Described by commentators as a ‘massive’ day in Derbyshire’s cricketing history. Falcons women’s first home match turned into a ‘David vs Goliath’ contest between the inexperienced hosts as ‘under-dogs’; and the visitors who boasted several players with international experience, lauded as a ’tier 1’ team-in-waiting. Falcons displayed a good standard-of-fielding on a ‘fast’ outfield. Leg-spinner Gemma Rose took a career-best 4-fer (4 wickets conceding 73 runs.) Yorkshire women’s top-score was from left-hander Ami Campbell – pictured  [165runs*not out (from 105 balls)] who made her highest ‘A-list’ career score. Ami Campbell later took two catches, the second of which decided the match. Falcons innings soon became a nightmare when facing an ‘attacking field’ with two ‘slips’ and a ‘gully.’ Five batters received ‘ducks,’ causal to a new record low-score total 66/10.  Commentators were Freddie Cardy (Gooner Fanzine) with Allyson Byrne (Women’s Cricket Chat, ex Lancs & Cheshire women) and guest Lara Shaw (Blaze Academy, injured with broken-finger). Weather: cloudy and cool 13C.

Yorkshire women: wearing sheer diamond-patterned deep blue *skipper Lauren Winfield-Hill with international player Sterre Kalis (NL) *[Megan Pittman keeping wicket for Falcons] *Erin Thomas was caught aerial at ‘deep mid-off’, two-handed by Natasha ‘Tash’ Allen, from Pagan Hardwick; *After ten overs power-play 69/1; *’Massive’ wicket when Lauren Winfield-Hill (one short of ‘fifty’) was caught at ‘deep mid-off’ by Natasha ‘Tash’ Allen, from the final ball of leg-spinner Gemma Rose’s first over; *During the 15th over Rebecca ‘Becky’ Duckworth was caught by Harriet Parkin (gaffed by mistake as Tash Allen taking ‘all three catches’), from Gemma Rose; *Gemma Rose took a 3-fer when Sterre Kalis was caught by Jessica Couser, who was playing with an ‘injured hand’; *Midway for drinks (25 overs) 169/4; *Missing a ‘sweep,’ Maddie Ward ‘played-on,’ bowled by Gemma Rose; *Finally, Olivia Thomas went ‘leg before’ to Rhiannon Knowling-Davies; *Undefeated centurion Ami Campbell made her highest ‘A-list’ career score – as noted above; Yorkshire women: batting: Ami Campbell165*not out(105), Olivia Thomas63(67), Lauren Winfield-Hill49(38), Sterre Kalis34(29), Erin Thomas22(22), Rebecca Duckworth17(21), Maddie Ward10(18); Falcons women bowling: Gemma Rose 4/73, Pagan Hardwick 1/59, Rhiannon Knowling-Davies 81/1;

Derbyshire Falcons women wearing dark blue with light-blue leg stripes; *Skipper Adrianna Darlow *[Lauren Winfield-Hill keeping wicket for Yorks] *with Ellie Nightingale (Yorks Academy Loan) Rhiannon Knowling-Davies (Blaze Academy class of 2024); without Lara Shaw or Maria Andrews (Blaze Academy Loans); *Megan Pittman ‘chopped-on’ for an inside-edge, bowled by Beth Langston; *Adrianna Darlow went plumb ‘leg-before’ to Olivia Thomas; *After ten overs power-play 28/2 (vs69/1); *Next over, Natasha ‘Tash’ Allen ‘top-edged,’ caught behind by Lauren Winfield-Hill, from Claudie Cooper for a golden ‘duck’; *Next over, opener Jessica Couser went plumb ‘leg-before’ to Olivia Thomas’ spin; *Three balls later, Millie Gray was caught by Ami Campbell, from Olivia Thomas for a third-ball ‘duck’; *Rhiannon Knowling-Davies was caught by Beth Langston, from Olivia Thomas; *Next over, Harriet Parkin was bowled by Claudie Cooper for a second-ball ‘duck’; *Caitlin McDonald went ‘leg before’ to Maddie Ward; *Next over, Pagan Hardwick went ‘leg before’ to Grace Hall for a third-ball ‘duck’; *Finally, two balls later Gemma Rose was caught at ‘slip’ by Ami Campbell, from Grace Hall for a second-ball ‘duck’; *Ella Porter was undefeated; *Falcons women batting: Ella Porter23*not out (36), Jessica Couser 17(32); Yorkshire women bowling: Olivia Thomas 4/16, Claudie Cooper 2/4, Grace Hall 2/15, Maddie Ward 1/3, Beth Langston 1/17;

