It wasn't the bank holiday we all had in mind: the one with sun, blue skies and plenty of cricket. It was the more realistic one: rain delays, cancelled games and a chill in the air. Regardless there were some outstanding individual performances and some solid team efforts.
Welbeck was not ready
Professionalism is great. It’s been great to see professionalism increase in the women’s game. But what does professionalism really mean? It’s often referred to as paying players full-time wages but it’s much more than that.
Imagine being a so-called professional cricketer, turning up to a club ground in the East Midlands to sit around for a few hours and be told that your game cannot be played because of the ground conditions.
Perhaps it would be acceptable if the rain had been lashing down in those few hours but in these circumstances, there was not a drop of rain all morning but the field, including the area for bowlers to run up was muddy, wet and unsuitable.
From those at the club, this was due to a club game on Saturday which continued through the rain – no consideration for the professional game due to be played on the Monday. It’s another reminder that people with the power in their hands do not care for or prioritise the women’s professional game.
A few Stars shone
South East Stars ensured their 207 run victory over Western Storm much thanks to another stellar century by Paige Scholfield and a spin masterclass from Alice Capsey.
Scholfield hit an unbeaten 134, meaning she has is the tournament’s leading run scorer with 276 to her name just after three matches. The Stars hit 296 with a half century from skipper, Bryony Smith and 45 from Tash Farrant.
Western Storm’s response was quiet – their top scorer being Alex Griffiths who managed to score 21 from 62 balls. 18-year-old Alice Capsey starred, taking 6/28, her career best figures, assisted by Bryony Smith who picked up a three wicket haul.
Western Storm were bowled out for a measly 89.
Northern Consistency
The Sunrisers continued their losing streak – the Northern Diamonds registering a 5 wicket win in a comfortable manor.
The key was Scrivens and Durham-born seamer, Jessica Woolston, took care of that, removing her for 11. Jodi Grewcock impressed once again with the bat, scoring her second half century of the season but the Sunrisers were bowled out for a poor 157. Lizzie Scott, Abi Glen and Woolston took two wickets apiece while, leggie Katie Levick took three.
Diamonds had a good day with the bat, chasing down the total in the 29th over. Lauren Winfield-Hill was consistent as ever, scoring 51 – her second half century of the season. Bess Heath contributed an unbeaten 32 and captain, Hollie Armitage scored 30.
Vipers win on 'away' territory
Central Sparks got off to a slow start after a short rain delay. Abbey Freeborn made a sedate 43 from 96 runs while Ami Campbell refound her form, scoring 54 from 76. Sparks were able to bat out all 50 overs, finishing on 183/9.
Georgia Adams was the pick of the Vipers bowlers, taking 4/30 while Lauren Bell and Charlie Dean were both very economical. Adams and Dean's 115 run partnership stabilised the innings and Emily Windsor, returning from injury did what she is best at and scored the winning runs.
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