Ansley half century seals win

Giselle Ansley with Vicky Bowden and Amara Carr (above)

An important 25 points was gained by a young Under 17 side at Chipping Sodbury as Devon beat Gloucestershire by 8 wickets. With four senior players missing including run machine Heather Knight it was a banana skin that Devon did not want to slip on. To their credit they coped admirably. After winning the toss Ellie Feilding elected to field and Rebecca Donohue and Giselle Ansley soon made significant inroads into the hosts batting as both claimed two early wickets. A defiant 52 from Sophie Tucker threatened to take the game away form Devon but the visitors kept taking wickets, with skipper Ellie Fiedling picking up and the introduction of the reliable Gabie Clark bringing three more. Donohue returned to dismiss Tucker and also claimed the last wicket to finish with 4 wickets.

Frances Lausen joined Vicky Bowden to open in the absence of Heather Knight but was soon out caught at square leg playing an inoccuous shot. Bowden then added 51 with Giselle Ansley before being caught at wicket. Keeper Amara Carr came to the crease and added a further 43 with Ansley who completed her first half century of the season as she hit the winning run to put Devon clear at the top of their group and well placed to make the Southern Final.