Bears women notched-up their fourth consecutive win with a ‘dominant display,’ to continue their ‘winning streak’ against strong competition. Key to Bears women’s success were firstly Davina Perrin and Meg Austin opening fifty-run partnership; secondly a ‘well-deserved fifty’ from 38 balls from Dutch international Sterre Kalis (pictured) – who went on to make top score [54 runs (from 38 balls)]; and thirdly ‘all catches were taken.’ By contrast, Blaze women were strengthened by England team-mates Tami Beaumont 44(39) who made top-score, and leg-spinner Sarah Glenn; but played without Amy Jones or Nat Sciver-Brunt. Receiving Vertu POTM post match, top-scorer Sterre Kalis said she ‘ran hard’ and that the team ‘knew (they) had to play our best cricket.’ Sterre Kalis was also quizzed about playing for Yorkshire in league two.– please see below. Host commentators were Aatif Nawaz (Bears TV host) and Adam Bridge, Aaron Viles (Cricketfanaticsmag.com) with guest player Chloe Brewer. Weather: scorching hot summers day, late afternoon peaking at 31C

Bears women wearing ’sky’ blue diamond cheque with yellow trim over dark blue; with yellow helmets and black caps; *skipper Georgia Davis *[Sarah Bryce keeping wicket for The Blaze] *with international players Laura Harris (Australia) & Sterre Kalis (NL); *without Abbey Freeborn, Katie George or Phoebe Graham; *After 6 overs ‘power-play’ 54/0; *Davina Perrin was stumped by keeper Sarah Bryce, from Kathryn Bryce’s first ‘leg-break;’ *81/1 by ‘mid-way’ (after 10 overs); *Meg Austin was stumped by keeper Sarah Bryce, from Kathryn Bryce; *Laura Harris was caught aerial at ‘deep-mid-wicket’ by Tammy Beaumont from Kirstie Gordon; *Charis Pavely caught aerial at ‘long-off’ by Tammy Beaumont, from Grace Ballinger; *Sterre Kalis was caught at ‘long-off’ by Marie Kelly, from Kathryn Bryce;*Nat Wraith was caught at ‘cover’ by Kirstie Gordon from  Kathryn Bryce; *‘Death’ over yielded fourteen runs; Bears women batting: Sterre Kalis54(41), Meg Austin39(30), Davina Perrin25(18), Laura Harris10(7), Issy Wong10*not out(4); The Blaze women bowling: Kathryn Bryce 4/21, Grace Ballinger 1/36,  Kirstie Gordon 1/37;

The Blaze women wearing orange with red splash over black; *skipper Kirstie Gordon *[Nat Wraith keeping wicket for Bears]; *with international player Heather Graham (Australia); *Tammy Beaumont & Sarah Glenn (England), *With Kathryn & Sarah Bryce (Scotland); *Marie Kelly was caught at ‘deep-backward-square’ by Hannah Baker, from Issy Wong’s short-length ball; *After 6 overs ‘power-play’ 52/1 (vs 54/0); *’Big moment’ when Kathryn Bryce was caught by Emily‘Em’Arlott from Millie Taylor; *Tammy Beaumont was caught at ‘long-on’ by Charis Pavely, from Issy Wong; *75/3 (vs 81/1) by ‘mid-way’ (after 10 overs); *Heather Graham was caught ‘spectacularly’ by Georgia Davis diving and rolling sideways, from Hannah Baker; *Georgia Elwiss was caught ‘at deep-midwicket’ by Davina Perrin, from Emily‘Em’Arlott ; *Ella Claridge was caught at ‘long-on’ by Davina Perrin running round, from Millie Taylor; *Two wickets fell during Em Arlott’s ‘death’ over; *Sarah Bryce was caught at ‘deep-mid-wicket’ by Davina Perrin, from Emily‘Em’Arlott ; *Mis-timing a ‘swipe,’ Kirstie Gordon was bowled with her ‘leg-stump-bail’ sent flying by Emily‘Em’Arlott; The Blaze women batting: Tammy Beaumont44(29), Sarah Bryce32(20), Georgia Elwiss23(24), Kathryn Bryce17(17), Marie Kelly10(9);Bears women bowling: Emily’Em’Arlott 3/33, Millie Taylor 2/23, Hannah Baker 1/13, Issy Wong 1/19;

Match result: Birmingham Bears (women) 172/6 (@8.6 runs-per-over, from 20/20 overs) beat The Blaze (women) 147/8 (7.3 r-p-o from 20/20ov/target 173 from 20/20 overs ) by 25 runs

*Scorecard with video highlights, courtesy of ECB via nv play at url: https://live.nvplay.com/ecb/?tab=m_summary#ma2bb230c-46b9-4878-b449-f16299a72698

*BBC Sport @url: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/scorecard/e-225320 & SKY Sports@url: https://www.skysports.com/cricket/bears-women-v-the-blaze/scorecard/6e366432-3681-5d54-93e0-70edec12b6a4

*Full match free-to-air, courtesy of Bears TV & Warwickshire CCC (vertu) via YouTube [03h18m31s] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cz-9PUkHUB0

*Edited Highlights Bears Women on a winning streak! courtesy of Bears TV & Warwickshire CCC (vertu) via YouTube [09m46s] @url: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bGkASJmuI0

*Post-match interview with Sterre Kalis ‘We knew we had to play our best cricket’ courtesy of Bears TV & Warwickshire CCC (vertu) via YouTube [02h17s] @url: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FZpRsi2Krs

*Upcoming League one fixtures @url http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/2024/11/27/vitality-blast-fixtures-for-season-2025/

*Upcoming League two fixtures @url http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/2024/11/27/vitality-cup-league-two-fixtures-for-season-2025/

Mady Villiers (on three-year Durham Cricket contract, with 20 England caps-to-date) put on an impressive show of batting, chalking-up her season’s-best score [85*not out runs (from 56 balls).] Openers Davina Perrin and Meg Austin added 62 for Bears’ first wicket, followed by a match-winning ‘fifty’ from in-form Nat Wraith [56 runs (from 36 balls).] The match came to a climax with two runs needed for Bears’ victory, when Charis Pavely struck the winning ‘four’ during the penultimate over. Post match, Dani Hazell lauded Mady Villiers for stepping-up after Suzie Bates early dismissal. Having ‘created opportunities’ it was undeniable that ‘missed chances,’ (with catches and run-outs) cost DC the game. Coverage supported ‘Pride’ inclusivity campaign. Andy Sixsmith (host) and former Durham cricketer Ashley ‘Ash’ Thorpe (with detectable Australian accent) from ‘Park View Academy’s Cricket Development Centre,’ in partnership with Durham Cricket. With studio guest Polly Starkie (Social media co-host ‘Noughtie Child Podcast’ and ‘HerGameToo’ cricket ambassador.) Also with DC Head Women’s Coach Dani Hazell, giving her post-match opinion to Ash Thorpe, pitch-side: please see below.

