Devon lose out in thriller at Bruton
A superb game of cricket took place at the beautiful King's School in Bruton, Somerset. Winning the toss and batting first Somerset were put on the back foot as they were reduced to 30-2 in the 10th over, Emily Robinson and Anya Shrubsole the early casualties. There followed a good stand between Hannah Sparks and Frances Wilson of 71 before Wilson was stumped off the bowling of Nicole Richards. A further half-century partnership between Sparkes and Sophie Luff enabled the hosts to get up to 171 from their 45 overs. Heather Knight returned excellent figures of 3-23 with Jodie Dibble picking up 2-27.
Heather Knight and Vicky Bowden added 90 for the first wicket as Somerset restricted the Devon openers with some interesting bowling tactics, opening up with spin. The loss of Bowden and then a mis-timed on-drive from Amara Carr reduced Devon to 91-2. Knight was joined by youngster Rebecca Bertrand and together they added 50, and at 141-2 it seemed like Devon were going to coast home. Knight went on to claim an excellent century but fell two balls later to a superb catch on the boundary by Frances Wilson off the bowling of Sophie Luff. There then followed some quite incredible batting as Devon contrived to lose six wickets for just 14 runs as they were reduced from 141-2 to 155-8. To their credit Rebecca Piddock and Jodie Dibble looked to have rescued the situation but, with two wanted from the last delivery, Dibble was run out attempting the second and the sides finished level, with Somerset getting home by virtue of losing fewer wickets and with it a probable place in the national semi-finals.