This week our Dolphinettes travelled to Terling for the second round of the group stage Ladies Softball League. Looking to go top of the league this week, they aimed to push for three wins to level with Terling. The ladies had their captain Jayde Parker back this week, and still stood in good stead was her support, vice captain Mary Newham. Coach and Manager, Calley Foyster, said she felt confident for her team going into these games, and having 12 players available this week, was able to make strong changes to each team each game.
The first game was versus Coggeshall, who our ladies beat comfortably last week. With Braintree winning the toss, they elected to field first; with Natasha Garner and Jade Worster starting off the bowling strong, Garner claimed her first wicket in the third over, hitting middle stump. The wickets continued as one of our converted rugby player, Gemma Gardiner also sent the bails flying, as did Katie Paget in her first over. With a good bowling attack they were able to keep Coggeshall run rate low, with the opposition finishing on 233.
Our agile wicket keeper Claire Osborne opened the batting with Paget, hitting 12 runs off their overs. Chelsie Bright also made her cricket Debut today, with quick running between the wickets, adding a notable performance onto the total. Braintree the finalised their innings with 252, claiming their first win.
Game 2 versus Terling was Braintree's game of the evening, after a heavy defeat against the team last week at Coggeshall. Our dolphinettes won the toss, and Parker elected to field. The bowling started off really tight, Parker herself bowling a good line, and Worster coming in with speed kept the runs minimal. However, after receiving an injury, Osborne needed back up, meaning a switch in the field was made opening up the leg side to attack. After some hefty batting, Terling finished on 262. Into bat Braintree went, needing to run quick and attack hard. Setting aside quick singles, Osborne opted to go for boundaries, hitting two in the first four balls. Paget also went in strong, with the captains following in close behind. To finish up Worsted and Gardiner brought a good fight, taking full advantage of a deep positioned wicket keeper, pushing quick singles every ball. Unfortunately it wasn’t enough, finishing on 233. A great push made within this game, all heads were held high going into the final game.
Dunmow had won their game against Terling, which aided Braintree’s race for the top spot. They won the toss and elected to bat first, working in Braintree’s favour. Bowlers remaining consistent kept the singles down, whilst Dunmow did push hard for them, the dolphinettes turnaround in the field was no match. Saskia Ives and Elaine Westall giving their input int he middle of the innings, adding pressure nicely, alongside Parker turning up the heat in the field. Dunmow ended their innings on 237. Osborne opened Braintree’s half again, striving through the injury, pushing the boundaries, scoring a four every other ball. Notable additional runs coming from Garner, Newham and Ives. Losing a small wicket in the middle of the innings did not discourage them. As the runs piled on, Dunmow fielding was strong, so singles were pushed for. Noticeably team mates could be seen asking to check the score as nerves rose. Braintree pulled through however, with 245 to finish their third no final game.
With some hard work on the day, our dolphinettes finished with 7 points, holding them steady in second position in their group. Next set of games is at home, and our ladies are ready and rearing to go! Well done all.