Durham Cricket women wearing yellow with blue trim over blue, with yellow pads; *Skipper Hollie Armitage *[Nat Wraith keeping wicket for Bears]; *With international player Suzie Bates NZ; & Katherine Fraser Scotland; *Suzie Bates was bowled with her middle-stump flattened by Issy Wong, for a third-ball ‘duck’; *Leah Dobson ‘miscued’ and was caught at ‘mid-wicket’ by Laura Harris, from Issy Wong;*By 6 overs ‘power-play’ 43/2; *Attempting a ‘reverse-scoop’, Hollie Armitage was bowled ‘top-of-middle’ by Hannah Baker; *By mid-way 66/3; *Mis-timing a ‘square-cut,’ Bess Heath went ‘leg-before’ to Hannah Baker;*Mia Rogers was bowled ‘through-the-gate’ by Emily‘Em’Arlott, with both bails sent flying;*Top-scorer Mady Villiers who made ‘fifty’ was undefeated;  Durham batting: Mady Villiers85*not out(56); Bess Heath27(18),Hollie Armitage15(16), Katherine Fraser12*not out(12),  Bears women bowling: Issy Wong 2/19, Hannah Baker 2/22, Emily ‘Em’ Arlott 1/32;

Bears women wearing ’sky’ blue diamond cheque with yellow trim over dark blue; with yellow helmets and black caps; *skipper Georgia Davis *[Bess Heath keeping wicket for Durham Cricket] *with international player Laura Harris (Australia) *without Katie George or Abbey Freeborn; *Meg Austin was caught by Hollie Armitage from Katie Levick; *After 6 overs ‘power-play’ 62/1 (vs 43/2); *Davina Perrin was caught one-handed at ‘square’ by Dobson from Katie Levick;  *Natasha ‘Nat’ Wraith stumped by Bess Heath, from Mady Villiers; By mid-way 89/2 (vs 66/3); Bears batting: Nat Wraith56(36), Davina Perrin49(31), Charis Pavely30*not out(24), Meg Austin 22(17); Durham bowling Katie Levick 2/30, Mady Villiers 1/36;

Match result: Birmingham Bears (women) 165/3 (@8.8 runs-per-over, from 18.2/20 overs/target 163 from 20 overs) beat Durham Cricket  (women) 162/5 (@8.1 r-p-o from 20/20 overs) by seven wickets with ten balls remaining

*Scorecard with video highlights, courtesy of ECB via nv play at url: https://live.nvplay.com/ecb/?tab=m_summary#mea763843-e7d6-4e05-8e54-3ee6259cd254

*BBC Sport @url: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/scorecard/e-225307 & SKY Sports@url: https://www.skysports.com/cricket/durham-women-v-bears-women/scorecard/dde1a4f9-4c47-5843-807c-2ec21424e51d

*Full match free-to-air, courtesy of Durham Cricket Club (nv play) via YouTube [03h58m21s] @url: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiiCixUYR9U

*’Second half, we only really have ourselves to blame’: Dani Hazell post match on Bears defeat courtesy of Durham Cricket Club (nv play) via YouTube [02m53s] @url: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgHYC1cMblg

*Upcoming League one fixtures @url http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/2024/11/27/vitality-blast-fixtures-for-season-2025/

*Upcoming League two fixtures @url http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/2024/11/27/vitality-cup-league-two-fixtures-for-season-2025/

Commentators lauded both teams for staging a gripping match: said to be a ‘great advertisement’ for the competition, ‘with superb fielding.’ Apart from the final ball, commentators found it difficult to separate the two teams. When Thunder lost their first four wickets to different bowlers, Aaron Viles said it was the first time in women’s cricket, that four wickets had fallen during six overs ‘power-play.’ Constant ball-towelling became necessary with light drizzle until players were taken off during Thunder’s penultimate over. All six Bears bowlers took at least one wicket, Hannah Hardwick taking her maiden wicket playing her second match for Bears. After fifteen minutes hiatus, Thunder played their twentieth over. Bears replied with a notable partnership of 43 runs between Abbey Freeborn and Davina Perrin.Nat Wraith (pictured) [58*not out runs(from 34 balls)] made top-score with four ‘fours’ and two ‘sixes,’ bagging her second ‘fifty’ since joining Bears during May. An exciting final over unfolded  where Bears needed to score an unlikely 14 runs to win. Needing to score ‘six’ to win from the final ball, Hannah Hardwick was left with too much to do; as Thunder bagged the winning points. Interviewed post-match, Nat Wraith said it was a ‘close game’ in which Bears ‘bowled well’ and got ‘early wickets.’  Commentators were Aatif Nawaz (Bears TV host) with Adam Bridge, Aaron Viles (Cricketfanaticsmag.com) and guest player Chloe Brewer. Weather was cloudy with occasional drizzle 14C.

Thunder women wearing rose-red with thin dark blue shards; *skipper Ellie Threlkeld; *[Nat Wraith keeping wicket for Bears]; *International player Alana King (Australia); *with Ailsa Lister(Scotland) *without Kate Cross (England call-up) *with Tilly Kesteven for Eve Jones;  *Emma Lamb was bowled with her ‘off-stump cartwheeled’ by Issy Wong; *Seren Smale was stumped by Nat Wraith, from Georgia Davis’ wide ball; *Fi Morris went aerial, caught at ‘backward point’ by Abbey Freeborn, from Charis Pavely; *Ellie Threlkeld was caught aerial at ‘short-third’ by Millie Taylor from Hannah Hardwick; *After 6 overs ‘power-play’ 37/4; *Recovering after 10 overs, to 75/4; *Mistiming a ‘square-cut,’ Ailsa Lister went ‘leg-before’ to Hannah Baker;’ *’Double-breakthrough’ when Tilly Kesteven was bowled by Millie Taylor; *Alana King was caught ‘brilliantly’ by Davina Perrin re-adjusting herself forward, from Millie Taylor; *Tara Norris and Alana King were ‘not out’; Thunder women batting: Ailsa Lister39(26), Tara Norris33*not out(24), Tilly Kesteven29(37), Alana King21(13), Seren Smale12(10); Bears bowling: Millie Taylor 2/25,  Hannah Hardwick 1/18, Charis Pavely 1/22, Georgia Davis 1/24,  Hannah Baker 1/34, Issy Wong 1/35;