*Match result: Yorkshire women 381/6 (@7.6 runs-per-over, from 50/50 overs) beat Derbyshire Falcons women 66/10 (@3 runs-per-over, from 22.3 overs/target 382 from 50 overs) by 315 runs

*Scorecard with video highlights, courtesy of ECB via nv play at url: https://live.nvplay.com/ecb/?tab=m_scorecard#c39cfaf83-ff45-4d8d-8ad8-682869d75201_m96109ab3-46a9-4d9b-9669-40d6432e8f5d

BBC Sport @url: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/scorecard/e-225586 & SKY Sports@url: https://www.skysports.com/cricket/derbyshire-falcons-women-v-yorkshire-women/scorecard/2bd8edc5-10f8-5b4f-8a22-82404cc79206

*Full match free-to-air, courtesy of Derbyshire TV (nv play) [05h41m00s] via YouTube @url: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WE8qiOwanVk

*Upcoming League one fixtures @url: http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/2025/03/04/metro-bank-league-one-fixtures-for-2025/

*Upcoming League two fixtures @url: http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/2025/03/05/metro-bank-one-day-cup-league-two-fixtures-for-2025/

Latest match information and match starting times @URL: www.ecb.co.uk/

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Both teams started the season full of optimism, each bagging their historic first home team win (19 April); but weren’t so lucky when losing their second-round ties. On the day, Glamorgan women posted three hundred runs that included 24 (vs12) gifted ‘wides;’ whereas Gloucester women received the wooden spoon for setting a record low-score. Glamorgan women centurion Beth Gammon made top-score [129*not out (from 101 balls).] That included fifteen ‘fours’ and two crowd-pleasing ’sixes’. Daisy Jeans made ’fifty’ 59(82) during a partnership with Beth Gammon that banked 87 runs for Glamorgan’s third wicket. By comparison, Gloucester women suffered a ‘bad day at the office.’ Only three batters reached double-figures: (Emily Geach, Prarthana Reddy and Melissa Story (professional Beeb cricket broadcaster.) After stopping at mid-way for customary drinks, Gloucester women were sent to a ‘crushing’ defeat when Glamorgan women bowled them out five overs later. Commentators were Toby Reynolds (Cricket writer at Sports Gazette) and guest (for Glos Cricket.) Weather was cool with cloud cover 13C.

Glamorgan women wearing daffodil yellow over dark-blue *Skipper Laura Parfitt *[Megan ‘Meg’ Ahearne keeping wicket for Gloucester]; *Erin Vukusic extended loan from Somerset; Poppy Tullock loan from Hampshire; *Druing the match Liv Daniels failed concussion check, left the field as unable to continue. Her ‘concussion substitute’ for Gloucester’s innings was Alice Hill; *Bea Ellis ’snicked-an-edge’ to keeper Megan ‘Meg’ Ahearne, for a third-ball ‘duck’ from seamer Caitin Belcher; *After ten overs power-play 60/1 ;*Laura Parfitt was caught at ‘deep mid-off’ by Olivia ‘Liv’ Daniels, from Issy Patel; *Mid-way (25 overs) 132/2; *Daisy Jeanes went aerial, caught ‘in the covers’ by Olivia ‘Liv’ Daniels, from Melissa Story; *Poppy Tulloch snicked-an-edge’ to keeper Megan ‘Meg’ Ahearne, bowled by Issy Patel ; *Gemma Porter was caught at ‘cover’ by Alice Hill, from Issy Patel; *Georgia Parfitt was bowled ‘middle-and-off’ by Issy Patel; *Missing a ‘sweep’ Eve Jackson was bowled by Prarthana Reddy; *Sara Phillips was caught at ‘deep mid-wicket’ by Alice Bird, from Melissa Story; *Bethan ‘Beth’ Gammon was ‘not out’; Glamorgan women batting: Beth Gammon 129*no(101), Daisy Jeanes 59(82), Sara Phillips 19(22) Laura Parfitt 19(27), *Eve Jackson 13(24) Poppy Tulloch 13(19), Gemma Porter10(21); Gloucestershire women bowling: Issy Patel 4/39, Melissa Story 2/33, Prarthana Reddy 1/49, Caitlin Belcher 1/50;

