Harry Everett reports from the women’s Super 8s competition that was played in some degree across the county the first Sunday of May as sunshine was at times present, but some grounds still sodden from April’s record rainfall.

A great start for the women’s Super 8s competition at North Devon on Sunday despite rain reducing the overs. The Instow side won the toss and opted to field, understandably with a slippery ball.

Positive batting and running from the Hatherleigh women finish their 16 overs with a total of 128. All of the top four reached 20 as captain Chloe Rose retired with 31 from 26 balls, Mia Spears was bowled for 22 by Rose Ball who also ran out Olivia Cooper for 22 from 15 balls and Eloise Maxa reached 24* off 18 at the end.

Defending it, Jess Rose and Libby Carroll bowled an economic first 8 overs, only going for 11 runs each off their four overs. Ellie Holland was the only home bat that made double figures with 14 from 21 balls. 23 extras was actually North Devon’s top score.

Some tight fielding forced three run outs from three different Hatherleigh players and Liv Cooper took a couple of quick wickets (2-5) to build the pressure. Chloe Rose even slid in her delivery, but persevered and somehow managed to get the penultimate wicket showing real guts to just crack on and not use the wetness as an excuse. Sophie Evans took her first wicket for the women’s 1st XI to win the game, again despite the slippery conditions.

There is also a live stream thanks to North Devon CC on their YouTube channel/play cricket page if anyone wants to watch any of the action back!

Unfortunately the remaining games against Holsworthy, who are new to this hardball format coming up from softball, was rained off. Holsworthy Super 8 Captain, Freya Godfrey “We were obviously incredibly disappointed with the weather, but we are looking forward to when our season of hardball eventually begins!”

It’s back to the league for the next game where North Devon host Plympton this Sunday, May 12.

The Hatherleigh women have a week off before they welcome Exeter to Hatherleigh on May 19 in Division One.