Worcestershire Women’s Rapids Skipper Clare Boycott expressed her frustration after her side fell to their first T20 Blast defeat of the season at New Road on Sunday.
Boycott claimed impressive figures of 3-24 with the ball, as the Rapids limited the Steelbacks to 140; however, they could not capitalise with the bat in response, stumbling to a 39-run defeat.
Fresh from their opening T20 Blast win of the summer, Boycott and her side arrived at New Road full of positivity, in search of maintaining a 100% start to the short-format season.
Having won the toss and electing to bowl first, the Rapids bowlers stuck to their task admirably, despite not having taken a wicket during the Steelbacks’ powerplay.
Boycott led the way, returning impressive figures of 3-24, and was supported by England U19 star Bryony Gillgrass, who herself took 2-18.
“I think we started pretty well with the ball.
“I’m happy with how we fielded and bowled, especially towards the back end of the innings when we brought it back without taking a wicket in the powerplay.
“We then took six or seven wickets, so I’m pretty happy with that.”
Having successfully chased 156 last time out at the Foxes, Boycott’s side were full of optimism heading out to the middle.
However, a troubling powerplay ensued, with the home side losing three wickets for 50 runs, signalling the start of the Rapids’ struggles.
“It was frustrating with the bat, I thought we could have chased that down, but we just lost too many wickets early on, which made it harder at the back end.
“I’m pretty happy with how we fielded. Ebs again was outstanding in the field.
“I think we put the pressure on them with the field; they were running hard.
“But I think there is just a bit more to do with the bat, unfortunately.”
With Boycott’s side back in action at New Road on Sunday, the squad will be looking to build on the positives of their performance as they face-off with Derbyshire Falcons.
Rapids supporters have become accustomed to Boycott’s exploits with the ball, playing a mainstay all-rounder role since her first appearance back in 2008.
“I’m pretty happy, I’ve been working on my bowling over the winter, so it was nice to finally get some wickets this season.
“I think we bowled really well and deserved to chase that down. Unfortunately, there probably weren’t many smart choices; a few too many people caught out in the deep.
“We didn’t need to go as hard as we did, but this is the new brand of cricket we’re going for.
“But all in all, there are positives to take from today, just a shame about the result.”