Gloucestershire women wearing yellow and black with yellow shoulder stripes; *Skipper Olivia ‘Liv’ Daniels *[Georgia Parfitt keeping wicket for Glamorgan] *Mis-timing a ’hook,’ Prarthana Reddy was caught behind by keeper Georgia Parfitt, from Poppy Tulloch; *Issy Patel was ‘yorked’ by Erin Vukusic; *Melissa Story was stumped by Georgia Parfitt, from Katy Cobb; *Mistiming a ’sweep,’ Emily Geach was bowled by Gemma Porter; *After 10 overs power-play 37/2 (vs60/1); *Caitlin Belcher was caught ‘deep mid-wicket’ by Eve Jackson, from Katy Cobb; *Georgina Cant went aerial, caught at ‘mid-off’ by skipper Laura Parfitt, from Gemma Porter for a 2nd ball duck; *Concussion substitute Alice Hill, was ‘run out’ by Gemma Porter’s throw from ‘square’ to Katy Cobb receiving at the non-striker’s end; *Megan ‘Meg’ Ahearne was caught at ‘cover’ by Daisy Jeanes, from Gemma Porter for a 2nd ball duck; *Taking a lavish swing, Charlotte Phillips was stumped by keeper Georgia Parfitt, from Sara Phillips; *By mid-way for drinks (25 overs) 72/8 (vs 132/2) *Finally Alice Bird was caught ‘in the covers’ by Bethan Ellis, from Sara Phillips; Gloucestershire women batting: Emily Geach11(19), Prarthana Reddy11(27), Melissa Story11(33); Glamorgan women bowling: Gemma Porter 3/14, Sara Phillips 2/3, Katy Cobb 2/20, Poppy Tulloch 1/20, Erin Vukusik 1/20;

*Match result: Glamorgan women 304/8 (@6 runs-per-over, from 50/50 overs) beat Gloucestershire women 77/10 (@2.5 runs-per-over, target 305 from 30/50 overs) by 227 runs (with 120 balls remaining)

*Scorecard with video highlights, courtesy of ECB via nv play at url: https://live.nvplay.com/ecb/?tab=m_scorecard#c39cfaf83-ff45-4d8d-8ad8-682869d75201_ma7451ee3-8ab1-45e9-aa2f-b37a7a5055e1

BBC Sport @url: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/scorecard/e-225587 & SKY Sports@url: https://www.skysports.com/cricket/gloucestershire-women-v-glamorgan-women/scorecard/b47ea36a-ff7f-5805-b33b-9b6027debd80

*Full match free-to-air courtesy of Gloucester Cricket TV (NV Play) via YouTube [05h54m46s] @url: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzWeZHV11Zs

*Upcoming League one fixtures @url: http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/2025/03/04/metro-bank-league-one-fixtures-for-2025/

*Upcoming League two fixtures @url: http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/2025/03/05/metro-bank-one-day-cup-league-two-fixtures-for-2025/

