There is still all to play for in ECB Division 3 North as Wildcats ‘A’ prepare to face Northumberland and Cumbria in the decisive final matches of the fifty-over league. Sunday’s defeat to Durham saw the Scots lose their place at the top of the table, but with thirty-six points still available the ‘A’ side remains very much in the final mix.
The Wildcats now lie in second, two points behind the English County, and name a squad of fourteen as they look to repeat their convincing away victories over this weekend’s opponents from earlier in the month.
Head Coach Steve Knox will be looking for a positive response from his side after a below-par performance in Galashiels saw them surrender their unbeaten record. Regular wickets scuppered the Wildcats’ run-chase as they struggled to put partnerships together, and the big-match experience of their international regulars will now be significant as the Cats try to take maximum points from the two games.
The form of Sarah Bryce (185 runs at 92.5) bodes well both for this weekend and beyond as the national team continue in their preparations for the summer ahead, and with Lois Wilkinson (7 wickets at 12.29), Caitlin Ormiston (6 at 15), Rachel Scholes (5 at 19.8) and Katie McGill (3 at 29.33) providing threat with the ball as well as some belligerence with the bat, the ‘A’ side will arrive in Dumfries determined to capitalise on any slip-up from the league leaders.
Wildcats ‘A’ Squad vs Northumberland and Cumbria at Dumfries CC on Sunday 27th and Monday 28th May:
Lorna Jack (Captain, Stormers – Northumberland only), Abbi Aitken (Eagles), Sarah Bryce (Wicketkeeper, Eagles), Charlotte Dalton (Stormers), Abtaha Maqsood (Stormers), Megan McColl (Stormers – Northumberland only), Katie McGill (Eagles), Jess Mills (Stormers), Caitlin Ormiston (Eagles), Hannah Rainey (Eagles – Cumbria only), Rachel Scholes (Stormers), Ellen Watson (Stormers), Lois Wilkinson (Stormers), Ruth Willis (Eagles – Cumbria only).
Both matches begin at 12 noon. Entry is free.
