County Championship Roundup: Yorkshire win leaves it tight at the top

Things have started to hot up in the Royal London Women's One-Day Championship with some impressive performances from some familiar faces. The race for division one is set to be another close one as the top two met.

Division One

Yorkshire v Hampshire

Hampshire lost their first game of the season as Yorkshire closed the gap at the top of the table to less than a point. Katie Thompson, the Yorkshire bowler took 5 for 14 as Hampshire collapsed to 35 for 6. Charlotte Edwards with 45 and Fi Morris with 31 led the fightback, as Hampshire finished on 131 all out. Yorkshire themselves struggled at the top of the order as wickets fell at regular periods and at one point were 35 for 4.

A stand of 80 from Hannah Buck and Katherine Brunt took them to the brink of victory before Buck was dismissed by Suzie Bates. Brunt kept her cool with 58 not out to set up an exciting end to the season.

Lancashire v Somerset

Lancashire kept their chances of retaining their title alive with a convincing win against Somerset. It was a result that leaves the West Country side fighting against relegation. An unbeaten 55 from Sophie Ecclestone rescued an innings that subsided from 121 for 4 to become 164 all out as Anya Shrubsole took 3 for 16.

In reply, Somerset were bowled out for 60. Ecclestone chipped in with 3for 15 and Alex Hartley also took 3 for 8 from 3 overs.

Warwickshire v Middlesex

Heavy rain in Birmingham meant the game was abandoned before a ball could be bowled.

 

Division Two

Derbyshire v Surrey

It was a demolition of Derby by Surrey as they posted 404 for 2, with Natalie Sciver scoring 180 from just 98 balls. They then were bowled out by the hosts for just 50. Bryony Smith and Kirstie White shared a first wicket partnership of 78 before Sciver set about her mammoth innings. Along with Aylish Cranstone, 200 was added for the third wicket. Sarah Glenn showed her undoubted class to finish her ten overs only conceding 33 runs.

It was Sciver again who would cause Derbyshire problems as she returned figures of 3 for 6 to complete the demolition.

Northamptonshire v Berkshire

It was England captain Heather Knight who would dominate this game. It was a win that kept Berkshire in the promotion race while all but condemning Northamptonshire to relegation. The home side were bowled out for just 91, with Erica Turner the highest scorer with 25 not out.

With the threat of rain and thunderstorms, Berkshire made sure they made swift work of the chase taking just 15.5 overs to seal the win. Knight top scored with 64 not out from 63 balls.

Devon v Essex

It was another one-sided match in division two as Devon beat Essex by 9 wickets. Hazel Garton with 4 for 13, Becca Silk 3 for 7 and Stephanie Hutchins 3 for 1 toppled Essex with ease as the away team were bundled out for just 55.

Georgia Hennessy with 42 not out almost single handily won it with the bat.

Wales v Sussex

No play was possible as overnight rain saw the game called off before any play was possible. Sussex remain top of the table.