Latest match information and match starting times @URL: www.ecb.co.uk/

Kent women have much work to do to pick themselves up following their poor run-of-form’ and inconsistent performance between opening tier-two matches. Previously boosted by bagging their first home win on the same ground (26 April), Kent women suffered their second ‘crushing’ defeat from their third ‘tier two’ match. Separately, Kent women pride themselves as ‘the most successful side in the history of the women’s game,’ producing England internationals including Tammy Beaumont, Alice Davidson-Richards and Ryana Macdonald-Gay. On the day, only four Kent women batters made double-figures during a nightmare innings not dissimilar to their opening match defeat by Middlesex (20 April.) Contrary to home team commentators expectation, all Foxes batters made double-figures despite lauding Kent’s ’spin attack.’ Foxes won the match comfortably inside twenty-five overs without stopping for customary mid-way drinks. Scotland’s Ellen Watson made top-score and hit the winning ‘four.’ Commentators: Adesh (Sports Journalist) with co-commentators from BBC radio Kent. Cool with cloud cover 13C.

Kent women wearing bright-blue with white shoulder trim over dark blue *Skipper Megan Belt *[Sophie Bennett keeping wicket for Foxes] *with Megan Sturge loan from Hants; *Cursed by commentators for ‘looking for another century’ Amy Gordon was caught by keeper Sophie Bennett from an ‘inside edge,’ from Emma Thatcher for a sixth ball ‘duck’; *Soft dismissal, when Megan Sturge was caught at ‘square’ by April Herathge, from Emma Thatcher’ *Momentarily gaffed as ‘catch off the season,’ Sophie Singer was caught ‘at square’ by Laura Crofts, from Ellie Phillips; *After 10 overs power-play 18/3; *Coco Streets feathered an edge to keeper Sophie Bennett, from the quickest seamer, Holly Whitfield; *Genevieve Jeer played-on from an inside edge to Laura Crofts’s full-length yorker; *Switching mid-over, bowler now coming around-the-wicket, Grace Poole was bowled with her ‘leg stump’ flattened by Laura Crofts; After 25overs; 74/6; *’Bad to worse’ when Olivia Barnes went ‘leg before’, to Ellie Phillips;*Zeena Bilal was caught ‘nicely’ at ‘mid-wicket’ by Ellie Phillips, from April Herathge ‘who’d bowled incredibly well’; *Isabella James went aerial, caught at ‘mid-wicket’ by Flora Davies, from D’Nica Roff’s ‘full-toss’; *Finally, Molly Davis went ’leg before’ to April Herathge; leaving skipper Megan Belt ‘not out;’ Kent women batting: Genevieve Jeer 27(45) *M Davis 20(63) *Coco Streets 14(34), Zeena Bilal 10(23); Leicestershire Foxes women bowling: Ellie Phillips 2/7, April Herathge 2/17,  Emma Thatcher 2/17, Holly Whitfield 1/19, D’Nica Roff 1/25;

Leicestershire Foxes women wearing red-with-green-splash *Skipper Rebecca ‘Becki’ Brooker; [Molly Davis keeping wicket for Kent] with Ellen Watson (Scotland); *Big appeal given when Sophie Bennett went plumb ‘leg-before to Olivia Barnes spin; *After 10 overs power-play 52/2 (vs 18/3); *’Unfortunate lapse in concentration’ when Flora Davies was ‘run out’ by Sophie Singer, without noticing Lucy Weston was unmoved, from bowling of Olivia Barnes; *Soft dismissal when Lucy Weston was caught at ‘mid-off’ by Sophie Singer, from Megan Belt; *No further wickets fell, contrary to commentators curses for Kent to ‘take wickets very cheaply;’ *Ellen Watson was undefeated with top-score 37*not out(49); partnered by Francesca Sweet 18*not out(23); *Foxes women batting: Ellen Watson 37*‘not out;’(49), Lucy Weston 29(40), Francesca Sweet 18*‘not out’(23), Flora Davies 18(20), Sophie Bennett 11(14); Kent women bowling: Megan Belt 1/22, Olivia Barnes 1/29;

