In April 2020 Middlesex Women and Jersey Cricket announced an exciting new strategic partnership that would see both organisations coming together to harness their combined expertise and resources to create innovative programmes that pushed the boundaries of female cricket talent development.
The outbreak of Covid and subsequent restrictions that were enforced saw all early plans to launch the partnership put on hold, however last summer, with lockdown restrictions lifted, the sides eventually got together for a training camp and to compete in the inaugural Brooks Macdonald Cup T20 clash, the annual showpiece game of the partnership when both sides would go head to head - sponsored by Middlesex Cricket's long-term sponsor, Brooks Macdonald.
Middlesex won that opening encounter last year, and earlier this week, at Richmond Cricket Club, the two sides were back in action for the second annual head to head, with Middlesex looking to defend their crown.
Having won the toss and elected to bat, Middlesex posted 141 for 7 in their 20 overs – with Vani Dhanuka top-scoring with 46 off just 30 balls, striking nine boundaries in her innings.
Riya Patadia made a valuable 33 before being run out, with Vedanshree Patel (19) and Sarah Pearson (12*) both making double figure scores to help their side to a competitive total.
For Jersey, Analise Merritt was the pick of their bowlers taking 2 for 22, with Flo Copley, Chloe Greechan and Erin Gouge picking up one wicket apiece.
In the chase, Grace Weatherall was the stand-out batter for the visitors, making a run-a-ball 31, with Merritt (12) and Lily Greig (10*) the only other scores of note, as Jersey could only muster 99 for 9 in reply from their 20 overs.
Riya Patadia (3 for 11), Pearson (2 for 10), Uma Iyer (1 for 7) and Eva Seymour (1 for 19) all took wickets for Middlesex.
Having successfully defended their crown to lift the Brooks Macdonald Cup for the second year running, following the game, Middlesex's Head of Women’s Cricket, Kari Carswell, added:
“It was great to welcome Jersey over again for another competitive cricket match, which was played in great spirit.
“With the competition moving into its second year, we look forward to growing the competition and strengthening the relationships we have already built with our friends from Jersey Cricket.
“As always, we thank Brooks Macdonald for their continued support and for making fixtures like this happen – it was a great experience for all involved and provided an opportunity for our players to showcase their talent.”
Brooks Macdonald’s Chief Risk Officer, Priti Verma, said:
“Girl’s cricket is something that is particularly close to my heart. Growing up, cricket was never on offer to the girls. My dad was cricket mad so I’d be watching it on the TV and listening to the commentary on the radio but never able to play it myself.
“I’m so pleased that Brooks Macdonald is sponsoring both the Middlesex and Jersey girls’ and ladies’ teams so that more females get a chance to shine in this sport, at all ages. Some excellent cricket was played by both sides – congratulations to the winners!”
