Worcestershire Rapids fell to a 53-run defeat at the hands of Gloucestershire, as the away side pushed hard in a steep run chase, but valiant individual efforts did not prove enough in a frustrating defeat in League 2 of the Metro Bank One Day Cup.
Jess Beach and Flora Bertwsitle took three wickets apiece in efficient spells, while Hannah Hardwick picked up two wickets for herself as the Rapids worked hard to bowl Gloucestershire out for 291.
An opening stand of 103 between Clare Boycott and Gwen Davies got the Rapids off to an the perfect start in reply, while valuable contributions from Sophie Beech (40) and Bryony Gillgrass (46) kept the visitors in touch as the game reached it’s climax.
When Gillgrass lost her wicket at a crucial time, the final three wickets fell for nine runs as Worcestershire’s determined chase of an imposing target petered out.
The Rapids headed to face Gloucestershire in search of a second win in succession after cruising to a comfortable win over Kent last time out.
Jess Beach took the first scalp for her side, before Gloucestershire rallied and made it past 50 without further damage.
Clare Boycott (1-33) and Flora Bertwistle (3-53) both bowled with excellent efficiency, going at under six-an-over as they helped pegged Gloucestershire back in the middle overs.
The visitors restricted their opponents to 205-8 in the 39th over, after Hannah Hardwick took two quick wickets as Worcestershire looked to wrap up proceedings.
Two lower order partnerships frustrated the away side, as Jess Beach returned to take the final two wickets as the Rapids turned their attentions to their pursuit of 292.
Openers Boycott and Davies started in fine fashion, with Davies playing in free-flowing style scoring seven boundaries in her 57-ball stay at the crease as she scored 40, before losing her wicket with the Rapids past three figures.
Boycott, another batter enjoying an excellent run of form, chalked up another half-century as she made a composed 54, as Ruby Davis fell cheaply to leave Worcestershire 117-3.
Sophie Beech (40) once again made a start, as her side stuttered again at 177-4, as Bryony Gillgrass took control despite the loss of Ebony Tweats (12) and Liv Gough (7).
The young prospect showed maturity beyond her years as she ran hard between the wickets and kept the tempo high on her way to 46, but when she was bowled, Worcestershire had to go at ten an over for the final six overs, with just three wickets in hand.
The last three wickets fell for nine-runs, as the Rapids were bowled out for 238 on their way to a 53-run defeat, in a result that might feel it got away after such a promising start.