*Match result: Leicestershire Foxes Women 121/3 (@5 runs-per-over from 24overs/ target 118 from 50 overs); beat Kent Women 117/10 (@2.8 r-p-o, from 40.2/50 overs); by seven wickets

*Scorecard with video highlights, courtesy of ECB via nv play at url: https://live.nvplay.com/ecb/?tab=m_scorecard#c39cfaf83-ff45-4d8d-8ad8-682869d75201_mb2f5ffac-9654-44bb-a3e3-b611da958b33

*BBC Sport @url: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/scorecard/e-225588#KentW & SKY Sports@url: https://www.skysports.com/cricket/kent-women-v-leicestershire-foxes-women/scorecard/e77385b1-e709-5b38-ae63-4ee21a0ea78a

*Full match free-to-air, courtesy of Kent Cricket (Livestream sponsored by Cluberly)  [04h22m24s] via YouTube @url: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zd7Jkql4TWw&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Flive.nvplay.com%2F&source_ve_path=OTY3MTQ

*Upcoming League one fixtures @url: http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/2025/03/04/metro-bank-league-one-fixtures-for-2025/

*Upcoming League two fixtures @url: http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/2025/03/05/metro-bank-one-day-cup-league-two-fixtures-for-2025/

*Kent Cricket response to missing-out on ’tier one; status @url: https://www.kentonline.co.uk/canterbury/sport/kent-miss-out-on-tier-one-professional-women-s-side-305311/

Latest match information and match starting times @URL: www.ecb.co.uk/

Middlesex women remain unbeaten as they cruised home win by four wickets in a one-sided low-scoring match. Previously, both teams were unbeaten in their first two matches. For Middlesex, Gayatri Gole had made history as the first bowler in either competition to take six wickets on 20 April. By comparison, Steelbacks success had been attributed to Michaela Kirk who’d raced past 200 runs with top batting average after just two rounds of ‘league two.’ On the day, Steelbacks women had a nightmare innings, scoring 85/6 by mid-way and fell some way short of posting a defendable score. Best bowler Sarah Pearson took a 3-fer (taking 3 wickets for Middlesex, conceding 29 runs.) By comparison Middlesex women had seven wickets in hand by mid-way, needing to score on par to be certain of victory. One notable highlight was Gemma Marriott’s rolling exhibition catch from Ella Phillips’ bowling – Ella Phillips took a consolation 3fer (3/40) for Steelbacks.

Steelbacks women wearing purple with light blue splash over dark blue; *Skipper Anisha Patel (50ov);*[Pippa Sproul keeping wicket for Middx]  with Michaela Kirk (Rep.SouthAfrica RSA) loaned from The Blaze and May Drinkell (Blaze Academy loan); *May Drinkell, was ‘run out’ by Riva Pindoria for a tenth ball ‘duck,’ from Katie Wolfe; *After 10 overs power-play 34/1; *Amelia Kemp was bowled ‘top-of-middle’ by Lauren Turner; *Bethany ‘Beth’ Ascott was caught at ‘mid-on’ by keeper Pippa Sproul, from Lauren Turner; *Gemma Marriott was caught at ‘cover’ by Saskia Horley, from Lauren Turner; *Lenny Sims was caught by Lauren Turner, bowled from Sonali Patel; *Michaela Kirk was caught behind by keeper Pippa Sproul, from Anisha Dissanayake; *Midway (25 overs) for drinks  85/6; *Alicia Presland, was bowled by Anisha Dissanayake; *Ella Phillips, was caught by skipper Saskia Horley, from Sarah Pearson; *Poppy Smart, was bowled by Saskia Horley, for a tenth ball ‘duck;’ *Mabel Reid was caught by Lauren Turner, from Sarah Pearson; Steelbacks women batting: Mabel Reid 29(53), Ella Phillips 28(62), Michaela Kirk24(48), Amelia Kemp 22(35); Middx women bowling: Sarah Pearson 3/29, Lauren Turner 2/18, Anisha Dissanayake 2/19, Saskia Horley 1/12, Sonali Patel 1/18;

