Amy and Lara steer Women’s XI to victory
A vital 86-run sixth wicket partnership between Amy Griffiths and skipper Lara Jones saw Shropshire edge to victory against Herefordshire in their Metro Bank One Day cup campaign.
Chasing a modest target of 132, Shropshire were in trouble in their reply when they slumped to 40-5 in their reply at Ludlow CC
But Griffiths (40) and Jones (39) combined to build their partnership and put Shropshire back in the driving seat.
Both fell with the winning line in sight but Shropshire edged home by two wickets with plenty of overs to spare.
Earlier Shropshire had dismissed the visitors for 131, a couple of early run outs from Ava Clive helping to put Herefordshire on the back foot.
Kate Brazier led the attack on her home turf with 3-25 from her six overs, Harriet Shuker took 2-19 and Griffiths 3-31 as Herefordshire were bowled out in the 32nd over of their innings.
Coach Sam Whitney said: “We won the toss and asked them to bat on a sunny day – but the pitch looked like it might be tricky to score on.
“We bowled tightly and fielded superbly well to keep them to 130 including two run outs showing calmness under pressure to get two of their top players out.
“On a tough pitch to bat on, we probably went too attacking at the start and it cost us wickets, being early on shots on a sticky pitch.
“At 40-5, Hereford had us on the ropes until the experience of Griffiths and Jones came together. They batted very smartly, putting bad balls away and running well.
“It was a great example for the young players how to build a partnership on a tough pitch.
“A slight blip at the end made it closer than we wanted, but we got over the line once again.”
The third victory of the 50-over campaign leaves Shropshire joint top of League Three Division Two North with Northumberland after three games, just behind on run rate.
The top two teams clash in their next fixture at Whitchurch CC’s Heath Road ground this Sunday, September 7.
