Women’s XI claim Norfolk win
Brilliant unbeaten half centuries from Amy Griffiths and Olivia Smith saw Shropshire’s Women’s XI to an eight-wicket victory on their long trip to Fakenham CC to take on Norfolk.
The pair put on an unbeaten 147-run partnership for the third wicket as Shropshire reached their victory target, finishing on 171-2.
Earlier Shropshire had dismissed the hosts for 168 in the 34th over in their Metro Bank One Day Cup Division 2 North clash.
Isabelle Crann was the pick of the bowlers with an impressive 4-28 from her ten overs – breaking a partnership which had seen Norfolk reach 106 before losing their second wicket. She was backed up by 3-42 from Kate Brazier and 2-52 from Griffiths.
Shropshire then lost both openers early in the chase, but 68 off 69 balls from Smith and 74 off just 52 from Griffiths saw them claim the points in the 26th over.
Coach Sam Whitney said: “It was an excellent win. We struggled early on but they played very well and took the game to us.
“It was a game-changing spell from Izzy. She’s been impressive all year but this was her best spell, getting the two set batters out and was a big reason why we bowled them out for 168.
“A fantastic catch by Millie Parry was one of the highlights of the innings.
“We lost two early wickets, but under pressure Amy and Liv were superb. Spin was the key to our success bowling but these two put their spinners under pressure, we attacked at the right time and never let them settle.
“It was one of the finest partnerships I’ve watched all season in all cricket, with the right-hand/left-hand combination, rotating strike and putting the bad balls away.
“It’s very pleasing to see them hitting some form coming to the final months of the season.’
The win means Shropshire now have two wins from two in their division with their next game against Herefordshire at home on Sunday, August 24.
It backs up their great form from their T20 campaign earlier in the Summer which saw them make their national final only to slip to defeat against Oxfordshire.
