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Stormers Reign to Level Women’s Regional Series

Jake Perry @CricketScotland
April 29, 2019 5 years
Stormers Reign to Level Women’s Regional Series

Stormers 112 (E Watson 26, K Fraser 3 for 7) beat Eagles 90 (K McGill 19, L Wilkinson 3 for 23) by 22 runs

An excellent all-round display in the field saw the Stormers claim victory over the Eagles in the second match of the Women’s Regional Series at Uddingston on Sunday. Defending 112, the Stormers attack held its nerve to close out a 22-run win and leave the series nicely balanced at one-all.

In a match reduced to 46 overs by the weather, Ellen Watson (26) got the Stormers away to a good start with four boundaries in her 34-ball knock, but after the nineteen-year-old joined opening partner Ailsa Lister (2) back in the pavilion the Eagles bowlers took control with a steady stream of wickets. Caitlin Ormiston (2 for 24) claimed the prized scalp of captain Rachel Scholes (10) before the spin and seam of Katherine Fraser (3 for 7) and Abbi Aitken (2 for 6) combined to rip out the middle order. Four wickets fell for only 8 runs to leave the Stormers 71 for 7, a score which soon became 90 for 9 as Ikra Farooq (1 for 6) and Hannah Rainey (1 for 17) accounted for Emily McKenzie (0) and Rosy Ryan (10), but, with the last wicket pair of Nadia Tolliday (7) and Abbie Hogg (8 not out) ensuring that the tail wagged on what had been a tricky batting surface, the Eagles had been left with plenty still to do.

After the loss of Charis Scott (3) with the score on 17, Eagles captain Katie McGill and Irish international Louise McCarthy settled well, but the loss of McGill (19), run out after a disastrous mix-up between the two, proved to be the turning point of the innings. With the score stuck on 38 both Sam Haggo (0) and McCarthy (4) fell, while Abbi Aitken (5) and Phoebe Beal (0) followed in consecutive balls to Megan McColl (2 for 13) and Lois Wilkinson (3 for 23). The innings limped on as the Eagles looked in vain for a partnership, Ikra Farooq contributing a gutsy 11, before the innings, and the match, was finally ended by the run out of Katherine Fraser (8).

“It was a good day at the office,” said Stormers Head Coach Iain Stewart. “We’re feeling very positive. We weren’t at our best last week and we’ve still got areas to improve on of course, but everyone turned up today to get us right back in it.

“Megan McColl bowled a terrific length on the deck and then Lois was outstanding, she didn’t give them anything, and with Nadia Tolliday coming up the hill, beating the bat with her changes of pace as well, it was cracking. Getting three run-outs was pleasing, too. The first was a bit of a gimme in that it was a big mix-up but the other two were fantastic, just attacking the ball and getting it in like we’ve been working on.

“The last wicket partnership between Nadia and Abbie proved to be crucial, too. Those 22 runs changed everything. It was Abbie’s debut as well but she absolutely blitzed it with the bat, smoked Louise McCarthy for a couple of boundaries which will do so much for her confidence. I’m really chuffed for her.

“We’re just delighted to come away with the win and we’re looking forward to going again in June.”   

The Regional Series continues on Sunday June 2nd with the first T20 double-header of the season at Strathmore CC. Entry is free.      

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