After completing their Vitality Blast campaign, the Women’s Rapids’ coach Ed Wilson and captain Clare Boycott took some time to reflect on their challenging experiences, which concluded with a loss to a strong Yorkshire team at Visit Worcestershire New Road.
In a candid interview, they shared insights into Yorkshire’s dominance, the evolution of the Rapids, and their optimism for the future.
Yorkshire, filled with full-time professionals and exceptional talent, proved to be a tough opponent. Wilson acknowledged their strength, saying, “They’re a really strong side… it’s hard to judge the game today because they’re a level above everyone else at this point.”
Despite the outcome, Wilson praised the Rapids for their efforts, noting that they scored 110 runs while limiting Yorkshire to a DLS target of 93. Although the Rapids started well with the ball, they struggled to maintain momentum, allowing Yorkshire’s hard hitters to take control.
The Rapids finished their T20 campaign with two wins out of eight matches, but Boycott and Wilson emphasised the positives from the season. They highlighted back-to-back victories over Derbyshire and Leicestershire as evidence of the squad’s potential.
Additionally, they navigated a transition in personnel that was not part of the initial plan but was necessary due to form, injuries, and opportunities. This shift allowed promising players like 15-year-old Caitlin Baker-Smith to emerge, impressing everyone with her controlled bowling.
Boycott expressed confidence in the team’s growth, stating, “We’re back to our best. Maybe today didn’t show it, but against Leicestershire, that’s probably our best team performance of the year.”
Wilson added that the squad needs to focus on intent and efficiency with the bat. He noted a tendency for batters to score “20 off 20 balls,” which often resulted in low totals, emphasising that players need to aim higher.
He highlighted performances like Ruby Davis’s 60 off 40 balls and Bryony Gillgrass’ 40 off 30, suggesting that such contributions could elevate the team’s game, as scoring 120 in the women’s game in Tier Two isn’t enough anymore.
Wilson also praised Yorkshire’s approach of playing solid and low-risk shots instead of overcomplicating their innings with flashy strokes. The injuries the Rapids faced opened doors for younger players like Baker-Smith and new recruits such as Ebony Tweats.
Wilson remarked that this situation enriched the squad by providing them with more options. “Once we get our injured players back, we’ll have even more depth,” he said.
Boycott, who plays club cricket with Baker-Smith, expressed her trust in the young player’s abilities: “I believe in her ability to deliver consistently.” This confidence in younger teammates reflects a healthy dynamic and a promising future for the squad.
As they focus on the upcoming Metro Bank One Day Cup, where they will compete in the 50-over format, Boycott expressed optimism based on their earlier performances. “We’ve been solid in the 50-over competition, with a fantastic victory against Yorkshire at Headingley,” she said.
While the team faced setbacks, including losses to Sussex and Northamptonshire, the lessons learned during the T20 campaign will guide their strategy and execution in the longer format.
Wilson confirmed that Phoebe Brett, currently playing in The Hundred, is unlikely to return this season. However, key players like Flora Bertwhistle and Jess Beach are expected to rejoin the squad for the 50-over segment. The combination of experienced returning players and emerging talent will create a more versatile and competitive team.
Although the Women’s Rapids’ Vitality Blast campaign did not yield the desired results, it served as a valuable learning experience against top-tier teams.
With young players gaining exposure, key contributors set to return, and a developing strategic approach, the future looks promising as they head into the Metro Bank Cup. As Wilson aptly stated, “We must be doing something right, even if the results don’t fully reflect that.”
With resilience, strategic evolution, and new talent stepping up, the Rapids are poised to make a strong impression in the 50-over season.
