Devon Women finished their T20 season strongly with a double-header victory over Wiltshire at the Holt on Sunday.

Despite winning their last four league games in a row, results elsewhere meant Devon finished in second place for the second year running, missing out on Finals Day by two points.

Game 1

Wiltshire opted to bat first at a scorching Budleigh Salterton and made a flying start. Flo Sharman was in imperious form, striking 80 from 61 balls with 13 fours and a six. She shared an opening stand of 57 with Grace Wetherall (22) before Katie Donovan (2-25) and Abbie Lockett (3-32) found a breakthrough midway through the innings. Wiltshire finished their over strongly, making 43/4 in their final three overs to set a formidable target of 164. 

Devon's reply was calm and collected, anchored by a composed unbeaten 44 from Regina Lilii. Steph Hutchins (27) and Jemima Vereker (9) started positively, but Isla Thomson (1-26) bowled Hutchins at 55-2. Poppy Walker (3-20) then removed Ellie Bishop (9), Melissa Story (19) and Elle Golsworthy (6) to leave Devon on 97/5 with 7 overs to go. Lilii then found able support from Maddie Russell (24) in a 51-run sixth-wicket stand that swung the momentum. After Russell fell lbw to Sophie Gaiger (1-33), Emma Phillipson (7*) joined Lilii to guide Devon home at 164/6 with three balls remaining.

Scorecard

Devon Women 164/6 (R Lilii 44*, S Hutchins 27; P Walker 3-20)

Wiltshire 163/7 (F Sharman 80, G Whetherall 22; A Lockett 3-32, K Donovan 2-25)

Devon Women beat Wiltshire by 4 wickets.

Game 2

Wiltshire again batted first after winning the toss, but their innings never gained full momentum. Wetherall (23) and Sharman (11) provided a brisk start, but Russell (3-34) removed Sharman before Ellie Bishop (2-14) accounted for Isla Thomson (17) and Lauren Adams (3). Captain Emily Smith (42) anchored the innings with a composed knock, but wickets fell around her. Abbie Lockett (1-17) dismissed Wetherall, and Smith eventually fell to Russell in the final over as Wiltshire closed on 133/6.

Devon's response was emphatic. Hutchins (14) and Vereker put on 37 inside four overs before the skipper fell to Jemima Carroll (2-41). Vereker then launched a brutal assault, smashing 47 from just 24 balls, including seven fours and three sixes. Her dismissal at 65-2 brought Ellie Bishop (23*) and Melissa Story together, with loanee Story contributing a rapid 26 from 13 balls before falling to Smith. Ella Gill (19*) joined Bishop to guide Devon to 134/4 in 15.2 overs, securing the victory with 28 balls remaining.

Scorecard

Devon Women 134/6 (J Vereker 47, M Story 26; J Carroll 2-41)

Wiltshire 133/6 (E Smith 42; M Russell 3-34, E Bishop 2-14)

Devon Women beat Wiltshire by 6 wickets.

Lauren Rowles's Post-Match Thoughts

"It was fantastic to see the girls perform so brilliantly in challenging conditions and intense heat. Chasing down targets in back-to-back games showed tremendous character, composure, and belief from the entire squad.

"Regina Lilii guided us home superbly in the first game, while Ella Gill and the ever-reliable Ellie Bishop showed great calm and maturity to finish the job in the second; both performances were fantastic to watch.

"The bowlers also worked tirelessly and delivered at key moments, taking crucial wickets despite batter-friendly conditions.

"This team has grown enormously since our first T20 fixture, and it's exciting to see the progress and resilience they continue to show. I can't wait to see what they produce in the 50-over competition."

Up Next

Devon Women start their Metro Bank One Day Cup campaign with a trip to reigning champions Berkshire on Sunday, 31 May at Datchet CC.