U12s Development Team
Thursday 1st June saw Somerset U12 Development squad travel to Frenchay CC to take on Gloucester. A wicket on the last ball of both innings helped to contribute to a tense finish. Somerset lost the toss and were put into bat. Annabel Lamb and Megan Hughes opened and built a good partnership of 36, with Annabel contributing 22 runs with 3 well-taken boundaries and Megan supporting with quick singles. Ottilie Sykes helped to get the run rate ticking after Somerset lost 3 quick wickets, with a quick fire 17. Rose Turner joined Ottilie at the crease and played out the rest of the overs, scoring 7 not out. With 5 balls to spare, in the last over of the innings, Marcia Reah came to the crease, a well-taken 4 pushed the run rate to 117.
Somerset took to the field positively following a team talk from Sophie. Captain Lola Harris organised her players and Marcia and Rose opened the attack. Marcia, with a wicket in her first over. Rose, bowling a good line and length, restricted the batsmen to 8 runs off her 3 overs, with a vital wicket in the closing stages of the match. Jess Hewitt, Genevieve Donaldson, Connie Osborn and Annabel all bowled well in their 2 overs, all unlucky not to be amongst the wicket takers. The spin of Captain Harris proved too much for the opposition, getting 2 wickets in successive balls, finishing with 3 wickets from her 3 overs. Megan and Catherine Hayton also getting a wicket a piece. Scores were matched throughout and it all came down to the last over. Somerset having scored more runs off the bat than Gloucester, but a little loose on the amount of extras given away, led to an exciting finish. Amy Squire worked hard behind the stumps and made some great stops. With 6 runs to be scored off the last over, Marcia was given the ball. 2 dot balls, a single, followed by a well-taken 4, meant 1 run was needed off the last 2 balls. A great stop at point by Lola, kept Somerset in the game. With the last ball of the game, the batsman went for a big shot. Marcia, however, was too quick and claimed a wicket, resulting in a draw. A great team contribution, with all girls having an impact with either the ball or bat.
Thank you to Gloucester, wonderful hospitality and a great game.
U13s
A lovely bright sunny day at Taunton School saw the second U13 ECB match of the season. Gloucester won the toss and put us in to bat. Niamh Holland was Somerset captain for the day. Somerset were 4-1 in the first over not the start we were hoping for. Pip Letchford came in and helped form some form of partnership until being bowled for 7. Niamh took control and batted well with some younger, less experienced batters. She went for 43 when the score was on 79. Rebecca Stowell helped with a much needed 16 which saw Somerset put the total of 118-9 off 35 overs for Gloucester to chase.
An early wicket from Maisey Pope saw them 3-1 in the first over. They were soon in a lot of trouble when Rosie Gelston picked up three quick wickets and they were 33-6. Wickets were falling fast with Lola Harris, Connie Osborne, Holly McLaughlin and Niamh All picking up one a piece. Gloucester couldn't form any partnerships and were all out for 70 in 22.5 overs.
A great team effort again and well deserved win. Well done girls.
