Worcestershire Rapids Womens’ search for a first win of the season in the Vitality T20 Blast continues after a seven-wicket defeat at the hands of Leicestershire Women on Sunday afternoon.
In a frustrating batting display, plenty of batters got in, but failed to kick on as Chloe Hill (19*) showed positive signs on her return to the side.
Defending a modest 120, Flora Bertwistle continued her impressive run of form as she returned (2-27), but the Rapids failed to make frequent inroads as they fell to a seven-wicket defeat.
The Rapids now take a week off, as they look to regroup against Yorkshire in their next fixture on the 27th.
Looking to find the winning formula after last week’s double header defeat, Worcestershire Rapids Women travelled to Uptonsteel County Ground to face Leicestershire Foxes.
After losing the toss and being asked to bat first, opening pair Gwen Davies and Clare Boycott started with positive intent, adding 35 for the first wicket, before Davies fell for a flamboyant 20 off 22 balls.
The visitors were unable to capitalise on their strong start as they were pulled back in the middle overs, as Bryony Gillgrass (12), Ruby Davis (4) and Boycott (17) were all dismissed within 11 runs of each other, as the middle overs once again proved difficult to navigate.
Returning to the squad, Chloe Hill (19*), made an instant impact, stabilising proceedings as she carried her bat through after coming in during the 11th over with her side 60-3.
Poppy Davies added some much-needed impetus to the Rapids innings, with her timely cameo of 20, contribute to a 29-run partnership with Hill.
Some astute batting towards the back end of the innings, saw Hill help drag her side to 120-7 after their 20 overs had been faced.
With a slightly under-par score on the board, the bowling and fielding unit were going to have to produce their most cohesive performance of the season to record a much-needed victory.
The Rapids got off to the dream start in reply, as Phoebe Brett struck with the third ball of the innings, when she produced a quick delivery that beat the defences of Becki Booker, leaving Leicestershire 0-1.
In a well-constructed run chase, Leicestershire had Francesca Sweet to thank as her 67 not-out anchored the innings, making life very difficult for Clare Boycott’s bowlers to build any sustained pressure.
Jess Beach and Amy Wheeler both searched hard for a breakthrough, but their work went unrewarded as they finished wicketless from their respective spells.
Flora Bertwistle (2-27), gave the Rapids hope with a brace of wickets, but even at 78-3, the momentum was against the away side.
Boycott’s side fought valiantly until the end, but a first win of the season still proves elusive as Worcestershire went down by seven-wickets.
