Report: Somerset v Bears, Women's T20 - Match One
Eve Jones’ stunning 93 not-out helped Bears Women cruise to a 49-run win over Somerset at The Cooper Associates County Ground in Taunton.
Jones combined a superb display of power-hitting and unorthodox stroke-play to carry her side to dominating score of 171/5.
She signalled her intent from the off by hitting Sophie Edgecombe for consecutive fours off what was only the second over of the match. It proved to be a sign of things to come.
Initially supported by captain Marie Kelly, Jones brought up the 50 partnership between the pair with an elegant sweep shot for four.
Two swift dismissals from the hosts saw Kelly run out for 25 before Issy Wong departed for just four. Thea Brooks was next to arrive at the crease and provided the perfect foil for Jones, who would race to 50 from only 35 deliveries.
The pair would add 55 for the third wicket, taking the Bears from 77/2 to 132/3 before Brooks fell to Lorraine Szczepanski for 20. Nonetheless, Jones continued to power on despite the loss of partners.
She can count herself unfortunate not to have reached three figures after striking a commanding six off the final over. Jones scored her runs off only 60 deliveries and finished with 12 fours too her name.
In many ways, it was a complete performance from the Bears who would then go onto bowl Somerset out.
Kelly led by example in the field, taking two impressive catches to see off both Nat Wraith and Edgecombe. This was followed by a smart piece of fielding from Ria Fackrell who deflected the ball into the stumps at the non-strikers end to claim the major scalp of Sophie Luff.
Ultimately, the visitors dominated all aspects of play. Back-to-back wickets from Wong in the final over brought proceedings to a close, securing consecutive wins for Dom Ostler’s side.
