New captain Chloe Hill reflected on Worcestershire Women’s Rapids ECB County T20 campaign and said there were “so many different positives” to take from the competition.
The Rapids finished third in the West Midlands Group behind winners Somerset and Warwickshire with 12 points from eight games.
The tournament was weather hit, and four of the Rapids games were washed out, but Hill was encouraged by the matches that we’re able to go ahead.
On loan from Warwickshire, Milly Home scored 168 runs in four knocks at an average of 56 to finish in the top 15 run-getters in the entire competition, which comprised six groups.
Her 88 not out versus Berkshire in Newbury was also the fifth-highest individual score.
But there were plenty of other individual contributions that impressed Hill.
She said: “I’ve spoken to the girls that there were loads of positives from the four games we’ve played.
“Milly Home has come over from Warwickshire, and her batting has helped at the top of the order.
“She made a significant impact, and if we had been able to play the other four games, who knows what she could have gone onto achieve along with the rest of the top order.
“I don’t think we’ve had the chance to showcase what everyone has been practising or what they can do (because of the weather).
“Emily Arlott was in form with the ball and gave so much support to the youngsters, for them to have the courage to open up with the ball.
“Charis Pavely stepped up amazingly with her left-arm spin. She is 16-17, and we brought her in on some occasions, and she bowled the death overs and, the amount of pressure on her shoulders, she dealt with it so well.
“Ellie Anderson and Hannah Hardwick had some great experience with the new ball, and it was a big learning curve for them.”
Hill enjoyed her first experiences as Rapids captain, having previously been vice-captain.
She said: “It’s had its ups and downs, and I was excited going into Sunday’s games (against Somerset) because we had worked out so many plans after the Warwickshire games and were all ready to go.
“Unfortunately, the rain intervened, but I’ve enjoyed it, it’s been terrific, and the girls have been really supportive.
“You’ve got the time against you, to bowl 20 overs and all the fielding changes and bowling changes. It’s a learning curve, but we will get there.”
Women’s Rapids 50 Over Fixtures
21st July vs Gloucestershire at Cheltenham College
5 August vs Gloucestershire at Halesowen CC