Worcestershire Rapids Women continued their excellent start to the season with a commanding 63-run victory over Leicestershire Women at Uppingham School, making it back-to-back wins to open their 2025 campaign.
After winning the toss and choosing to bat first, Worcestershire posted an imposing 265 for 8 from their 50 overs, with Clare Boycott (75) and Amy Wheeler (70*) leading the charge.
It was a tricky start for the Rapids when opener Gwen Davies fell early, bowled by Thatcher for just 2. But Boycott anchored the innings superbly, mixing patience with aggression as she struck six boundaries during a vital 161-ball stay. After steady contributions from Chloe Hill (9) and Ruby Davis (25), the innings received a major boost when Bryony Gillgrass blazed a rapid 36 from 19 balls.
Wheeler provided the late impetus, finding the boundary eight times and clearing it three more during her explosive unbeaten knock, ensuring the Rapids finished strongly. Emily Churms chipped in with a handy 18 before falling late on, and the Rapids’ total looked formidable.
Leicestershire’s chase never truly got going, despite a valiant effort from skipper Becky Brooker, who top-scored with a battling 57 from 117 balls. Tight new-ball spells from Wheeler and Phoebe Brett put the Foxes immediately under pressure, and wickets at regular intervals kept Worcestershire firmly in control.
Wheeler was the pick of the bowlers with 3 for 40 from her 10 overs, while Brett (1 for 27) and Boycott (1 for 15) bowled economically to stifle the Leicestershire middle order. Churms chipped in with two late wickets as the innings faded.
Despite spirited knocks from Hayley Brown (26) and a brisk 31 from Francesca Sweet, Leicestershire could only muster 202 for 7 from their 50 overs, well short of their target.
This latest win highlights the growing confidence and depth in the Rapids squad, with both batters and bowlers contributing. With two wins from two, Worcestershire will head into their next fixtures full of momentum and belief.
