Middlesex v Berkshire
Berkshire 202 a.o.
Middlesex 165 a.o.
A promising and positive start to our fielding innings came in the second over, courtesy of Naomi Dattani, as Alex Rogers’ leg stump was sent cartwheeling away. A strong partnership between England’s vice-captain Heather Knight and Lissy Macleod soon began to develop. This put Middlesex on the back foot until a change in bowling brought about a wicket for skipper Izzy Westbury, having Knight caught at backward square leg by Natasha Miles. Macleod continued fluidly on to make a half ton, until a kangaroo-like diving catch from Fran Wilson saw her off.
A good run out from Dattani then sent Rudd walking and soon, another wicket, bowled Anna Nicholls, caught Miles, had Smith following suit. A tight spell from Sophia Dunkley helped to maintain the pressure on the remaining batters, with a caught behind from the keeper soon following. Alex Hartley picked up three late wickets, finally bowling Bell in the 50th over as Berkshire were all out for 202.
It proved to be an unfortunate day for run-outs. Miscommunication sent both Miles and Dunkley packing. Wilson followed shortly, with a caught and bowled from Smith.
It was not Middlesex’s day with the bat, the only real highlight being Beth Morgan’s solid knock of 56, which gave us a glimmer of hope that victory was possible. It was not to be however as Middlesex were all out in the 46th over for a paltry 165. Frustrating performance all round and much to improve as we head down to Sussex next week.
