The Wildcats arrived at a warm and sunny Spondon CC to start their 2017 season as their T20 Division 2 campaign got underway against Derbyshire and Hampshire.
On winning the toss captain Abbi elected to field first and after restricting Derbyshire to a total of 100 the decision looked a good one on a small ground with a quick outfield.
A tight start from Katie McGill and Jess Mills on debut restricted Derbyshire to 16/0 off 6 overs in the powerplay and they never really recovered with Abbi Aitken, Kirstie Gordon, Samantha Haggo and Lois Wilkinson all bowling tight spells.
The Wildcats lost Sarah Bryce early in their reply but a wonderful unbroken partnership of 79 between Ollie Rae and Lorna Jack saw the Wildcats home in only 11.3 overs. Ollie made 41 not out off 40 balls and Lorna finished 36 not out off 27 balls. Both players clinically punished when the bowlers missed their line and length and the Wildcats were off the mark for the season.
A short turn around saw Hampshire win the toss and elect to bat in game two and they immediately showed more intent than Derbyshire in the first game. They reached 35/1 at the end of the batting powerplay.
A combination of good batting, indisciplined bowling, including 24 wides , along with missed chances allowed Hampshire to post 133. Kirstie Gordon was the exception to the rule, taking 3/16 off 4 overs.
In reply, Ollie Rae continued where she’d left off in game 1 making 38 off 44 balls but failed to receive any significant support as the Wildcats collapsed from 48 for 1 to 95 all out.
A disappointing end to the first weekend of Wildcats cricket but with Kathryn Bryce starring for the Birmingham Bears against Surrey with 73 not out in 49 balls the wider squad are in good form as preparations begin for the ICC Women’s World T20 2018 – Europe/Americas Qualifier 2017 which is taking place in Scotland in August.
Congratulations to Jess Mills and Lily Steindl on earning their 1st @CricketScotland caps yesterday! #ThistlePride pic.twitter.com/TzYOKIA5VN
— Scotland Women (@WildcatsCricket) June 19, 2017
