Warwickshire Women secure Division One status with win
Two half centuries from captain Marie Kelly (64) and all-rounder Sophie Devine (50) set the tone for the much-needed victory, which included their highest batting total of the season – 205.
“The thought of possible relegation definitely inspired that,” said Kelly.
“That was obviously on the back of the mind and I knew that I had to dig in. That was probably the inspiration because we knew we are Division One side and we didn’t want to be seen in Division 2 next year.”
The Bears, who won the toss and chose to bat first, showed their ardent qualities by reaching the total despite wickets falling regularly. Starting at 0 for 1 and reaching 130 for 5, the captain played her role with an elegant 64 off 83 balls that included five fours and crucial support from Georgia Davis (17) to help set a strong target of 206.
In their reply, the hosts lost regular wickets with opener Emma Lamb top scoring with 33 off 37 balls.
At the 31 over mark, the home side had lost seven wickets for 112 runs, whilst Warwickshire were 124 for 4 at the same stage.
The key was a bowling unit that all contributed as Joanne Gardner bowled figures of 6-1-10-2 and was backed up by Davis (2), Patel (2), Gunn (2), Green (1) and Bryce (1) leaving Lancashire 85 runs short of victory.
The side’s attentions now turn to the T20 campaign which they start on Sunday 10th June (10.30am) against Worcestershire Women at the Edgbaston Foundation Ground.
