Worcestershire Rapids Women delivered a commanding all-round performance to defeat Yorkshire Women by 114 runs in their opening fixture of 2025 at Headingley.
After being sent in to bat by Yorkshire at the toss, Worcestershire posted a competitive 228 all out in 48.1 overs. A number of solid contributions from the top and middle order laid the foundation, with Clare Boycott (38), Ruby Davis (44), and Bryony Gillgrass (48) all playing key roles. Davis and Gillgrass shared a brisk 50-run stand that helped the Rapids recover from 82 for 3 and accelerate through the middle overs.
Despite a brief wobble mid-innings, with the side slipping to 164 for 5, the lower order kept the scoreboard ticking. Sophie Beech’s composed 36* from 45 balls ensured Worcestershire reached a defendable total. Yorkshire’s A Love was the standout with the ball, finishing with impressive figures of 4 for 39, while Beth Langston chipped in with 3 for 28.
In reply, Yorkshire’s chase never truly gained momentum. Rapids bowlers struck early and often, reducing Yorkshire to 22 for 3 inside six overs. The experienced Stere Kalis offered lone resistance with a fluent 51 from 55 balls, including eight boundaries and a six, but wickets continued to fall around her.
The Rapids’ bowlers hunted as a pack, led by Flora Bertwistle’s brilliant spell of 4 for 32. Phoebe Brett also impressed with 3 for 25, and Jess Beach and Emily Churms each claimed a wicket to round out a superb bowling display. Yorkshire were eventually dismissed for just 114 in 23.1 overs.
Score Summary:
Worcestershire Rapids Women: 228 all out in 48.1 overs (Gillgrass 48, Davis 44; Love 4-39, Langston 3-28)
Yorkshire Women: 114 all out in 23.1 overs (Kalis 51; Bertwistle 4-32, Brett 3-25)
Result: Worcestershire Rapids Women won by 114 runs
