Northamptonshire Steelbacks Women produced a clinical performance with both bat and ball to seal a five-wicket victory over Worcestershire Rapids Women at Wantage Road in first round of the newly formed ECB Knockout Cup.
After winning the toss and electing to bat first, Worcestershire struggled to build momentum, posting 96 for 8 from their 20 overs. Wickets fell regularly, with only captain Chloe Hill (18 from 26) and Clare Boycott (16* from 17) making any real headway. The Rapids’ innings was stifled by a disciplined Steelbacks attack, with standout figures from Lenny Sims (2-12) and Ella Phillips (2-15), while Bethan Robinson (2-16) also impressed with the new ball.
Despite the modest target, the Steelbacks made a watchful start in reply. Worcestershire’s bowlers struck at regular intervals to keep the match alive. Boycott removed opener Abby Butcher for 16, and Phoene Brett bowled a miserly spell of 4-0-11-1, including the crucial lbw of Alicia Presland.
However, quickfire contributions from skipper Gemma Marriott (24), Amelia Kemp (23), and Sims (10*) guided Northamptonshire home with 22 balls to spare, finishing 97 for 5 in 16.2 overs. Jess Beach was the pick of the Rapids bowlers, taking 2 for 24 from 3.2 overs.
The result sees the Steelbacks claim a deserved win in a low-scoring encounter, with their composure under pressure and depth in bowling making the difference.