Bears women wearing ’sky’ blue diamond cheque with yellow trim over dark blue; with yellow helmets and black caps; *skipper Georgia Davis *[Ellie Threlkeld keeping wicket for Thunder] *with international players Laura Harris (Australia) & Sterre Kalis (NL); *Without Emily ‘Em’ Arlott for England call-up; *without Katie George; *Mistiming a ‘sweep’ Davina Perrin was bowled by Grace Johnson; *After 6 overs ‘power-play’ 47/1 (vs 37/4); *Sterre Kalis was caught at ‘long-off’ by Grace Potts from Tara Norris; *Missing her ‘backward-sweep,’ Abbey Freeborn went ‘leg-before’ to Sophie Morris; *Laura Harris steepled ‘upwards,’ caught-and-bowled by Sophie Morris at ‘mid-off’; *Charis Pavely caught at ‘long-off’ by Tara Norris, from Grace Johnson; *Level-pegging after 10 overs, to 74/4 (vs 75/4); *Issy Wong was bowled by Tara Norris’s slower ball; *Millie Taylor was caught at ‘deep square’ by Seren Smale, from Tara Norris; *’Needing to score four,’ Georgia Davis was caught at ‘deep mid-wicket’ by Fi Morris, from Alana King; *Hannah Baker was caught at ‘extra cover’ by Ailsa Lister, from Grace Potts; *Top-scorer Nat Wraith was ‘not out;’ Bears batting: Nat Wraith58*not out(34), Davina Perrin34(23), Charis Pavely27(20), Abbey Freeborn10(14); Thunder bowling: Tara Norris 3/25, Grace Johnson 2/28, Sophie Morris 2/37, Grace Potts 1/21, Alana King 1/27;

Match result: Lancashire Thunder (women) 162/7 (@8.1 runs-per-over from 20/20overs) beat  Birmingham Bears (women) 157/9 (@7.8 r-p-o from 20/20 overs; target 163 from 20 overs) by 5 runs

*Scorecard with video highlights, courtesy of ECB via nv play at url: https://live.nvplay.com/ecb/?tab=m_summary#m5208e443-e895-4330-8ea9-a8422b9721da

*BBC Sport @url: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/scorecard/e-225305 & SKY Sports@url: https://www.skysports.com/cricket/bears-women-v-lancashire-thunder/scorecard/e9a0da98-995a-53ec-860a-4b2a52966743

*Full match free-to-air, courtesy of Bears TV (Warwickshire County Cricket Club) via YouTube [03h50m33s] @url https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBAPiPiTyd8

*Post match ‘interview with Nat Wraith after Bears Women host Lancs’ courtesy of Warwickshire County Cricket Club (Bears TV/Vertu) via YouTube [01m09s]@url: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GgZq_scYPWE

*Upcoming League one fixtures @url http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/2024/11/27/vitality-blast-fixtures-for-season-2025/

*Upcoming League two fixtures @url http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/2024/11/27/vitality-cup-league-two-fixtures-for-season-2025/

Bears made an ‘emphatic’ performance, bagging a bonus point to go top-of-table. Post-match, ‘Bears TV’ interviewed congratulated Vertu POTM Australian Laura Harris for her unprecedented achievement, scoring back-to-back ‘fifties’ in less than 20 balls. Aaron Viles said she was the first player to do so, for women’s cricket. She told commentators (when taking strike) that she liked to keep her foot ‘close to the ball.’ Previously, Laura Harris broke Sophie Devine’s ten-year-old fastest fifty record on the same ground (versus Durham Cricket – match 4 on 31 May.) A match-winning partnership with fellow international player Sterre Kalis set-up a challenging run chase for Somerset women, where only three batters reached double-figures. Commentators were Aatif Nawaz (Bears livestream host) with Adam Bridge, Aaron Viles (Cricketfanaticsmag.com) and guest player Chloe Brewer. Weather was mainly cloudy 14C.

Bears women wearing ’sky’ blue diamond cheque with yellow trim over dark blue; with yellow helmets and black caps; *skipper Georgia Davis *[Rebecca ‘Bex’ Odgers keeping wicket for Somerset] *with international players Laura Harris (Australia) & Sterre Kalis (NL); *Without Emily ‘Em’ Arlott for England call-up; *debutante Hannah Hardwick; *Abbey Freeborn, 1.1 ov), went plumb ‘leg-before’ to Mollie Robbins; *Promoted to opener, Issy Wong, 1.5 ov), was caught at ‘mid-off’ by Amanda-Jade Wellington, from Mollie Robbins, *Davina Perrin, 3.4 ov), was bowled ‘top-of-middle’ with bails sent flying by Mollie Robbins;*After 6 overs ‘power-play’ 54/3. *Natasha ‘Nat’ Wraith, was bowled ‘top-of-middle’ with bails sent flying by Amanda-Jade Wellington; *Charis Pavely, 9.6 ov), was caught ‘in-the-covers’ by Fran Wilson, from Alex Griffiths;*By ‘mid-way’ 73/5 after 10 overs; *Non-striker Sterre Kalis, was ‘run-out’ when the ball cannoned to the stumps via the bowler, Amanda-Jade Wellington; *Millie Taylor was bowled ‘top-of-middle’ with bails sent flying by by Hannah Jones;*Georgia Davis was caught-and-bowled low-down by Chloe Skelton; *Diving Laura Harris was ‘run-out’ by Chloe Skelton’s throw from ‘long-on’ to keeper Rebecca ‘Bex’ Odgers; Bears batting Laura Harris77(34), Sterre Kalis32(27), Natasha ‘Nat’ Wraith15(13), Davina Perrin 15(11); Somerset women bowling Mollie Robbins 3/24, Alex Griffiths 1/16, Hannah Jones 1/19, Chloe Skelton 1/30, Amanda-Jade Wellington 1/43;

Somerset women wearing pink over black with plum helmets *skipper Sophie Luff [Nat Wraith keeping wicket for Bears]; *international player Amanda-Jade Wellington (Australia ‘A’); *without Dani Gibson, Heather Knight or Katie Jones; *debutante Hannah Jones; *Mis-timing a ‘swipe,’ Rebecca ‘Bex’ Odgers, went plumb ‘leg-before’ to Issy Wong; *Amelie Munday, was ‘nicely’ stumped Natasha Wraith, with ‘brilliant’ bowling from Georgia Davis; *Mis-timing aerial, Sophie Luff, was caught-and-bowled by Hannah Baker; *After 6 overs ‘power-play’ 38/2 (vs 54/3); By ‘mid-way’ 59/2 (vs 73/5) after 10 overs; *Mis-timing ‘reverse-sweep,’ Amanda-Jade Wellington was bowled by Millie Taylor; *Next ball, new over: Fran Wilson, was caught at ‘deep-mid-off’ by Hannah Baker, from Georgia Davis; *Alex Griffiths was caught low down by Abbey Freeborn, from Georgia Davis; *Chloe Skelton was caught at ‘cover’ by Laura Harris, from Millie Taylor *Next ball, Mollie Robbins, went ‘leg-before’ to Millie Taylor who was on a ‘hat-trick;’ *Hannah Jones, was caught aerial at ‘long-on’ by Davina Perrin, from Issy Wong; Victory was handed to Bears with Emma Corney absent injured and unable to bat; Somerset batting Fran Wilson31(32), Amelie Munday19(17), Sophie Luff13(16); Bears women bowling Georgia Davis 3/12, Millie Taylor 3/13, Issy Wong 2/18, Hannah Baker 1/19;

