Worcestershire Women’s Rapids topped the group in the West Midlands Regional Cup after defeating Cricket Wales by eight wickets at St. Fagan’s CC in a dress rehearsal for next Sunday’s final.
The Rapids won all three matches in the 50 over competition in which the final will take place at Moseley CC on September 4 (11am start).
Superb bowling by Amy Maund and Hannah Hardwick was largely responsible for Cricket Wales being bowled out for 99 in just 35.3 overs after being put in by Rapids captain, Chloe Hill.
The home side reached 21-0 but then Maund and Hardwick came on first and second change and between them picked up the next seven wickets.
Maund finished with the excellent figures of 9-1-21-4 and Hardwick 6-1-18-3 as Cricket Wales slumped to 57-7.
Jess Humby (4-1-10-1), Charis Pavely (3-0-13-1) and Flora Bertwhistle (0.3-0-0-1) picked up one wicket apiece
When the Rapids batted, an opening partnership of 63 between Milly Home and Clare Boycott ensured the Rapids would have a comfortable path to victory.
Home was eventually dismissed for 37 but Boycott went onto make an unbeaten 31 and only three runs were needed when Hill was dismissed for a breezy 18.
The plate final between Warwickshire and Staffordshire will also take place at Moseley on September 4.
WEST MIDLANDS REGIONAL CUP
FINAL GROUP TABLE
RAPIDS Played 3, Won 3, Lost 0, Batting 8, Bowling 12, Points 50
Cricket Wales 3, 2, 1, 7, 8, 35
Warwickshire 3, 1, 2, 5, 4, 19
Staffordshire 3, 0, 3, 3, 11, 14
