After a dream start to their 2025 campaign with a statement win over Yorkshire at Headingley, Worcestershire Women turn their focus to Leicestershire this Sunday at Uppingham School, hoping to build early-season consistency and continue their charge with another commanding performance.
For Gwen Davies, who made her Worcestershire debut in that opening fixture, the occasion could hardly have gone better. A composed knock at the top of the order and a seamless transition into a fresh-looking Pears side gave her every reason to smile post-match, but it was the collective nature of the team’s performance that stood out most.
“It was incredible, really,” she reflected. “I don’t think anyone was expecting that result, especially against a strong side like Yorkshire. We ruffled a few feathers, but more importantly, we proved we’ve got real strength in depth. It was a brilliant way to start my Worcestershire career, and I absolutely loved it.”
While many squads require time to find rhythm, Worcestershire Women have hit the ground running. The chemistry among players, despite a mix of long-time Pears and new arrivals, has been evident both on and off the field.
“I’ve been welcomed in really easily. I’m lucky in that I’ve played with a lot of the girls before, Clare [Boycott] and I went to university together at Loughborough, and I’ve spent time with Chloe Hill and Poppy Davies at Central Sparks. It’s also been great to get to know some of the younger talents like Bryony and Ruby Davies, who are both fantastic prospects.”
That blend of familiarity and fresh energy was on full display against Yorkshire. Gwen and Clare set the tone with a half-century opening stand, allowing the middle order to press on, before the bowling unit dismantled a strong opposition line-up with sharpness and control.
“Not a lot went wrong, really. We would’ve liked to score a bit quicker up top, but we did the job of laying a solid platform. The bowlers were outstanding, and I think as a group in the field, we were incredibly disciplined and focused. It was one of those rare days where everything clicked.”
Looking ahead to Sunday’s clash, the message within the squad has remained grounded and focused: keep the buzz alive, but maintain the hard-working ethos that underpinned their opening success.
“It’s all about keeping the momentum going now,” Gwen explained. “The energy around the group has been amazing, naturally, after a win like that. But we know there’ll be bumps in the road, and when they come, we’ve got to stay united. That’s been the key message this week: enjoy the cricket, stick together, and keep driving forward.”
Leicestershire present a very different challenge to Yorkshire, but not one the Pears will take lightly. With many players having crossed paths before, whether through regional setups, club cricket, or age-group levels, it promises to be a competitive and familiar affair.
“Women’s cricket is a small world,” said Gwen. “A lot of us have played either with or against players in the Leicestershire squad over the years. We’ve played at Uppingham School before, I’ve been there with Warwickshire, and we’ve always been made to feel welcome. It’s a lovely ground with a decent wicket, and we’re really looking forward to returning.”
One name that may draw particular attention on Sunday is former experienced campaigner Laura Crofts, who brings experience and pedigree to the Leicestershire line-up. But Worcestershire will take confidence from the way their bowlers dismantled a star-studded Yorkshire team, and the team’s mindset remains focused on delivering another performance that reflects their growing self-belief.
While experienced heads like Clare Boycott, Flora Bertwhistle, and Chloe Hill have helped steady the ship and offer leadership, it’s the emerging talent that has perhaps brought the biggest spark to Worcestershire’s early season form. One such standout, according to Davies, is 16-year-old Phoebe Brett.
“Phoebe’s really impressed me,” Gwen enthused. “She’s got such a mature head on young shoulders. She asks great questions, is always looking to improve, and absorbs everything like a sponge. I think if she keeps going the way she is, the future is really bright for her.”
And it’s not just Brett. Ruby Davies and Bryony Gillgrass are other young names making an impression in the squad, with their enthusiasm and willingness to learn adding depth and dynamism to the dressing room.
“It’s been lovely getting to know the younger girls,” Gwen added. “They’ve slotted in so well, and they’re already playing key roles on and off the pitch. Flora’s been brilliant too, she’s such a calming influence with the ball, and someone who really leads by example.”
As the early rounds of the season unfold, Davies is under no illusion about the importance of maintaining momentum and building something sustainable. Last weekend’s triumph may have been eye-catching, but she knows it’s consistency that sets teams apart over the course of a season.
“Every team wants to start with a win, and we did, against a strong side, in pretty emphatic style. But we’re realistic too. We know not every game will go like that, and that’s where staying grounded comes in. As long as we keep the energy and togetherness we’ve got now, we’ll give ourselves a real chance in every game.”
The foundations have been laid: togetherness, belief, and momentum. Now, the focus turns to the next challenge. If Worcestershire can channel the same focus and intent that fuelled their Headingley heroics, there’s every chance they’ll leave Oakham on Sunday with another win.
