The first-leg fixtures of the inaugural Women’s One Day Cup concluded with an electrifying match between The Blaze Women and Somerset Women. In a highly anticipated contest, The Blaze Women delivered a commanding performance, securing a comprehensive victory by 4 wickets in an absolute thriller.
Winning the toss and opting to bat first, Somerset Women displayed their intent early. Openers Rebecca Odgers and Emma Corney laid a solid foundation with an 88-run partnership for the first wicket. Odgers played a fluent knock of 50 off 57 balls, smashing nine boundaries, while Corney added a steady 38 runs.
After the openers fell in quick succession, skipper Sophie Luff led from the front, stabilizing the innings with a vital 72 off 76 balls, including eight boundaries. Her 69-run partnership with Alex Griffiths for the fifth wicket helped rebuild the innings after a brief middle-order wobble.
The final overs saw fireworks from Amanda-Jade Wellington, who smashed a blistering 48 off just 25 balls at a strike rate of 192. The lower-order contributions propelled Somerset to an imposing total of 304/7 after 50 overs.
Chasing a challenging target of 305, The Blaze Women faced early setbacks with Georgie Boyce run out for 1. However, Maddy Green and Kathryn Bryce turned the tide with a crucial 125-run partnership.
Green’s masterful innings of 97 off 90 balls, featuring 12 boundaries, was complemented by Bryce’s steady 59 off 63 balls. Despite consistent breakthroughs by Somerset’s bowlers—debutant Olivia Barnes (2/49), Alex Griffiths, and Amanda-Jade Wellington—the Blaze maintained their composure.
Georgia Elwiss rose to the occasion, crafting a calculated unbeaten 75 off 68 balls. Her unbroken 67-run partnership with Kirstie Gordon (25* off 27) proved decisive, guiding The Blaze to victory with 4 wickets in hand.
With this victory, The Blaze Women now stand at number 3 on the points table. Their ability to build partnerships and hold their nerve under pressure was the defining factor in a high-scoring thriller.
