Mixed fortunes for Women’s XI in Northumberland
It was a day of mixed fortunes when a much-changed Shropshire Women’s XI travelled to Allendale Cricket Club to take on Northumberland in the T20 Vitality Blast Women’s League 3 Division Two.
The first of the two scheduled games was hit by the weather which meant the contest was reduced to eight overs per side.
Batting first, Shropshire finished their innings on 67-5 with Naomi Payne finishing unbeaten on 18 and skipper Lara Jones hitting 14.
In reply, Shropshire restricted their hosts to 57-4 with Isabelle Crann picking up a wicket and three run outs checking Northumberland’s progress to give the visitors victory by 10 runs.
Shropshire batted first again in the second game of the day with Millie Parry top scoring with 25 out of a total of 96-8.
In the reply, the hosts were reduced to 11-4 thanks to an opening burst from Kate Brazier (2-8) and a couple more run outs as the bowlers and fielders set out to defend the modest total.
Crann chipped in with a couple of wickets but Northumberland edged home thanks to some lower order runs with just a ball and three wickets to spare.
Shropshire are still joint top of the division thanks to their three wins from the first four games.
Coach Sam Whitney said: “I thought we did fantastically well, considering the long trip and then having to wait around with the weather.
“In the first game we went out there with real intent. There was no fear from all the batters, and that’s something I’d like to see more of. I aim to create a relaxed environment that’s enjoyable to be in and hopefully if reflects in the cricket.
“We then went out and out bowled and fielded them, notably a superb diving catch from young debutant Alice Deacon.
“Kate Brazier set the tone with the new ball and then Isabelle Crann and Charlotte Kirk bowled very tightly and we gave nothing away.
“In the second game, possibly a little bit of fatigue set in from the long trip, and we didn’t have the same intent with the bat.
“I felt we did really well to get up close to 100. Millie Parry is in great form and looks like she will score runs every time she bats.
“We kept things nice and tight with the ball, but they kept chipping away at the total. Then a couple of superb pieces of fielding got us into the game.
“Issy Crann bowled with great control again and got two big wickets. At the end it could have gone either way, and they just got home, but it was a great game to be involved in.”
The Women’s XI are back in action next Sunday, June 15, when they travel to Eastnor to take on Herefordshire in another double header T20.
