In a valiant performance, Devon pushed Tier 1 Bears Women (Warwickshire) hard before falling 38 runs short in Round 3 of the Vitality T20 Women's County Cup at The Holt.

Electing to bat, Bears posted 136-8, a total that proved just beyond Devon’s reach despite a fighting unbeaten 51 from Elle Golsworthy.

Warwickshire's early momentum (50-3 after 7.1 overs) was briefly checked by Ellie Bishop's (2-27) double strike in the powerplay, while Devon's disciplined middle-over bowling, Stephanie Hutchins (2-25), Regina Lilii (1-25) and Jojo Baylis (1-25), all helped stem the flow. Bethan Ellis's 35-ball 37 gave the visitors late impetus, but Katie Donovan (2-24) and Hutchins combined to take three wickets in the final two overs and keep the target within theoretical reach.

Devon's chase started positively, reaching 45-1 by the end of the powerplay, ahead of the required rate. Elle Golsworthy's gritty half-century (51* off 60) anchored the innings, but the introduction of Warwickshire's spinners slowed the hosts' momentum. Hannah Rainey (2-7 from 3 overs) and Bethan Ellis (1-17) squeezed the life from Devon's chase, with only 31 runs coming from the last seven overs, leaving the home side 38 runs short.

Scorecard

Devon Women 98/4 (E Golsworthy 51*, R Lilii 13; H Rainey 2-7, H Hardwick 1-17, B Ellis 1-17)

Bears Women 136/8 (B Ellis 37, A Freeborn 25; K Donovan 2-24, S Hutchins 2-25, E Bishop 2-27)

Bears beat Devon Women by 38 runs.

David Joseph's Post-Match Thoughts

"I couldn’t be more proud of the team. We made Warwickshire work really hard for their win. It's great to see Devon going toe-to-toe with Tier 1 opposition for over 75% of the game.

"We've really enjoyed the experience and will learn from it. There were so many positives which we'll take into the rest of the season."

Steph Hutchins' Post-Match Thoughts

"Yesterday was a great competitive game of cricket where our players were able to showcase their skills.

"There was contribution from the whole squad throughout the match, we showed we can compete with good, competitive sides and the most exciting part is we know we still have more to give."

Up Next

A Devon Women XI will face Cornwall in a friendly on Monday, 26 May.