Lancashire Women lift Vitality County T20
Lancashire Women could not have asked for a better setting in which to win the 2023 Vitality County Women's T20 Trophy.
Bradshaw Cricket Club, tucked away in a leafy Bolton suburb, was in fine form as temperatures soared for the early part of Sunday.
By the start of the first semi-final between Lancashire and Nottinghamshire at 10:30am, a sizable crowd had already gathered on the grass embankment.
And they watched an impressive display from Ellie Threlkeld’s side, as Seren Smale and Danielle Collins guided them to a competitive total of 135 on a wicket that offered something for the bowlers.
Smale looked in great touch from ball one, scoring 65 runs from 48 balls. Her innings included the wide array of shots that we have become so used to this season. There were straight drives, cover drives and pull shots, all facilitated by her lightning fast footwork.
Collins supported her admirably with 32 from 27 balls, hitting a six alongside four boundaries.
Despite 49 from Michaela Kirk, 136 never quite looked within reach for Notts. This was thanks in no small part to the accuracy of Lancashire’s spin attack.
Alex Hartley and Fi Morris took two wickets apiece as they restricted Notts’ batters to singles and dots in the middle overs.
Hartley’s first, in particular, completely squared up Yvonne Graves to knock out off-stump.
Seamers Phoebe Graham and Grace Johnson also picked up two each, as regular breakthroughs and sharp fielding saw Notts limp to 113-9 from their 20 overs.
As Lancashire took tea on the picturesque grass embankment, it was over to Derbyshire and Scotland to determine who would be joining them in the evening’s final.
Scotland set the Midlands’ side 127 to chase and a strong bowling performance saw Derbyshire fall 35 runs short.
And so it was Scotland, who beat Lancashire convincingly a few weeks ago, who stood in between the Red Rose and silverware.
Threlkeld won the toss and elected to bat in front of what was now a lively and packed out venue.
This time round, it was Liberty Heap and Emma Lamb’s turn to deliver. The pair put on a rapid 50-run opening stand, striking the ball cleanly to all parts of the ground.
Lamb’s powerful 47 held the innings together for Lancashire and, after a 20 minute rain-delay, a breezy cameo from Collins helped her side post 144 from 18 overs.
Scotland’s chase was then further reduced to 125 in 15 overs by showers.
Once the covers were off, the ever-consistent Laura Jackson hit all the right areas in her opening spell, taking two crucial early wickets.
Phoebe Graham continued her excellent day with two dismissals in her first two overs to leave Scotland 45-4 at the halfway stage.
As the required run rate continued to rise, Lancashire simply had to remain focused.
Heap and Smale combined for a sharp run out, before leg-spinner Liv Thomas chipped in with the penultimate wicket.
The inevitable victory came with a final over run out, as Scotland were all out for 78.
Lancashire songs rang through the air as Captain Threlkeld led her side up to collect the trophy and put the icing on top of a wonderful all-round team display.
Finals Day 2023 was a demonstration of the potential in this Lancashire side and the importance of mixing Smale and Heap’s youth with the experience of Hartley, Morris and Graham.
Huge plaudits should be given to Bradshaw Cricket Club and Bolton FM for facilitating such an enjoyable and high quality day of cricket at the Rigby's.
Thanks also to Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Scotland, all of whom contributed to a positive atmosphere and superb advert for the women’s game.
Report by Ben Stevens.