Report: Bears Women v Worcestershire, Friendly

A youthful Bears Women fell short in a spirited display against Worcestershire at Edgbaston.

Dom Ostler’s side, which included two 15-year-olds, faced a Rapids outfit that included Central Sparks and England U19s bowlers Charis Pavely and Ellie Anderson, as well Academy players Phoebe Brett and Hannah Hardwick.

Having lost the toss, Bears bowled first, taking an immediate wicket when Samadhi Samarakoon dismissed Gabby Basketter.

But as the innings flowed, Worcestershire moved up through the gears with Bryony Gillgrass the clear standout. The impressive right-hander struck 151 (129 balls, 12 fours, eight sixes), to become the thorn in the Bears’ side as the hosts reached 322/8 with Ellie Phillips (4/46) and Samarakoon (3/53) playing their part with the ball.

In reply, Harriet Shuker top-scored for the Bears with 35 (five fours and one six), but the visitors were just too strong as they dismissed the hosts for 92.

Head Coach Dom Ostler said: “What an experience. I know we were on the losing side, but to come and play at a Test venue and to have these girls experience that it’ll be a day they never forget.

“We’ve put up a fight today as we were weakened by not having any of our regional players involved, but what that’s done is give these girls an opportunity to play and express themselves. Worcestershire played well today, they were the better side and they were led from the front by Bryony Gillgrass who played brilliantly all the way through.

“300 was a bit too much for us, but Ellie Phillps bowled well with four wickets and I believe she’s on a hat-trick for the next game. The two openers – Samarakoon and Samah Khan – bowled well upfront and I thought in the first 20 overs we competed really well before they got on top of us.”