Cricket: St Cross Symondians Women see victory in regional final

Skipper Lucy Counsell won the toss and put Bridgwater in, and off Talitha Stanley’s 4th ball Counsell pulled off a stunning one handed catch, then two balls later Beth Clarke took a catch that was almost as good. The first ball of Stanley’s second over trapped ex-Western Storm Joleigh Roberts leg before, then the first ball of Shay Manolini’s second over bowled the Bridgwater no 5. Next over Stanley took her 4th, Lilly Hawkins taking the catch, and the Somerset side were in big trouble at 16 for 5 after 5 overs. The Powerplay ended with only three more runs added, and it did not get any better for them when next over Darcey Clarke took a catch off Counsell – 22 for 6.

There was then a mini revival, led by Bridgwater captain Tilly Bond, who was finding gaps in the field, and it took until the 13th over and the introduction of Manon Melville to break the partnership, Hawkins taking another catch, leaving Bridgwater 54 for 7. Only one more run was added before next over there were two run outs off consecutive balls, both down to accurate throws from PJ Watkins. At 55 for 9 in the 14th over St Cross thought it was almost game over, but Bond was still there and she was able to add 30 with the no 11. Eventually halfway through the last over St Cross ran out the no 11, who had lasted 15 balls for 2 runs, whilst at the other end Bond had played a captain’s innings of 43 not out, and with Bridgwater totalling 85 they had something to bowl at, especially as they had several Somerset Women bowlers in their ranks.

St Cross did not get off to the best start, as after hitting a 4 off the first ball Hawkins was leg before off the third. This brought out Jess Hazell to join big hitting Abbie Whybrow, and the pair quickly got into their stride, Whybrow powerfully striking straight and through mid wicket, Hazell elegantly finding the gaps in the field through the off side and behind square to leg. They were going along at 10 an over, Whybrow depositing a 6 amongst the cars and she had also hit 6 fours when she was bowled for 34 off 22 balls. St Cross were now 60 for 2 in the 7th over, and any thoughts Bridgwater may have had of a collapse were quelled as Beth Clarke calmly partnered Hazell towards victory at a canter. No fuss, no alarms, just good batting by two classy players, and the target was achieved in 11.1 overs with Hazell on 30 off 31 balls (4 fours) and Clarke on 13 off 11 balls (2 fours). 

St Cross’s opponents in the National Semi Final on August 6 will probably be Gunnersbury, who are unbeaten and top of the Women’s South League Premier Division currently, and who also won the National T20 Cup last season, so will be a stiff challenge for the Winchester side.