Worcestershire Rapids Captain, Clare Boycott, gave an honest assessment after her side went down narrowly in both of their fixtures on Sunday’s Vitality Blast T20 return.
Coming into the day on the back of a two-week rest, hopes were high that the hosts could capitalise on a big day at Visit Worcestershire New Road, opening up against Derbyshire Falcons.
Losing the toss and being inserted, it was an uphill battle from the get-go, as the Rapids could only muster 53 from their batting innings, but Boycott, looked at the positives as her side pushed Derbyshire all the way during the chase.
“I think even though we only got 53 on the board in the first game, we bowled and fielded superbly, they took 17 overs to get the runs. So, I think we can take some positives out of that.”
With no time to dwell on what could have been, the Rapids were back in action a couple of hours later, against familiar foes, Northamptonshire Steelbacks.
Having played their opponents twice already this season, Worcestershire were aware of the task that faced them, but a strong bowling comeback in the final six overs, saw them restrict the Steelbakcks, to 134-8.
In response, the Rapids were set fair, with Skipper, Boycott making a defiant 48, whilst Bryony Gillgrass (22) and Ruby Davis (25) both made starts as things looked hopeful.
None of the set batters could unfortunately see things through however, as the Steelbacks fought back valiantly to snatch a 15-run win from a position that never looked likely.
Boycott, admitted not having one of the top-scorers there at the end eventually cost her team victory.
“It was a really good game to be fair. I think we probably should have won. We needed 27 off 27 but it’s a learning curve, isn’t it? Ideally, we win from there, but hopefully next time we’ll learn from it and get the win.
“I was out there with Ruby, and we said, stay to the end and we’ll win. That was our plan. I should have stayed in and won the game for the girls, so I’m a bit disappointed in myself.”
After establishing a strong position and tapering the chase well, the Rapid’s will no doubt feel that the crucial death overs of the second match were where things slipped away.
In front of a good crowd at Visit Worcestershire New Road, Boycott, said her team recognised the missed opportunity on a vibrant afternoon inside the ground.
“I think that one hurt more than the Derbyshire game because we were in it the whole way. It’s really tough to take when you think you’re going to win and you just lose it at the last hurdle.
“I know we’ve lost both games, but it’s actually been a really enjoyable day. To see a decent crowd in made it a proper T20 atmosphere.”
