U17 Women v Staffordshire

Following the disappointment of Monday's washout against Cumbria, the Scotland Womens 17s travelled to Meir Heath Cricket Club to take on Staffordshire (19 July).

After a delayed start, due to overnight rain, Lynne Dickson won the toss and had no hesitation in choosing to bat first. She was joined by Lois Wilkinson in an opening partnership that saw the score move on to 40 by the end of the 10th over.

Dickson departed, having been bowled for 19, and Kathryn Bryce carried on where Lynne had left off, creating a solid partnership with Lois Wilkinson.

As drinks came and went, the girls kept on punishing the bad ball and rotating the strike. Lois Wilkinson brought up her first ever 50, much to the delight of her team mates and coaches.

Bryce departed for a very patient 19, which brought Holly Wilkinson to the crease in the 37th over, the Wilkinson pair kept the score ticking over, which brought up 150 for the Scottish youngsters.

Lois Wilkinson was finally dismissed  for a well made 79, as Rebecca Waldie saw the innings through to an end. 183 for 4 from 45 overs was an imposing total..

Nadia Wheeler shared the new ball with Rebecca Waldie, both bowled good areas and kept it tight for the first 9 overs. Kathryn Bryce was introduced into the attack, and struggled at first to change her lines between the right and left handers at the crease.

However, she then made a double breakthrough, firstly Lois Wilkinson took a catch gully while the second took the top of off stump. Bryce soon claimed her third wicket as Lynne Dickson took a good catch at extra cover to make it 68 for 3.

The introduction of Clemmie Mitchell and Lois Wilkinson into the attack also reaped its rewards, with Mitchell picking up 2 and Wilkinson 1 to have Staffs 76 for 6 wickets down by the time drinks were brought onto the field at 23 overs.

Another wicket fell on 86, Wilkinson picking up number 2 for the day, and then Staffs' set about trying to build a partnership. The 8th wicket pair batted sensibly and put the Scottish girls under a little bit of pressure.

The score moved along to 140 before Kathryn Bryce made the breakthrough picked up her 4th wicket to end the partnership.

Caitlin Ormiston and Rebecca Waldie finished it off with the score on 148. This brought to an end a very efficient performance from the Scots girls.

Mention must go to the Bryce sisters. Kathryn, who picked up 4-34 from her 9 overs, and Sarah who only conceded 1 bye. Claire Jackson and Deanna Grenne also made their first appearances of the season.

Head Coach Gordon Allan was delighted with the overall performance "We batted with good intent throughout our innings, and took early wickets with the ball, which was always the plan. We do have one or two aspects to improve on, and I would imagine us to do that tomorrow. However,  to score in excess of 180 was excellent, and put a huge amount of pressure on Staffs."

Thanks must go to Meir Heath Cricket Club, and in particular Paul Goodwin, for making us feel very welcome both on and off the field.

The Scotland girls play their final county match on Wednesday 20th July Derbyshire.

[scorecard]