Middlesex women wearing navy-blue with pink underarm splash *Skipper Saskia Horley *[Poppy Smart keeping wicket for Steelbacks] *Without Gayatri Gole, or Olivia Kibler; *Having just survived a dropped ‘dolly’, next ball Pippa Sproul was caught behind by keeper Poppy Smart, from seamer Mabel Reid; *After 10 overs power-play 41/1 (vs 34/1); *Finty Trussler went plumb ‘leg before’ to Amelia Kemp; *Top-scorer who was out three short of her ‘fifty,’ Artemis Downer was bowled ‘top-of-middle-and-off,’ from Anisha Patel; *Mid-way (25 overs) 107/3 (vs 85/6); *Georgia Irving went aerial, caught at ‘mid-wicket’ by Michaela Kirk, from Ella Phillips’s spin; *Riva Pindoria went aerial, caught at ‘mid-off’ by Gemma Marriott’s rolling catch, also from Ella Phillips; *Lauren Turner went aerial, was caught at ’long-on’ by Michaela Kirk, from Ella Phillips for a ninth ball ‘duck;’ *Skipper Saskia Horley partnered by Sarah Pearson who hit the winning ‘two,’ saw their team home; Middlesex women batting: Artemis Downer47(70), Saskia Horley32(44), Pippa Sproul19(21), Finty Trussler18(24); Steelbacks women bowling: Ella Phillips 3/40, Amelia Kemp 1/19, Anisha Patel 1/20, Mabel Reid 1/28;

*Match result: Middlesex women 145/6 (@4.3 runs-per-over, target 145 from 33.3/50 overs) beat Northamptonshire Steelbacks women 144/10 (@3.1 runs-per-over, from 46.2/50 overs) by four wickets

*Scorecard with video highlights, courtesy of ECB via nv play at url: https://live.nvplay.com/ecb/?tab=m_scorecard#c39cfaf83-ff45-4d8d-8ad8-682869d75201_m6d4269bf-f688-46f2-8037-344e7114b8f4

BBC Sport @url: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/scorecard/e-225589#NOR & SKY Sports@url: https://www.skysports.com/cricket/northamptonshire-steelbacks-women-v-middlesex-women/scorecard/1dbb40e7-dec0-54c4-832e-7f66587e2b9a

*Full match free-to-air, without commentary, courtesy of Steelbacks TV/Northamptonshire CCC (nv play) [05h49m50s] via YouTube @url: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-ad6ezBZ5Y

*Upcoming League one fixtures @url: http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/2025/03/04/metro-bank-league-one-fixtures-for-2025/

*Upcoming League two fixtures @url: http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/2025/03/05/metro-bank-one-day-cup-league-two-fixtures-for-2025/

Latest match information and match starting times @URL: www.ecb.co.uk/

Bowling with stump-to-stump precision, Middx Seamer Gayatri Gole made history as the first bowler in either tier of the competition to take six wickets at the very first opportunity. Her ‘6-fer,’ conceded just thirty runs. Drama struck as Gayatri Gole paired with fellow seamer Katie Wolfe (who took a 3-fer) reduced their opponents to 46/9 after 13 overs. Face-saving last-wicket stand between skipper Megan Belt and keeper Molly Davis brought Kent’s nightmare innings to a close. All-but-one Kent batter had been sent back-to-the-hutch for single-figures. By comparison, Middx’s innings was without any such drama. After two wickets fell, Skipper Saskia Horley played sensibly, enabling Issy Routledge to retain strike and hit the winning ‘single’ to conclude Middx eight wicket’s win. Weather cool 13C.

