerset. Westbury won the toss for the second time and decided to stick with the team’s winning formula by fielding first. Unlike the first match, bowling proved decisive. As number three Fran Wilson is on loan from Somerset, she was not able to play this match, and Danni Warren was brought into the side.

Having watched some of the second match, the team was aware that Lee remained in good form, and that she and captain Anya Shrubsole would probably hold the key to Somerset’s ability to post a challenging total. Middlesex got the wicket they desired as Dattani had Lee caught behind by India Whitty, after a strangled shot down the leg-side, for 2.

Generally Middlesex’s bowling and fielding was of a much higher standard in this match, and wickets fell fairly steadily, with Warren (3-6) picking up three including England Academy’s Sophie Luff, fresh from her 109* in the last round of county matches. Somerset fought until the 16th over when Westbury took the final wicket, and they were all out for just 48.

Once again Sophia Dunkley and Tash Miles proved a successful opening partnership for the hosts. Although Somerset’s opening bowlers Shrubsole and Lee attacked until the end, they simply did not have a high enough total to defend, and found themselves congratulating Middlesex on their 10-wicket win after only 7.5 overs.

Georgia blogs about cricket regularly at https://georgiacricket.wordpress.com.

Beth Smith reports on progress in the Lincs League this season

Heading into its third year, the women’s cricket league in Lincolnshire has provided females across the county the opportunity to play against each other and the chance to become recognised by the county. It has also enabled those junior county players to participate in more fixtures against each other thus challenging them to show why they have been selected to represent their county.

Newcomers to the league, Hartsholme CC, have had a brilliant start to their campaign winning 2 of their 3 fixtures: beating returning teams Louth CC and Scunthorpe CC but losing out to Market Rasen CC – who are looking to turn close-fought losses into victories this year.

Rasen have also won 2 of 3, losing to Louth in their first game of the season, missing a number of regular players due to exams. Comfortable victories in their next 2 fixtures against Hartsholme and Scunthorpe have left Rasen joint top with Hartsholme after 6 matches have been played in the league.

Joint winners in 2014, Louth, currently sit third with 1 win and 1 loss. With their strongest team out, Louth have the potential to climb up the table but with the new strength of Rasen and Hartsholme it will be a tough challenge for them.

Scunthorpe have had the worst possible start losing all 3 of their fixtures putting them bottom of the table. The only team yet to play in 2015 are additional newcomers Long Sutton CC. With a young inexperienced side, they have a tough inaugural season ahead.

Joint winners alongside Louth from 2014, Spalding, opened their 2015 season with a resounding 8-wicket victory over Scunthorpe. With a new captain and coach and having lost some senior players, Spalding will find this season harder than last year and will do well to defend their title.

Even though the season is yet to get into full swing, there is a clear divide beginning to show within the league. There have also been some notable performances. In her first match of the season for Rasen, county U17 captain Becki Brooker opened her account with 56*; and county U15 bowlers Olivia Clark and Sammy-jo Boothright have also already picked up 5 wickets each for Hartsholme.

For full scorecards and stats visit the Lincolnshire Women’s Cricket League play-cricket website.

Luke Sellers reports from Briton Ferry Steel Ground

Gloucestershire U15 Girls (150-3) beat Wales U15 Girls (102-9) by 48 runs

Wales U15 Girls (84-1) beat Gloucestershire U15 Girls (80 all out) by 9 wickets

Gloucestershire U15 Girls enjoyed a mixed day in South Wales, winning their first game in impressive fashion before losing equally emphatically in their second.

In game one, Glos dominated from the start as captain Alice Hill (Hatherley and Reddings) and Danielle Gibson (Dumbleton) put on 96 in the first 13 overs before the former was run out for 24.

But with Gibson in full flow joined by Naima Milhofer (Downend), the vistors continued to score quickly, putting on 30 in four overs.  Milhofer was run out for 13 with the score on 126 but Gibson continued to take on the Welsh bowlers, making an impressive 88 off 63 balls before being stumped in the last over.

Chasing 151 to win Wales slipped to 10-1 in the third over when Phoebe Pearce (1-14) (Charlton Kings) bowled Osborn for 0.

Leg spinner Natasha Smith (2-17) (Frocester) took two wickets in the eight over to make it 44-3.

Three overs later the introduction of Jaz Gillingham (3-11) (Cam) saw Glos tighten their grip on the match as she took two wickets in her first over.

From 67 for 5 Wales were unable to challenge the Glos total and finished 48 runs short.

In the second match between the teams Glos collapsed from 31-1 to 80 all out as Wales skipper Jessica Thornton (4-6) tore through the middle order.

Gibson top scored with 20 and then bowled Thornton out for 0 from the second ball of the Wales innings. But Charlotte Scarborough (23 not out) and Alex Griffths (42*) batted well to complete a comprehensive nine wicket win.

Full scorecards can be found here and here.

Luke Sellers reports from Kidderminster CC

Gloucestershire U17 Women (107-4) beat Worcestershire U17 Women (103-8) by 6 wickets

Gloucestershire U17 Women (135-3) beat Wales U17 Women (102-5) by 33 runs

Gloucestershire’s Under 17 Women got their summer off to a great start with back-to-back victories in the ECB T20 County Championship.

Led by new captain Charlie Phillips (Bath) the side followed up a six wicket win over Worcestershire with a 33-run victory over Wales at Kidderminster CC.

Against Worcestershire Glos won the toss but were soon up against it with the home team’s openers playing some great shots to all parts of the ground.

Eve Alder (1-21) (Cirencester) got the first breakthrough in the fourth over, bowling Farnworth for 13 with the score on 21.

Worcs tried to maintain their early momentum but the Glos bowlers were beginning to get on top.

The introduction of Emily Wilson (Bristol Phoenix) reaped rewards as she picked up 3-16 – including a double wicket maiden – with an unerringly accurate spell.

Danielle Gibson (1-24) (Dumbleton) also made an impact, sending Worcs skipper Georgina Bragg’s (30) middle stump cartwheeling with the first ball of her second over.

Phillips took 2-20 and got a run out as the home side finished on 103-8.

In response, Naomi Forecast (Bristol Phoenix) anchored the innings with a dominant 49* (including 10 4s),  with good support from Alice Hill (14) (Hatherley and Reddings) and Alder (16*) as Glos reached their target with 3.3 overs to spare and six wickets in hand.

Forecast and Alder carried their form on in the next game against Wales, blasting their way to an opening stand of 51 from seven overs.

Forecast his four fours and a six in her knock of 52 from 54 balls, while Alder made 21 from just 17.

When they departed, attacking cameos from Hill (14) and Emily Wilkins (31) (Frenchay) ensured Glos reached 135-4.

Wales started well, putting on 62 for the first wicket, but two key run outs, a stumping and tight bowling from the whole attack – including Jess Werrett (2-20) (Hambrook) – stemmed the run rate, leaving Wales 33 runs short.

Full scorecards can be found here and here.