Forton Ladies recorded their first ever win in the Women’s Midlands Cricket League, displaying grit and determination in a nail-biting contest against their Shifnal counterparts.
Shifnal won the toss and decided to bat first on a sunny day at Eccleshall Road.
However, some inspired bowling by Rachel Jones (5-23) and Helen Hughes (2-12) removed the first four batsman with only 25 on the board.
The middle order rallied, despite some accurate bowling by Julie Fozzard (0-6), Catherine Pritchard (0-6) and Bev Wilkinson (0-3) with Katie Moreton (13) offering the sternest resistance.
Her partner, Rhian Wright was eventually removed leg before for three by the returning Rachel Cartwright (2-26) and Katie Moreton followed shortly afterwards with the score on 58, caught behind by Bev Wilkinson off the bowling of Claire Edwards (1-14).
Veronica Caperon (0-1) provided support to Helen Hughes and Rachel Jones as they wrapped up the Shifnal innings in the 33rd over for just 92 runs.
Good catches by Helen, Rachel Jones and Rebecca Anthony and some fine fielding and concentration by Denise Gleeson and Sophie Jones all contributed to an excellent effort in the field.
In reply, Forton were soon in trouble, losing Rebecca Anthony for one on the last ball of the first over after she was run out following a mix-up.
Unlucky Denise Gleeson also went for one, dismissed by an excellent delivery from opening bowler C Walsh.
Veronica Caperon (3) hung around for some time supporting the dangerous Rachel Jones (16) and Bev Wilkinson added eight.
Although Claire Edwards and Catherine Pritchard failed to trouble the scorers they occupied the crease, using up the overs from Shifnal’s main threats.
At 43-7 and then 58-8, a Shifnal victory seemed on the cards, but enter the arena Helen Hughes (26 not out).
Supported doggedly, initially by Rachel Cartwright (2) for over 11 overs and then Julie Fozzard (9not out), Helen smashed the ball all over the ground. What had appeared to be a likely defeat turned into a triumphant victory at 92-8 with three overs to spare.
A memorable occasion for all concerned, with scenes of celebrations bewildering watching livestock in nearby field... onwards and upwards is now the grand plan!
