Guernsey claim historic one-off T20 against Jersey

The 666th women's T20 international saw a historic match take place. Guernsey's team hosted Jersey's squad in a one-off match, which took place at St. Peter Port. Seeing as this was the first international match for both sides, the match saw 22 debutants. The hosts were the ones who emerged victorious, winning by seven wickets, with 13 balls remaining.
Guernsey won the toss and elected to bat first. Jersey openers Analise Merritt and Georgia Mallett got their team off to a good start with a 33-run opening stand, before the former departed for 17. The latter however, accelerated. Mallett smashed five boundaries on her way to a rapid 14-ball 23, before her innings was cut short. She was bowled by Katie Watson at exactly the halfway mark, leaving Jersey in a strong position at 67-2. Her teammates though were unable to maintain the momentum and build on the foundation.
In the remaining ten overs, only 47 more runs were added to the tally, taking Jersey's total up to 114-4. The top-scorer for the tourists was Florrie Copley, who remained unbeaten on a 45-ball 39.
For Guernsey, Rebecca Hubbard took the first wicket, while Watson claimed two and Francesca Bulpitt chipped in with the fourth scalp.
Jersey came into the second innings determined to emerge victorious. They sent Guernsey's Elizabeth Willcocks back to the dug out in the first over, for a duck. Watson followed in the fifth over. Jersey managed to reduce Guernsey to 36-2, and place themselves in a strong position to win.
However, a massive 58-run stand between skipper Bulpitt and opener Philipa Stahelin resurrected the hosts' innings. Both played sensibly, building a partnership that would ensure they chased down the target with ease. Bulpitt anchored the innings with her patient 18, in 34 balls, while down the other end, Stahelin powered her way to a 56 off 52 deliveries, remaining unbeaten to guide her team over the finish line. After Bulpitts' wicket fell, Hubbard's handy cameo of 13 off eight deliveries saw Guersey to victory, with 13 balls to spare.
Guernsey won by seven wickets to claim the one-off T20 between the two sides. But, the real significance of this match lies in highlighting the growth of the women's game, and how its expanding to more regions.