*Match result: Birmingham Bears (women) 172/9 (@8.6 runs-per-over from 20/20overs) beat Somerset (women) 103 All Out (@5.2 r-p-o from 19.1/20 overs; target 173 from 20 overs) by 69 runswith five balls remaining

*Scorecard with video highlights, courtesy of ECB via nv play at url: https://live.nvplay.com/ecb/?tab=m_summary#m5e12ee33-0a38-474d-b6b7-e7751eb22b4f

*BBC Sport @url: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/scorecard/e-225300 & SKY Sports@url: https://www.skysports.com/cricket/bears-women-v-somerset-women/scorecard/cab32088-ae5a-50de-842d-c718a38a6240

*Full match free-to-air, courtesy of Warwickshire County Cricket Club with Laura Harris interview (Vertu POTM) via YouTube [03h37m04s] @url: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQ_leDhz5IA

*Match highlights courtesy of England & Wales Cricket Board ECB [09m40s] @URL https://www.ecb.co.uk/video/4279425/bears-women-vs-somerset-women–match-highlights

*Upcoming League one fixtures @url http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/2024/11/27/vitality-blast-fixtures-for-season-2025/

*Upcoming League two fixtures @url http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/2024/11/27/vitality-cup-league-two-fixtures-for-season-2025/

Essex bagged their second home win in four days following a rain-affected match during which six overs were docked from each innings. When play resumed, Essex batters continued to score faster than one-run-per-ball. Lissy MacLeod mode top-score [44 runs (from 24 balls).] Milly Taylor was ‘pick-of-the-bowlers’ for Bears, taking 2/27 with her left-arm spin. Closely-contested match unfolded as Dutch international Sterre Kalis made top-score for Bears with ’fifty’ from just twenty-five balls. Esmae MacGregor 3/32 was ‘pick-of-the-bowlers’ for Essex. Home team commentators complemented Essex women’s coherent team performance with bat, ball and in-the-field, given such unpredictable playing conditions. Essex move ahead of Bears on points, after three rounds played-to-date. For Bears, it was their first defeat, having previously won one and tied one. Commentary by Guy Swindells with Dan Whiting (@Themiddlestump.) Weather: Cloudy, with ‘fleeting’ sunshine but ’slightly wet and windy’ 14C.

Essex women wearing full-fronted red, full-backed mauve over sleeveless navy blue; *skipper Grace Scrivens (‘England ‘A’); *[Abbey Freeborn keeping wicket for Bears]; *with international player Madeline ‘Maddie’ Penna (Australia); *Grace Scrivens was stumped by Abbey Freeborn from left-armed Charis Pavely; at which point rain stopped play. Play resumed again after eighty minutes. *By 5.1 overs ‘power-play’ 55/1;  *’Impressive’ Lauren Winfield-Hill was caught at ‘deep-square’ by Issy Wong, from Milly Taylor’s left-armed spin;* After 10 overs 97/2; *Maddie Penna drove aerial to ‘deep-mid-wicket’, caught by Katie George, from Milly Taylor; *Finally, Lissy MacLeod was ‘run out’ short of a run, with Abbey Freeborn breaking the stumps at the striker’s end; from Issy Wong’s delivery to Alex Griffith; *Cordelia Griffith was ’not out’; Essex women batting: Lissy MacLeod44(24), Grace Scrivens36(23), Maddy Penna27(12), Lauren Winfield-Hill21(14), Cordelia Griffith18*not out(11); Bears women bowling: Milly Taylor 2/27,  Issy Wong 1/33;

Bears women wearing ’sky’ blue diamond cheque with yellow trim over dark blue; with yellow helmets and black caps; *Skipper Georgia Davis *[Lauren Winfield-Hill keeping wicket for Essex] *with international players Laura Harris (Australia) & Sterre Kalis (NL); *Without Emily ‘Em’ Arlott for England call-up; *with Amu Surenkumar, Essex loan; *’Dangerous’ Davina Perrin was caught aerial at ‘mid-wicket’, by Eva Gray, from Kate Coppack; *By 4 overs ‘power-play’ 48/1 (5.1 overs 54/1 vs 60/1); *Issy Wong went aerial to ‘cover,’ caught by Kate Coppack, from Esmae MacGregor; *Laura Harris was bowled ‘through-the-gate’ by Esmae MacGregor; *Abbey Freeborn was caught at ‘mid-off’ by Maddy Penna, from Sophia Smale’s left-armed spin; *After 10 overs 91/4 (vs 97/2); *Charis Pavely, was caught at ‘mid-off’ (to the left-hander) by Maddy Penna, from Sophia Smale’s spin; *Katie George steepled to ‘short-third,’ caught by Lissy MacLeod, from Eva Gray; *Sterre Kalis sound aerial to ‘deep-square,’ caught by Sophia Smale, from Esmae MacGregor;  *Amu Surenkumar was ‘run-out’ at the striker’s end (with both batters stranded at the non-striker’s end) from Cordelia Griffith’s throw via Esmae MacGregor, to keeper Lauren Winfield-Hill; Bears women batting: Sterre Kalis52(25), Davina Perrin 28(12), Abbey Freeborn 25(22), Issy Wong 19(12); Essex women bowling: Esmae MacGregor 3/32, Sophia Smale 2/13, Kate Coppack 1/27, Eva Gray 1/28;

*Match result: Essex (women) 154/4 (@11 runs-per-over from 14/14overs) beat Birmingham Bears (women) 139/8 (@10 r-p-o from 14/14 overs/target 155 from 14/14 overs) by 19 runs – Duckworth Lewis Stern ‘DLS’ method

*Scorecard with video highlights, courtesy of ECB via nv play at url: https://live.nvplay.com/ecb/?tab=m_summary#m5e621914-2545-4b8a-8a4c-5dceb2771ab9

*BBC Sport @url: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/scorecard/e-225297 SKY Sports@url: https://www.skysports.com/cricket/essex-women-v-bears-women/scorecard/d0929e83-525d-5905-a9c3-a679fe18f8af

*Full match free-to-air, courtesy of Essex Cricket (nv play) via YouTube [03h58m52s] @url: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YeCrJCUh1gI&t=21s

*Upcoming League one fixtures @url http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/2024/11/27/vitality-blast-fixtures-for-season-2025/

