Cricket Girls show promise in their opening games
GLOUCESTERSHIRE Girls’ U13 Development squad produced encouraging performances on their first outings of the summer despite suffering two defeats against Oxfordshire.
This double-header was switched at very short notice from Frampton-on-Severn, which was deemed unplayable, to Cheltenham. And it was Oxfordshire who settled quickly with a seven-wicket victory in the first clash after the home side reached 143-4 from their 20 overs.
Openers Maddie White (36) and Sophie Pickering (35) both retired after giving Gloucestershire the best possible start while Millie Downey added an unbeaten 14.
In reply, Oxfordshire completed the victory with 13 balls to spare, Olivia Bayless (1-8) the pick of the attack.
The visitors batted first in the second match, reaching 143-8 from their 20 as seven Gloucestershire players took wickets. In reply, Gloucestershire lost a couple of early wickets before Darcie Ford (28) established herself at the crease while there were also promising knocks from Sidney Hewlett and Jiya Sheopuri (both 13) with Alys Davis unbeaten on 12 as the home side came up short.
Coach Ryan Walker said: “These were the first games of the summer for both squads, and both put up a really good showing. The two matches were played in a terrific spirit, and we must also say a big thank you to everyone at Cheltenham for hosting us with just two hours’ notice.”
The squad are next in action on July 10, against Berkshire. On Saturday, Gloucestershire Girls U11s are away to Dorset. On Sunday, the U13s host Warwickshire at Wycliffe College (11am). The U18s travel to Pontarddulais to take on Wales.