Devon Women made a winning start to their ECB County Championship 50-over season with a Bonus Point win against Dorset at Canford School.
Captain Steph Hutchins won the toss and elected to bowl, with the decision proving a good one as the opening attack made early inroads into the home batting line-up, reducing Dorset to 9 for 3 with Katie Donovan returning impressive figures 3-7.
Devon looked to take pace off the ball, with spinners Ellie Bishop, Steph Hutchins and Eva Lewis all chipping in useful wickets. The introduction of JoJo Baylis on debut saw the lower order of Dorset crumble, reducing the home side to 99 all out with JoJo taking 3-3 in her 4.5 overs.
Set 100 to win, Devon set about the task in a positive fashion with openers Ellie Bishop (20) and Jemima Vereker (24) setting a sound base putting on 41 for the first wicket. Regina Lilii joined Bishop and continued to attack the Dorset bowling, with Regina showing real intent scoring 26 not out off 23 balls, putting on 43 for the second wicket they broke the back of the chase. Devon reached their target 3 down sealing the victory with 29 overs to spare.
David Joseph's Post-Match Thoughts
"Really delighted with the way we played today. It's a great result but, more importantly, there were some really good performances, and plenty we can work on and build on.
"We also had a number of players making their debuts today: Rose, JoJo, Eliza, Gemma and Regina, who all came through the experience really well. So it was a great day all around for us."
Steph Hutchins' Post-Match Thoughts
"It's a good start to the season. I think we showed a lot of promise and good foundations, and I think it's just a case of continuing to build on from there."
Scorecard
Dorset 99ao (M Joyce 27, M Kothiyal 24; J Baylis 3-3, K Donovan 3-7, E Lewis 2-17).
Devon Women 100-3 (R Lilii 26*, J Vereker 24, E Bishop 20; L Williams 2-9).
Devon Women beat Dorset by 7 wickets.
Up Next
Devon Women's next game will take place at Thorverton CC on Monday, May 6 against Cornwall.