Kent women wearing bright-blue with white shoulder trim over dark blue

*Skipper Megan Belt *[Olivia Kibler keeping wicket for Middx] *with Megan Sturge loaned from Hants; *Amy Gordon was bowled by Gayatri Gole; *Next ball, Megan Sturge went ‘leg-before’ to Gayatri Gole for a ‘golden duck;’ *Surviving the hat-trick ball, Sophie Singer was bowled by Gayatri Gole; *Genevieve Jeer was bowled ‘middle-and-off,’ by Gayatri Gole; *Coco Streets was bowled with her ‘off stump’ knocked back by Katie Wolfe; *Next ball, Grace Poole was bowled ‘middle-and-off’ by Gayatri Gole; *After ten overs powerplay 35/6; *Matilda Callaghan was caught at ‘point’ by Georgia Irving, from Katie Wolfe; *Three balls later, Elsa Barnfather went aerial, caught at ‘mid-on’ by Saskia Horley, for a sixth ball ‘duck’ from Gayatri Gole; *Umpires suspended play briefly for four minutes, for fielder’s injury; *Once play resumed, Zeena Bilal was caught one-handed by keeper Olivia Kibler from Katie Wolfe; *Skipper Megan Belt partnered by keeper Molly Davis added 23; *Finally, Megan Belt went plumb ‘leg-before’ to Hannah Davies – as mentioned above; Kent batting: Amy Gordon 11(10); Middx bowling: Gayatri Gole 6/30, Katie Wolfe 3/21, Hannah Davies 0/1;

Middx women wearing navy-blue with pink underarm splash *Skipper Saskia Horley *[Molly Davis keeping wicket for Kent] *Riva Pindoria went plumb ‘leg-before’ to Grace Poole 9 (15) *After ten overs powerplay 51/2 (vs 35/6) *Finty Trussler was caught at ‘mid-on’ by Amy Gordon, deceived by Megan Belt’s spin; *Skipper Horley was undefeated, partnered by top-scorer Issy Routledge who hit the winning ’single;’ Middx batting: Issy Routledge 21*not out (35), Saskia Horley 14*not out (7), Finty Trussler 13(16); Kent bowling: Grace Poole 1/26, Megan Belt 1/16;

*Match result: Middlesex Women 69/2 (@5.7 runs-per-over from 12.1/50 overs); beat Kent Women 66/10 (@3.2 r-p-o, target 70 from 20.4/50 overs); by eight wickets

*Scorecard with video highlights, courtesy of ECB via nv play at URL: https://live.nvplay.com/ecb/?tab=m_bbb#c39cfaf83-ff45-4d8d-8ad8-682869d75201_m07971258-10dc-45d7-bfb0-b433b195cc91 & Also BBC Sport at URL https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/scorecard/e-225580

*Most of match free-to-air without commentary, courtesy of Middlesex Cricket TV (nv play) via YouTube [02h10m10s] @url https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=501pvU4-7Vo

*Upcoming League one fixtures @url http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/2025/03/04/metro-bank-league-one-fixtures-for-2025/

*Upcoming League two fixtures @url http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/2025/03/05/metro-bank-one-day-cup-league-two-fixtures-for-2025/

Latest match information and match starting times @URL: www.ecb.co.uk/

Officially making history to launch league two’s opening day to mark a new era for women’s cricket. Following a rain-delayed start, each team’s innings was reduced by half to twenty-five overs. Once play began, commentators gave opinion the pitch was fair, without offering bowlers unfair advantage. Drama struck when the hosts plundered 23 runs from the sixth over. Visitors replied, taking two wickets in two balls, leaving stand-in skipper Beth Gammon to face seamer Eve O’Neill’s (3/14) ‘hat-trick’ ball. Match-winning fourth-wicket century partnership between Beth Gammon [74 runs (from 57 balls)] and Gemma Porter [29 runs (from 32 balls)]; plus 35 from Daisy Jeanes gave Glamorgan a defendable score. Sensing a one-sided match, home team commentators became confident that Sharks were ‘never really in the game,’ faced with mounting ‘scoreboard pressure;’ and the possibility of inclement weather returning. Commentators were Kathryn ‘Kath’ Wilkins (exCoach for Wales Women and former England International & Somerset Women) with Ashleigh Crowter (BBC Wales & lecturer in Journalism at Cardiff University). With rain at first, weather became dry with grey cloud cover 13C.

