Women’s XI face Dorset in Arundel Castle T20 final
Cricket Shropshire’s Women’s XI head to Arundel Castle on Sunday hoping to go one better than last year in their Vitality Blast T20 final.
They take on Dorset at the iconic ground in Sussex after finishing top of their table after winning nine out of their ten games in League Three Division 2B.
Last year they also made their national T20 final only to lose out to Oxfordshire, although they got their revenge when they beat the same opponents in their 50 over competition.
This year they hope last season’s experience will stand them in good stead at Arundel as they attempt to win promotion in the shorter format competition.
Coach Sam Witney said: “We are confident going in to Sunday, we’ve been tested and come through some tight games on the right side.
“We have players in form and everyone has played their part this season. We will look to be positive and give it our best shot. I don’t want to leave anything out there and come away thinking what could have been.
“It is a fantastic opportunity in a beautiful setting and the pitch will be very good.”
The side are boosted by the availability of Aamna Khan.
Sam added: “She’s a real talent and also bowls leg spin which could play a huge part on Sunday.”
The Women’s XI began their 50 over campaign last weekend, hosting Berkshire at Shrewsbury School in the Metro Bank One Day Cup Women’s League 3 Division 1.
Skipper Lara Jones won the toss and batted first – only to see her side slip to 4-3 early on before rallying to make 167. Berkshire knocked off the runs for the loss of four wickets.
Sam said: “Some of the dismissals suggested we were still in T20 mode. We batted well considering we were 4-3, but we were 100/150 short of a winning total on that pitch in those conditions
“It was a shame because we won the toss on a hot day on an excellent pitch. If we had batted the 50 overs and ground them down it would have been another story.”
Jones made 30, Isabella Lawrence-Posso 26 and Harriet Shuker hit 27 off just ten balls.
“Lara showed some fight and it’s good to see her coming into some form as she’s a big part of our batting line up in the 50 over competition.
“Harriet gave us a glimpse of what she can do with the bat which is exciting going into the T20 final – she entertained with 27 off ten balls, hopefully we see more of that on Sunday.
“Berkshire then batted well and one of their girls got a superb 100 – a chance-less innings.”