Beverley visited the South Yorkshire team of Treeton just South of Sheffield for their first match of the season. This year’s team is very much depleted from last as most of the older players have gone on to University or pastures new.
Louise Todd the team manager and Captain had to bring on a good number of the junior players and by did she pick a good side.
Louise won the toss, which was a surprise to everyone, and chose to field, the pitch was a bit green and soft ish in places but looked like it would play well, and coupled with the overcast weather enhanced her decision.
Hannah Mathews opened the bowling accompanied with Amy Halloran (16), Hannah set the standard by taking a maiden in the first over and Amy followed keeping the run rate down below 2.
In the 7th over Hannah struck the first blow with an in swinger clean bowling Kelly Harding, Treeton’s captain, for 7 with the score on 12. Ailish Ward (15) replaced Amy Halloran and kept up the momentum by taking the wicket of Amy Horne for 5 with a great catch from Hannah Mathews at mid-off.
Helen Craig came on after Hannah and took 2 for 18. The pick of the batting were Hazel Butts with 21 and Nicky Walters with 19, but Sarah McDowell took care of both of them catching one and stumping the other. Beverley fielded extremely well, fast and accurate throwing, quick in the field and stopping the ball bravely.
There were some dropped catches but with the weather being cold and having cold hands one could excuse this. Coach Peter Todd stated that there will be fielding practice Tuesday evening and catching is high on the menu.
The opening batswomen for Beverley were Sarah McDowell and Helen Craig. These two were not going to hang around and within 3 overs took the run rate past 5. This was Helen’s first time as an opener and she did a fantastic job sharing the runs with the more experienced Sarah.
There were some great stroke play with several boundaries on the leg side and quick running between the wickets. The two put on 58 when Helen was run out going for a quick single, after that Sarah had several partners contributing well but not staying long until she was bowled by Amy Horne for 30.
Woman of the match was Helen Craig for her contributions with the bat and ball. Treeton’s bowlers were accurate enough, but Beverley seemed not to care and stroked the ball around the pitch including the younger players like Megan Siddown (14) 7 not out and Ailish Ward bowled for 3.
If Beverley keep this level of play up it could be a good year for them, their next match is away at Bradford next Sunday.
Beverley Ladies XI 118 for 7 (31.1 overs) Beat Treeton Ladies XI 117 for 6 (40 overs)