*Upcoming League two fixtures @url http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/2024/11/27/vitality-cup-league-two-fixtures-for-season-2025/

History unfolded as Australian International Laura Harris broke Sophie Devine’s (NZ) long-standing record ‘fastest fifty’ that had stood for ten years. Beyond mid-way (on 72/1) Bears new signing Laura Harris took four overs to score eight ‘fours’ facing sixteen balls, passing her career-best ‘fifty’ with a third ’six.’ Removed seven balls later by Durham Cricket ‘DC’ keeper Bess Heath, POTM Davina Perrin (pictured) went on to make top-score [87runs (from 61 balls)] as Bears ‘piled-up’ 193/6. Only three batters made double-figures when DC’s replied. That included Suzie Bates 65(41) and Bess Heath 45(28) who contributed most runs. Post-match, Durham Cricket’s head coach Dani Hazell expressed her disappointment, but paid tribute to Laura Harris’ fastest ‘fifty,’ conceded as ‘the main difference’ between both teams. Commentators included Charles ‘Daggers’ Dagnall (broadcaster), Robert Croft (ex England) and Marcus North (Director of Cricket at Durham.) Weather was cloudy 16C.

Bears women wearing light blue diamond cheque with yellow trim over dark blue; with yellow helmets and black caps; *Skipper Georgia Davis *[Bess Heath keeping wicket for  Durham Cricket] *international players Laura Harris (Australia) & Sterre Kalis (NL); *After 6 overs ‘power-play’ 42/2; *Diving Abbey Freeborn was ‘run out’ by Lauren Filer’s direct-hit to the non-striker’s end, from her own bowling; *By mid-way (10 overs) 112/5 *’Dangerous’ Laura Harris was stumped by Bess Heath, from Suzie Bates; *Sterre Kalis failed to ground her foot upon Umpire’s review and was also stumped by Bess Heath, from Katie Levick; *Attempting a leg-side ramp, Charis Pavely was caught short of ‘long-leg’ by Mia Rogers, from Trudy Johnson *During the final over, Davina Perrin was caught-and-bowled with force, by Suzie Bates;  *Short of a second-run, Issy Wong was ‘run out’ by Lauren Filer’s throw from ‘long-off’ to Suzie Bates receiving at the non-striker’s end; Bears batting: Davina Perrin87(61), Laura Harris55(21), Abbey Freeborn24(22), Charis Pavely10(6);  Durham Cricket women bowling: Suzie Bates 2/32, Trudy Johnson 1/30, Katie Levick 1/39;

Durham Cricket women wearing yellow tops over navy blue with navy helmets and caps; *Skipper Hollie Armitage *[Abbey Freeborn keeping wicket for Bears]; *With international player Suzie Bates NZ; *With Katherine Fraser, Scotland; *Debutante Trudy Johnson; *with Lauren Filer, without Leah Dobson; *Snicking a thick-edge, Katherine Fraser was caught  by keeper Abbey Freeborn diving to ’slip,’ from Issy Wong; *Mis-timing a leg-side scoop, Hollie Armitage went ‘leg-before’ to Issy Wong; Mady Villiers was caught at ‘extra cover’ by substitute fielder (Bethan Ellis),from Charis Pavely’s good length ball; *After 6 overs ‘power-play’ 36/3 (vs 42/2); & *By mid-way 77/3 (vs112/5); *Bess Heath played-on, bowled losing her leg-stump mail to Georgia Davis coming-around-the-wicket; *Three balls later, Mia Rogers was stumped with ‘quick work’ by keeper Abbey Freeborn, from Georgia Davis; *With a ‘huge appeal’ for mis-timing a sweep, Suzie Bates went ‘leg-before’ to Hannah Baker; *Next over, Tilly Johnson went aerial, caught at ‘backward point’ by Laura Harris, from Milly Taylor; *Diving Grace Thompson was ‘run out’ by Hannah Baker’s throw from ‘mid-off’ to Georgia Davis receiving at the non-striker’s end – on Umpire’s review; *Three balls later, Abi Glen was bowled ‘top-of-middle’ by Georgia Davis; *Finally, Lauren Filer mis-timed to ‘backward-square,’ caught by rolling Katie George, from Charis Pavely; Durham Cricket women batting: Suzie Bates65(41), Bess Heath45(28), Abi Glen15(14); Warwickshire women bowling: Georgia Davis 3/27, Issy Wong 2/10, Charis Pavely 2/32, Milly Taylor 1/17, Hannah Baker 1/32;

*Match result: Bears (Women)  193/6 (@9.6 runs-per-over, from 20/20 overs) beat Durham Cricket (Women) 151/10 (@4.9 r-p-o target 194 from 20/20 overs) by 42 runs

*Scorecard with video highlights, courtesy of ECB via nv play at url: https://live.nvplay.com/ecb/?tab=m_summary#m31c052ac-01ce-4cad-959d-c35b37f79d1e

*BBC Sport @url: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/scorecard/e-225293 & SKY Sports@url: https://www.skysports.com/cricket/bears-women-v-durham-women/scorecard/3a444053-750e-502c-8db1-766b0636f78e

*Edited highlights – Laura Harris fastest ‘fifty’ in women’s T20 history – Vitality Blast; courtesy of Warwickshire Cricket (nv play) via YouTube [03m06s]@url https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVK3cQ8XtIE

*Laura Harris innings was probably the difference in the game Dani Hazell interviewed post-match on Bears defeat, courtesy of Durham Cricket via YouTube [02m19] @url https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aiIlbRUQEUE

*Upcoming League one fixtures @url http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/2024/11/27/vitality-blast-fixtures-for-season-2025/

*Upcoming League two fixtures @url http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/2024/11/27/vitality-cup-league-two-fixtures-for-season-2025/

Both teams first match became a closely-contested Midlands derby. Bears posted a ‘competitive’ score with Charis Pavely made top-score 46 (from 34 balls) and Katie George scoring 37. Blaze skipper Kirstie Gordon (spin) was best bowler 2/26 with Georgia Elwiss (pace) close second taking 2/27. One highlight was a direct-hit by Maddy Green (pictured), to ‘run-out’ star Bears batter Abbey Freeborn. By comparison, scores were level-pegging after six overs power-play, with three wickets advantage for Blaze by mid-way. Blaze’s Georgia Elwiss made top-score 52 (from 38 balls.) High drama struck during Issy Wong’s death over when Sarah Bryce mis-cued her big hit, from the penultimate match ball and was caught aerial at ‘mid-on’ by Georgia Davis. Next (final) ball was bowled ‘wide’ from which a scampered ‘single’ levelled the scores. Match was tied when Maddy Green was’ run-out’ short of bagging a second run. Lead commentator was Mike Taylor (BBC radio WM.) Weather: Weather was cloudy with occasional sunshine 16C