Glamorgan innings: wearing daffodil yellow over black *Stand-in skipper Bethan ‘Beth’ Gammon (for Laura Parfitt, reported injured) *[Mollie Adams keeping wicket for Sharks]; with Poppy Tulloch loaned from Hants & Erin Vukusic one-day loan from Somerset;  *During the seventh over, Bea Ellis was bowled by Eve O’Neill’s off-spin (from the drying surface); *Next ball, Eve O’Neill was on a ‘hat-trick’ after Isla Thomson was caught at short ‘mid-wicket’ by Jazz Westley for a golden duck; *Eve O’Neill took a third wicket from her next over when Daisy Jeanes was caught at ‘in the covers’ by Tia Joseph; *Score 72/3 at midway (12.3overs); *With a ‘tired’ shot, Gemma Porter was bowled top of middle stump by Daisy Gibb who’d returned for a fresh spell; *Playing a skipper’s innings scoring ‘fifty’ and going on to make top-score, Bethan ‘Beth’ Gammon went aerial, caught by keeper running to collect at ‘square-leg’ from Daisy Gibb; Glamorgan batting: Bethan ‘Beth’ Gammon72(57), Daisy Jeanes35(28), Gemma Porter29(32) Bea Ellis11(23); Sharks bowling: Eve O’Neill 3/14, Daisy Gibb 2/16;

Sharks innings: wearing pink over black *Skipper Chiara Green *[Georgia Parfitt keeper for Glamorgan] with Mollie Adams from Vipers Academy (six counties); *Rachel King was bowled by Poppy Tulloch, dislodging her off stump bail; *Jazz Westley was caught aerial by Isla Thomson at ‘extra cover,’ from Eve Jackson; *Score 53/3 (vs 72/3) at midway (12.3overs); *Missing a square-cut, Mollie Adams was stumped by keeper Georgia Parfitt, from Daisy Jeanes; *Chiara Green was ‘run out’ by Eve Jackson’s direct hit, from spinner Nicole Reid’s ‘full-toss’; *Talitha ‘Tia’ Stanley well-timed  ‘over-the-top,’ but was caught at ‘long-off’ by Daisy Jeanes, from Nicole Reid; *Lucy Western mis-timed scoop, ramped straight into keeper’s gloves from Eve Jackson’s ‘full-toss’; *Daisy Gibb missed driving a dead-straight ball, and was bowled by Poppy Tulloch; *With four balls remaining, Tia Joseph mis-timed a top-edge to ‘mid-wicket,’ caught at Eve Jackson from Poppy Tulloch; *Anna Lewis mis-timed a top-edge to ‘backward point,’ caught by Bea Ellis, from Poppy Tulloch’s final innings ball; Sharks batting: Daisy Gibb24(21), Mollie Adams19(35), Lucy Western13(21), Jazz Westley12(27), Chaira Green11(10); Glamorgan bowling:Poppy Tulloch 4/28, Eve Jackson 2/21, Nicole Reid 1/20, Daisy Jeanes 1/13;

*Match result: Glamorgan Women 178/5 (@7.1 runs-per-over from 25/25 overs); beat Sussex Sharks Women 125/9 (@5 r-p-o, target 179 from 25/25 overs); by 53 runs

*Scorecard with video highlights, courtesy of ECB via NV Play at URL: https://live.nvplay.com/ecb/#c39cfaf83-ff45-4d8d-8ad8-682869d75201_m6aef25c5-e014-410a-a4f9-e76966b2aeec & Also BBC Sport at URL https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/scorecard/e-225576

*Full match free-to-air courtesy of Glamorgan Cricket TV (NV Play) via YouTube [starting 03:39:10/from 07h17m45s] @url https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atG6VDA7NzE

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