Leicestershire Preview: Rapids looking to go back-to-back in the Blast

Vitality T20 Blast: Worcestershire Rapids Women v Leicestershire Women

Venue: Visit Worcestershire New Road

Date: Sunday 13th July

Scheduled start time: 10:30am

Worcestershire Rapids Women continue their T20 Blast campaign on Sunday, as they raise the curtain on an action-packed double-header at Visit Worcestershire New Road.

Following on from a 29-run win over Derbyshire Falcons, the Rapids’ match last Sunday fell foul of the weather, meaning a win is imperative against the Foxes this weekend.

Worcestershire Rapids Womens’ search for a first win of the season in the Vitality T20 Blast continues after a seven-wicket defeat at the hands of Leicestershire Women on Sunday afternoon.

In a frustrating batting display, plenty of batters got in, but failed to kick on as Chloe Hill (19*) showed positive signs on her return to the side.

Defending a modest 120, Flora Bertwistle continued her impressive run of form as she returned (2-27), but the Rapids failed to make frequent inroads as they fell to a seven-wicket defeat.

Worcestershire Women’s Rapids keeper-batter Olivia Gough says her side are determined to carry over the positive momentum from their recent win against Derbyshire Falcons, as they prepare to host Leicestershire Foxes on Sunday.

After losing heavily to Yorkshire the day prior to the Derbyshire win a fortnight ago, the Rapids produced their best performance of the season to win by 29-runs.

Gough said her side did a great job to bounce back so well and are keen to continue their positive mood in camp, despite being let down by the weather at Northants last Sunday.

“Yeah it was a great buzz. I mean, especially playing at Headingley the day before, against a really good side in Yorkshire, and then coming up against Derbyshire and being able to bounce back, it was great.

“I felt like all the batters really produced. We followed through, we made partnerships – everybody just performed really well, to be honest. And I think that was why we came to that end result.

“I think the big thing so far this season is that big correlation where we just haven’t been posting enough runs on the board.  In that game in Derbyshire, we posted 170/180.

“That says enough about the way we batted and the way we went about our game that day.’

In a difficult campaign, where the Rapids have won one T20 game so far, the table does not tell the full story, as the women’s side have pushed team’s close all season, but have failed to get over the line in some thrilling contests.

Despite runs being at a premium and batters having to negotiate some tricky periods, the bowling unit have persisted at keeping their side in each contest, often working to defend under-par scores.

Gough, who has had a closer eye on proceedings than most from her position behind the stumps, was full of praise for the bowlers.

“They’ve done brilliantly. I mean, especially Flora. She’s one of those people that consistently seems to perform every game and get wickets and create opportunities for the team.

“Obviously Bri, being so young as well, I think it’s such a great thing that she’s come in against Derbyshire and taken a fifer.

“Obviously Bri, being so young as well, I think it’s such a great thing that she’s come in against Derbyshire and taken a fifer.

With Head Coach Ed Wilson altering his batting order and varying personnel in recent weeks to shake things up, his risk payed off as the Rapids accumulated their highest total of the T20 campaign so far, racking up 187-6.

Gough, says her side are itching to get back in action, especially with the prospect of displaying their renewed batting vigour at home as part of the bumper day’s entertainment.

“I felt like it was just starts. I think there were opportunities, but nobody really followed through with that opportunity to continue push on and win the game for the team, and really go out and produce something special.

“That was the big thing, we just didn’t put enough runs on the board. So hopefully this weekend, we can come out and really bring the game to them.”

“It’s so nice, particularly with the double header, with the men here you get that atmosphere and obviously it’s always a pleasure to play at New Road, so hopefully we’ll get everyone behind us.”

Leicestershire Foxes Women

The Foxes women have won their last three fixtures in the Vitality Blast League 2 North group, including their seven-wicket win over Sunday’s opponents that kickstarted their winning run.

Sat in second-place as things stand in the table, the Foxes are in pole position to qualify for the latter stages of the tournament, but will be searching for victory on Sunday to keep the chasing pack behind them at bay.

Francesca Sweet is the one the Rapids will be keeping tabs on, as she has scored in excess of 50-runs in her last two outings for the visitors.

The bowling unit however, possess dangers of their own however, restricting both Derbyshire and Northants Steelbacks to scores of sub-120 in their last two fixtures.