Bears women wearing light blue diamond cheque with yellow trim over dark blue; with yellow helmets and black caps; *Skipper Georgia Davis *[Sarah Bryce keeping wicket for The Blaze] *with international players Laura Harris (Australia) & Sterre Kalis (NL); *Without Emily ‘Em’ Arlott for England call-up; *Amu Surenkumar (Essex loan); *Abbey Freeborn was ‘run-out’ by Maddy Green’s direct-hit, from Grace Ballinger; *Davina Perrin was caught by Georgia Elwiss, from Grace Ballinger;  *By 6 overs ‘power-play’ 45/2; *Promoted as ‘pinch-hitter,’ Issy Wong was caught ‘in-the-covers’ by Ella Claridge from Georgia Elwiss;  *Next over, mis-timing a ‘square-cut,’ Sterre Kalis was bowled by Kirstie Gordon; *By mid-way (10 overs) 76/4; *Mis-timing a ’sweep,’ Charis Pavely was bowled ‘through-the-gate’ by Kirstie Gordon;  *Next over, Laura Harris went aerial, caught at ‘backward-square’ by Grace Ballinger from, Georgia Elwiss; *Four balls later, Amu Surenkumar was bowled ‘middle-stump’ by Kathryn Bryce; *Katie George was ‘run-out’ from the last innings ball, by Mady Green’s throw from ‘deep mid-wicket’ to Sarah Bryce receiving at the striker’s end; Bears women batting: Charis Pavely 46(34), Katie George 37(30), Issy Wong 16(13), Davina Perrin 12(14); The Blaze bowling:Kirstie Gordon 2/26, Georgia Elwiss 2/27, Grace Ballinger 1/18, Kathryn Bryce 1/30;

The Blaze women wearing orange with red splash over black with black helmets and caps; *Skipper Kirstie Gordon *[Abbey Freeborn keeping wicket for Warwickshire]* with international player Maddy Green (NZ);*without Orla Prendergast (Rep. of Ireland ROI); *Michaela Kirk (Rep South Africa); *without Tammy Beaumont, Sarah Glenn, Amy Jones & Nat Sciver-Brunt (England call-up); *With Scottish internationals Kathryn & Sarah Bryce; *Marie Kelly was bowled ‘through-the-gate’ by Amu Surenkumar; *By 6 overs ‘power-play’ 43/1 (vs 45/2) & 72/1 (vs 76/4) by mid-way (10 overs); *Scoring ‘fifty,’ Georgia Elwiss mis-timed a swing, bowled ‘leg-stump’ by Charis Pavely; *Going for the big hit, Sarah Bryce was caught aerial at ‘mid-on’ by Georgia Davis, from Issy Wong’s penultimate match ball;*Finally Maddy Green was’ run-out’ by Sterre Kalis’s throw, when attempting to score the winning run; The Blaze batting: Georgia Elwiss 52(38), Ella Claridge38(53),  Sarah Bryce27(18), Josie Groves26(25), Grace Ballinger19*not out 29, Charlotte Phillips 11*not out 13; Bears women bowling: Emily ‘Em’ Arlott 3/39, Georgia Davis 2/46, Hannah Baker 1/38, Issy Wong 1/45;

*Match result:  The Blaze (W) 160/4 (@8.0 runs-per-over, from 20 overs) tied with Bears (W) 160/8 (@8.0 r-p-o from 20 overs)

*Scorecard with video highlights, courtesy of ECB via nv play at url: https://live.nvplay.com/ecb/?tab=m_summary#m51200778-3599-4e70-98b7-37ff5a02a504

*BBC Sport @url: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/scorecard/e-225292 & SKY Sports@url: https://www.skysports.com/cricket/the-blaze-v-bears-women/scorecard/47c3c75a-8213-59bd-9582-ab31b4ed877f

*Full match free-to-air, courtesy of Trent Bridge (Nottingham CCC & Stoneheart media) via YouTube [03h03m34s] @url: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xfvXSEy0-8

*Upcoming League one fixtures @url http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/2024/11/27/vitality-blast-fixtures-for-season-2025/

*Upcoming League two fixtures @url http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/2024/11/27/vitality-cup-league-two-fixtures-for-season-2025/

Hampshire stay top-of-table, until the competition restarts (after the T20s) during late July. Spectators were wrong to expect a whitewash when the visitors lost four early wickets during their ‘power-play’ on 42/4. Warwickshire women’s batter Abbey Freeborn showed remarkable resilience as she batted undefeated, closing six short of a ‘ton’ [94*not out(from 129 balls).) Charis Pavely (England u-19s) made ’fifty’ 55(76.) When Hampshire women replied, their international star player Charli Knott (Australia ‘A’) made her competition top score-to-date 82(88) partnered by Georgia Adams who played a skippers innings 68(109). Warwickshire skipper Georgia Davis took a 3-fer (3/35) with best bowling figures for the day to add to her unbeaten 24 with her bat. Match reached its climax during Hampshire women’s final over when bowler-turned-batter Mary Taylor hit the winning ‘four,’ with four balls remaining. Weather: Sunny but cool 15C

Warwickshire women wearing light blue splash over dark blue; skipper Georgia Davis *[Rhianna Southby keeping wicket for Hampshire] *international player Sterre Kalis (NL); With Meg Austin & debutante Hannah Rainey (Scotland); *Without Emily ‘Em’ Arlott; *Meg Austin went plumb ‘leg-before’ to left armer Bex Tyson’s spin; *Sterre Kalis was bowled with her off-stump’ flattened by Freya Davies; *Davina Perrin was caught at ‘point’ by Abi Norgrove, from Freya Davies; *Katie George was bowled ‘middle-and-off’ by Mary Taylor; *Bethan Ellis was stumped by Rhianna Southby, from Georgia Adams; *After 10 overs ‘power-play’ 42/4;  *Batting lower-order, Charis Pavely was stumped by keeper Rhianna Southby, from Georgia Adams; *Drinks on 104/6 at mid-way; *Nat Wraith was caught behind by Rhianna Southby, from Charli Knott, *Top-scorer Abbey Freeborn was ’not out’ six short of a ‘ton’; Warwickshire women batting: Abbey Freeborn 94*not out(129), Charis Pavely55(76), Georgia Davis24*not out (19), Nat Wraith 15(17), Bethan Ellis11(17); Hampshire women bowling: Georgia Adams 2/37, Freya Davies 2/54,  Bex Tyson 1/36, Charli Knott 1/38, Mary Taylor 1/47;

