Scotland v Devon, Saturday 31st July & Sunday 1st August, Stirling CC
Devon Ladies enjoyed a profitable trip to Stirling this weekend as they defeated Scotland in both of their County Championship Division 3 fixtures.
Devon opted to put Scotland into bat in the first fixture and a patient 51 from opener Catherine Smaill and a more belligerent half century, an unbeaten 53 from 62 balls by skipper Kari Anderson were the foundation for a challenging total of 192-4 from 50 overs, Devon disappointingly conceded 41 extras although Aimee Watkins’ 10 overs with a wicket for just 11 runs was exceptional.
Devon lost two early wickets with both Bowden and Carr going cheaply, however an 81 run 3rd wicket partnership between Watkins and Richards got the visitors back on track. Watkins hit 4 6’s and 3 4’s in her 44 ball 57 before being caught onnthe boundary attempting another six.
When Richards fell for a patient 41 (93 balls) Devon were still in need of 35 for victory. Jodie Dibble 47no and Frances Lausen saw them home with 8 overs to spare. Full Scorecard
The second fixture the following day followed a similar patter, Scotland batting first only this time after winning the toss. Up front the Devon bowlers were very disciplined an after 20 overs Scotland had got to 32-0. There followed an impressive counter attack, led once again by skipper Anderson who made 42 from 44 balls and an enterprising knock from youngster Leigh Kasperek, 35 from 48 balls. The fact that Scotland got to 191-5 was due in no small part to a further 54 extras, including 42 wides.
An injury to Richards meant keeper Carr, fresh from a good display behind, moving up to open, Together with Bowden the pair added 46 from the first 15 overs before Bowden (16) was caught at backward point, a little unluckily perhaps. Carr (36) then added a further 43 with Watkins before getting out just before the rain break, top edging what was close to being a no ball for a return catch to the keeper. With Watkins (38) going soon after Devon were still a long way off at 108-3. This became 144-4 as skipper Miles (23) was out caught at slip, Frances Lausen was then run out for a single and with Jodie Dibble (23) seemingly taking Devon to victory a definite no ball that came was close to head height saw her attempt to hit the ball away but was caught at mid wicket, dreadful decision in all honesty. The injured Richards came out at 7 though and in a run a ball inning of 24 saw Devon home in the 45th over.
Two good wins, disappointing not to pick up a few more bonus points but of more concern was the wides bowled by the side and this needs to be addressed pretty quickly as the t20 competition gets underway this week. The victories move Devon up to third with the fixture at home to Staffordshire now beginning to loom large as a match that they must simply win to have a chance of promotion this season. Full Scorecard
Scotland 192-4 from 50 overs (K. Anderson 53*, C. Smaill 51; A. Watkins 1-11, J. Dibble 1-41) Devon 196-5 from 42 overs (A. Watkins 57, J. Dibble 47*, N. Richards 41; A. Aitken 2-42, K. Anderson 1-12). Devon beat Scotland by 5
Scotland 191-5 from 50 overs (K. Anderson 42, L. Kesperek 35*; A. Watkins 1-18, N. Richards 1-26) Devon 192-8 from 45.1 overs (A. Watkins 38, A. Carr 36, N. Richards 24*; N. Wheeler 2-36, K. Anderson 1-25) Devon beat Scotland by 2 wickets