BPCC v BERKSHIRE CCC U18

Match 2

As agreed, Berkshire CCC U18s batted first in the second game with Isobel Carson and Ruth Payne opening. Shamaila Ahmed had Payne caught by Naomi Costley for 6 runs at the end of the 1st over of play. This was quickly followed by the wicket of Carson off the bowling of Holly Hopes in the next over for 7 runs. With the score 14 for 2 off 2 overs the BPCC were on a roll. Lucy Beal and A Lee took Berkshire to 29 runs before Beal was caught by Naomi Costly off the bowling of Lucy Johnson for 6 runs. Next in was Carissa Pereira but she was out to the bowling of Lucy Johnson again for just 1 run, well caught by Holly Hopes, leaving the score 35 for 4 off 6.2 overs. N Lee and A Lee then dug in and started to accelerate the runs going at over six an over before Llawela Scale had A Lee Stumped by Sian Phillips for 29 at the start of the 14th over. The run rate continued with new batsman Swire-Thompson smashing several fours in her quick fire 16 from 10 before being run out by Jodie White. N Lee and Poppy Tulloch hit another 30 runs from the final three overs leaving Berkshire CC U18s 130 for 6 from their 20 overs. N Lee was the top scorer finishing 37* (43 balls) including 5 fours. Once again, the standout BP bowler was Lucy Johnson with 2-4

In reply BPCC opened with Laura Crofts and Holly Hopes with the knowledge that 131 to win was a score that the team had not achieved yet on tour. The opening pair played brilliantly over the first nine overs scoring 62 runs leaving the game set for a potentially tight finish. Then the momentum was halted as Hopes was bowled for 23 by Wragg at the start of the 10th over. Sian Phillips joined Crofts but was out next over bowled by Stearns for 1. Jodie White joined Crofts and there was still hope that with 9 overs to go those 62 runs to win was not unachievable. With the score on 106 for 2 off 17 and BPCC needing 25 runs from 18 balls, Crofts was given out LBW to Rider for 52 off 48. This was a massive blow at this stage in the innings and the BPCC women finished their innings an agonising 7 runs short of their Target.

A great effort by the team and again a big improvement in areas from days one and two which was pleasing to see how the squad was progressing.