Hampshire women wearing black with yellow batting pads, with white numbering; *Skipper Georgia Adams; *[Nat Wraith keeping wicket for Warwickshire] *With international player Charli Knott (Australia ‘A’); With Ava Lee, Mary Taylor (England u19s), without Freya Kemp & Linsey Smith; *Maia Bouchier ‘was caught by at ‘square’ by Hannah Rainey from Georgia Davis; *Mis-timing a ‘sweep’ Ella McCaughan went ‘leg-before’ to Georgia Davis coming around-the-wicket; By 10 overs ‘power-play’ 51/2 (vs 42/4); *Scoring ‘fifty,’ Charli Knott, was caught aerial at ‘square’ by Sterre Kalis, from Georgia Davis coming over-the-wicket; *By mid-way 124/2 (vs 104/6 ); *Mis-timing a ‘swipe’ Rhianna Southby, was bowled through-the-gate with flying bails, from left-armer Charis Pavely; *Mis-timing a ‘chip’ Georgia Adams went ‘leg-before’ to Hannah Baker; *Next over Abi Norgrove was caught at ‘point’ by Bethan Ellis from Charis Pavely; *Nancy Harman was bowled through-the-gate with flying bails, from Hannah Rainey;  Hampshire women batting: Charli Knott82(88), Georgia Adams68(109), Mary Taylor 21*not out(18), Ella McCaughan 17(26), Maia Bouchier15(12), Nancy Harman 14(14); Warwickshire women bowling: Georgia Davis 3/35, Charis Pavely 2/49, Hannah Rainey 1/52, Hannah Baker 1/56;

Match result: Hampshire women 246/7 (@4.9 runs-per-over, target 244 from 49.2/50 overs) beat Warwickshire women 243/7 (@4.8 r-p-o from 50/50 overs) by three wickets with four balls remaining

*Scorecard with video highlights where available, courtesy of ECB via nv play at url: https://live.nvplay.com/ecb/?tab=m_scorecard#m34c6e87b-2d53-44e9-ac16-dc8be9563c87

BBC Sport @url: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/scorecard/e-225546 & SKY Sports@url: https://www.skysports.com/cricket/hampshire-women-v-warwickshire-women/scorecard/a87f4eb2-9895-5451-9567-849de4ac4544

*Full match free-to-air, without commentary courtesy of Hampshire Cricket (nv play) via YouTube [05h59m03s] @url: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPE3isc6BmM & https://www.utilitabowl.com/cricket/fixtures-and-results/results/2025/hampshire-women-v-warwickshire-odc/

*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/

Footnote: actual match photo

Lancashire women won ‘convincingly’ by 100 runs. When batting a foundation was laid by three ‘fifties’ from Emma Lamb 88, Katie MacK 57 and Sophie Ecclestone 50. Warwickshire skipper Georgia Davis 3/45 was ‘pick of bowlers 3/45. Commentators gave special mention to bowler-turned-batter Hannah Baker who ‘frustrated’ Lancashire by keep them fielding ‘for as long as possible’. Match heroine Fi Morris (pictured)  bagged best competition bowling figures-to-date for taking a 5-fer (taking 5 wickets/ conceding 48 runs.) Previously, only two other bowlers took 5-fers. Second placed Kathryn Bryce (The Blaze) took 5/58 during match 11; Third placed Eva Gray (Essex women) took 5/62 during match 6. On the day, commentators concluded that Warwickshire women had to ‘move-on’ (seeking) better days as Lancashire women took the bonus point from their convincing win. Commentators were Clare B Jenkins (Women’s cricket commentator & ex-Somerset & Derbys Women) with Mike Perkins (Sports journalist and commentator) and Polly Starkie (Social media co-host ‘Noughtie Child Podcast’ and ‘HerGameToo’ cricket ambassador.) Weather was ‘good,’ sunny c.20C.

Lancashire women wearing rose-red *skipper Ellie Threlkeld; *[Abbey Freeborn keeping wicket for Warwickshire] *International player Katie MacK (Australia); With  & Mahika Gaur (UAE/England) & Scotland’s Ailsa Lister; *Cursed by commentators with a ‘big build-up’ left-hander Eve Jones went plumb ‘leg before’ to left-armed Katie George; *By 10 overs ‘power-play’ 50/1;*Following an ‘important innings,’ Katie MacK overstretched and was stumped by Abbey Freeborn from Georgia Davis coming around-the-wicket; *130/2 by mid-way (drinks); *Seren Smale was caught at full-stretch by Katie George at ’slip’, from Hannah Baker;  *Fi Morris hit back hard, caught-and-bowled by Georgia Davis; *Ailsa Lister was caught behind by keeper Abbey Freeborn from Georgia Davis; *Emma Lamb mis-timed a ‘swipe,’ caught by Abbey Freeborn from Issy Wong; *Following 91 partnership with skipper Threlkeld, Sophie Ecclestone was caught aerial at ‘mid-wicket’ by Bethan Ellis arriving from ‘long-on,’ from Emily ‘Em’ Arlott; *Finally, Kate Cross  was ‘run out’ by Hannah Baker’s throw from ‘deep square’ to Abbey Freeborn receiving at the striker’s end; Lancashire women batting: Emma Lamb88(84), Katie Mack57(86), Sophie Ecclestone50(49), Ellie Threlkeld37*not out(44), Kate Cross15(10); Warwickshire women bowling: Georgia Davis 3/45, Emily ‘Em’ Arlott 1/41, Katie George 1/40, Issy Wong 1/58, Hannah Baker 1/61;

Warwickshire women wearing light blue splash over dark blue; skipper Georgia Davis *[Ellie Threlkeld keeping wicket for Lancashire] *international player Sterre Kalis (NL);  Scoring slowly when facing Lancashire’s seam bowlers, promoted opener Charis Pavely lost her leg-side bail, bowled by Kate Cross’ in-swing. *After 10 overs ‘power-play’ 32/1 (vs 50/1); Repeating same shot as before, Sterre Kalis was caught ‘in the covers’ by diving Sophie Ecclestone (who’d dropped the previous ‘more difficult’ chance), from Fi Morris; *Davina Perrin went aerial, caught at ‘deep mid-wicket’ by Kate Cross running round, from Fi Morris; *Missing a ‘sweep,’ Nat Wraith was stumped by Ellie Threlkeld, from Fi Morris; *Commentator’s curse struck when ‘looking comfortable,’ ‘looking for a big over,’ sending Bethan Ellis aerial from a ‘reverse sweep’ caught by Ellie Threlkeld from Sophie Ecclestone; Drinks at 86/4 (vs 130/2) by mid-way; *Emily Arlott was ‘run out’ from Grace Potts throw to keeper Ellie Threlkeld, receiving at the striker’s end; *Innings anchor Katie George was bowled by Fi Morris; *Batting lower down, Abbey Freeborn was caught by Kate Cross from Fi Morris; *Issy Wong was caught behind by keeper Ellie Threlkeld, from Mahika Gaur; *Finally, Hannah Baker was caught by Eve Jones, from Emma Lamb; Warwickshire women batting: Katie George35(38), Davina Perrin23(40), Sterre Kalis20(42), Issy Wong18(52), Charis Pavely17(29), Georgia Davis16*not out (25), Bethan Ellis13(24), Hannah Baker11(16); Lancashire women bowling: Fi Morris 5/48, Emma Lamb 1/11,   Kate Cross 1/21, Sophie Ecclestone 1/29, Mahika Gaur 1/39;

