Winning is more important than a century, says Sparks' captain Evelyn Jones

Central Sparks captain Evelyn Jones said that the focus was on winning rather than getting to a century after their victory against Thunder on Saturday (September 5) in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy.



Jones made a magnificent 90 as she helped her team get across the line in their second encounter with the Thunder. Chasing 167, the Sparks skipper added 114 with her opening partner Gwen Davies, before the latter was dismissed. Joined by Marie Kelly, she made sure that they got close enough to the target. However, Jones was run out when the team needed three runs for victory.



“I was batting with Gwen and then Marie, and we were just talking about trying to tick it off in tens - get to 50, then to 40, and keep knocking off the total, really. If you get there (100) it's a bonus, but we won the game, which is more important,” said Jones after the game.



Coming into the match, both Sparks and Thunder had won a game each, and the result was crucial to get to the second place in the points table. Jones was happy that everyone is contributing to their success.



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“I think we played really well as a team. The bowlers all chipped in and helped restrict them to a target we could chase. Batting-wise, it was really nice to bat on that deck. It's always pleasing to score runs and contribute to a winning performance.”



In the absence of England star Amy Jones, Davies was promoted to the top, and she did not disappoint her captain.



“I've known Gwen for years actually - since we were about 12,” said Jones about her batting partner. “So we do know each others' games quite well; it was nice to bat out there with her and get a good partnership at the top. Really enjoyed the partnership.



Clare Boycott had a significant role to play with the ball in Sparks’ victory. She took 4 for 4, and she is now the third in the list of leading wicket-takers in the competition so far. She was delighted with her performance in the tournament.



“Great performance all-round I thought.," said Boycott, visibly delighted by the team's outing.



"We kept the pressure on throughout the whole 50 overs. It's great. I feel, I have proved myself at this level, which is what I wanted to get out of this tournament so far.”



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