Ashford beat Bells Yew Green by 52 runs

Ashford 199-1 (Becky Halls 70*, Katie Butler 68*, N Howell 6-1-32-1)
Bells Yew Green 147-7 (B Steptowe 52, Katie Brown 8-2-13-2)

On a ground where a well struck four can actually end up in the next county, Ashford started very positively. Openers Gill Bonham and Becky Halls created a strong platform for the innings, putting 61 on the board before Bonham was unlucky to be bowled by one which didn’t bounce off the pitch. Katie Butler showed her intentions from her first ball, which was dispatched to the boundary. All the bowlers suffered at her hands, as she played with confidence, cutting and driving her way to a fine fifty in only 45 balls. Halls had played the anchor role at the other end, but also picked up the pace, taking 14 off one over, and the pair took Ashford to a total of 199 from their 40 overs. Halls was unbeaten at the end, on 70, and Butler on 68, her highest score for the club.

Ashford youngster Katie Brown was given the responsibility of opening the bowling for the first time, and did so with great success. She picked up a wicket in her second over, and it was not until her third that the opposition managed to score a run off her bowling. It was not, however, Ashford’s finest performance in the field. Several missed catches and too many extras conceded kept Bells Yew Green in the game, and while the aggressive left hander Steptowe was at the crease, the runs kept coming too. Jenny Tippell was brought back into the attack in the 23rd over, and immediately delivered the crucial breakthrough, bowling Steptowe for 52. After that, the required run rate rose steadily, and wickets began to fall, the pick being an outstanding catch by Angharad Purser to give Brown a well deserved second wicket, and two catches and a sharp stumping by Rhianna Southby behind the stumps. The final ten overs were a frustration for Ashford, for although the match had been secured by this stage, they just couldn’t find a way to take the remaining wickets.

An outstanding performance with the bat contrasted with an untidy display in the field. However, Ashford never gave up, and despite things not going well at times, still had the determination to find a way to win. As always, the team are happy to welcome new players, of all ages and standards. Training is on Thursday evenings, from 6.30 – 8.30, at Short Lane.

Alison McCreedy