Match result: Lancashire women 276/8 (@5.5 runs-per-over, from 50/50 overs) beat Warwickshire women 175/10 (@3.5 r-p-o /target 277 from 50/50 overs) by 101 runs

*Scorecard with video highlights, courtesy of ECB via nv play at url: https://live.nvplay.com/ecb/?tab=m_summary#m19a0c65c-bafb-4028-89ef-1c390ed43dd8

BBC Sport @url: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/scorecard/e-225544 & SKY Sports@url: https://www.skysports.com/cricket/warwickshire-women-v-lancashire-women/scorecard/63768f81-9b12-51d4-9a6d-a98bf75f6896

*Full match free-to-air, courtesy of Warwickshire CCC (Vertu) via YouTube [07h23m32s] @url: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Us0zK2McvSk

*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/

Warwickshire women’s skipper Georgia Davis had guided her side to two wins and a draw from their opening four games. On the day, Somerset women’s skipper Sophie Luff (pictured) posted a ‘magificent’ 111*not out. Together with former England skipper Heather Knight, the pair added eighty runs for Somerset women’s second wicket. Warwickshire women’s best bowler was Emily ‘Em’ Arlott who took two pairs of wickets with consecutive overs, taking a 4-fer (taking four wickets, conceding 61 runs): to close-out Somerset’s innings. By comparison, Warwickshire women started convincingly, with Dutch international Sterre Kalis partnered by Abbey Freeborn chalking-up a higher power-play score. The pair added 77 without loss. Sterre Kalis [60 runs (from 49 balls)] went on to make top-score for the hosts. The match reached an eventful conclusion as the hosts needed to score ’six’ from every ball. Georgia Davis posted a skipper’s ‘fifty,’ partnered by Issy Wong, until Charlie Dean took two wickets in three balls to ‘wrap things up.’ Commentators were Clare B Jenkins (Women’s cricket commentator & ex-Somerset Women) with Barbara B Daniels (women’s cricket World Cup winner 1993 & ex West Mids & Staffs) and Polly Starkie (Social media co-host ‘Noughtie Child Podcast’ and ‘HerGameToo’ cricket ambassador.) Weather was ‘cold’ with breezy wind-chill 11C

Somerset women wearing black with white logos and plum helmets *skipper Sophie Luff [Abbey Freeborn keeping wicket for Warwickshire]; *international player Amanda-Jade Wellington (Australia); *By 10 overs ‘power-play’ 53/0; *Emma Corney went aerial, caught at ‘mid-off’ by Georgia Davis, from Hannah Baker; *Midway (25overs) 109/1; *’Playing so nicely’ until attempting a ‘ramp’ shot, Heather Knight was bowled by Charis Pavely; *’Enterprising’ Fran Wilson went aerial, caught ‘in the covers’ by Bethan Ellis, from Emily ‘Em’ Arlott; *Amanda-Jade Wellington snicked a top-edge to keeper Abbey Freeborn, from Emily ‘Em’ Arlott for a ‘golden duck;’ *Two wickets fell during the final over; *’Swiping’ a inside-edge, Charlie Dean was caught behind by keeper Abbey Freeborn, from Emily ‘Em’ Arlott; *Alex Griffiths went aerial, caught ‘in the covers’ by Katie George, from Emily ‘Em’ Arlott; *Sophie Luff’s ‘magnificent’ innings scored 111 undefeated; Somerset women batting: Sophie Luff111*not out (105), Heather Knight 70(93), Fran Wilson37(37), Emma Corney 37(56), Charlie Dean10(6); Warwickshire women bowling: Emily‘Em’Arlott 4/61, Charis Pavely 1/36, Hannah Baker 1/43;

Warwickshire women wearing light blue splash over dark blue; Skipper Georgia Davis *[Katie Jones keeping wicket for Somerset] *international player Sterre Kalis (NL); *By 10 overs ‘power-play’ 73/0 (vs 53/0); *Cursed by commentators for being ‘twenty runs ahead,’ Abbey Freeborn was caught at ‘square’ by Alex Griffiths, from Amanda-Jade Wellington; *Sterre Kalis chopped, losing her off-stump bail and was bowled by Amanda-Jade Wellington; Midway (25overs) 143/2 (vs 109/1); *Attempting a ‘slog-sweep’ Katie George went ‘leg before’ to Alex Griffiths ; *Davina Perrin was caught at ‘backward point’ by Ellie Anderson, from Chloe Skelton; *Natalie ‘Nat’ Wraith went plumb ‘leg before’ to Alex Griffiths; *Bethan Ellis was ‘slog-swept’ a top-edge aerial to Mollie Robbins at ‘deep square’, from Chloe Skelton; *Diving short at the striker’s end, Charis Pavely was ‘run out’ by Heather Knight; *Emily ‘Em’ Arlott was bowled through-the-gate by Charlie Dean; *Issy Wong was ‘run out’ by Sophie Luff’s mid-on throw to Charlie Dean at the non-striker’s end; *Needing to score ’six’ from nearly every ball, Georgia Davis was caught at ‘long-on’ by Heather Knight, from Charlie Dean from the final match ball; Warwickshire women batting: Sterre Kalis60(49), Georgia Davis50(51), Davina Perrin37(54), Katie George28(41), Issy Wong24(34), Abbey Freeborn15(30), Emily‘Em’Arlott 10(18); Somerset women bowling: Alex Griffiths 2/20, Amanda-Jade Wellington 2/43, Chloe Skelton 2/51, Charlie Dean 2/53;

Match result:  Somerset women 297/6 (@5.9 runs-per-over, from 50/50 overs) beat Warwickshire  women 249/10 (@5.0 r-p-o /target 298 from 48.5/50 overs) by 48 runs

*Scorecard with video highlights, courtesy of ECB via nv play at url: https://live.nvplay.com/ecb/?tab=m_scorecard#cd7e1a744-02e9-4425-a3a4-d603f624f346_m0983db7d-ccf3-45f0-9c1a-61e6853257e8

BBC Sport @url: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/scorecard/e-225536 & SKY Sports@url: https://www.skysports.com/cricket/warwickshire-women-v-somerset-women/scorecard/44e25b72-3013-53e0-85db-e45738b5e2cb

*Full match free-to-air, courtesy of Warwick CCC (nv play) via YouTube [07h06m58s] @url: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZimjAfHcL4w

*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/