The Blaze conquered Midlands rivals Warwickshire by securing a 41-run victory in the Metro Bank Women’s One-Day Cup at Edgbaston, showcasing a robust team performance.
Electing to bat first, The Blaze assembled a total of 252 for nine in their allotted 50 overs. There was no standout star with the bat, yet several vital innings ensured contributions were plentiful. Sarah Bryce scored a noteworthy 52 off 56 balls, while the extras column was bolstered by Warwickshire’s 15 wides, adding to their season tally of 52. Emily Arlott emerged as Warwickshire’s most effective bowler with figures of three for 39, also executing a run-out with a direct hit.
Warwickshire commenced their chase promisingly. Davina Perrin led the initial charge with a brisk 53 off 49 balls. However, after reaching 123 for one, the innings stagnated, ending at 211 all out. Kathryn Bryce spearheaded the bowling attack with five for 38, complemented by Grace Ballinger’s two for 29.
Opting to field, Warwickshire made immediate inroads with two significant wickets in the opening four balls. Amy Jones was trapped lbw by Issy Wong, and Kathryn Bryce, perhaps overly optimistic, was run out by a sharp throw from Perrin attempting an ill-advised single.
Tammy Beaumont (38 off 48) and Sarah Bryce joined forces, adding 74 runs in 75 balls. Yet, Beaumont’s departure sparked a mini-collapse of three quick wickets. Arlott, after conceding three consecutive boundaries to Bryce, had the last laugh as Beaumont was caught behind excellently by Abi Freeborn. Georgia Davis then snared two wickets in five deliveries, with Freeborn catching edges from both Georgia Elwiss and Bryce.
The rebuilding efforts saw Orla Prendergast (34 off 47) and Ella Claridge (38 off 53) steady the innings, though Prendergast eventually fell to Hannah Baker. Arlott’s efforts were integral as she nabbed Claridge with a direct hit, but not before Claridge had found assistance in Josie Groves (26 off 25). Their 43-run stand was part of a broader resilient innings that saw the final pair, Ballinger and Charley Phillips, add a vital 32 runs.
In reply, Warwickshire’s start was anchored by Freeborn (40 off 60) and Sterre Kalis (27 off 57), the latter pulled out by Prendergast. Freeborn then paired with Perrin for a poised 75-run partnership. However, as momentum seemed on Warwickshire’s side, Kathryn Bryce intervened. After dismissing Freeborn with a return catch, she claimed Perrin lbw shortly thereafter.
Katie George succumbed to Ballinger’s delivery, caught at deep mid-wicket by Prendergast, and Arlott was similarly restrained after her impactful century against Essex, scoring just two. Natasha Wraith offered brief resistance with a lively 34 off 35 balls before perishing to Phillips.
Entering the last ten overs, Warwickshire found themselves requiring 48 runs but with Wong, Baker, and an injured Brewer unable to reverse their fortune, The Blaze wrapped up the encounter with relative ease.
