WEYMOUTH LADIES 56-9 lost to EDINBURGH UNIVERSITY LADIES 57-5 by five wickets

WEYMOUTH Ladies’ historic first game ended in a spirited defeat by five wickets to a touring Edinburgh University party in this 18-over friendly game at Redlands.

The hosts, having been put together in a year by coach Gerald Marchant, started poorly as they were reduced to 8-5 early on.

But some good shot-making by Donna Butcher and captain Jo Hayson allowed the side to reach 56-9 from their allocation of overs, a score that was well-received on the sidelines.

But Edinburgh chased the score down with relative ease, despite three run-outs with five overs to spare.

In the first innings, Weymouth looked nervous as they headed out to bat.

Butcher led from the front as she played some elegant pull shots to get her side going.

However, she could only watch as four of her team-mates went back to the pavilion without scoring.

The hosts were in dire need of a partner for the opener, and it came in the shape of Hayson.

The pair put on 29 runs for the sixth wicket. However, their partnership didn’t pass without incident as Butcher was caught off a questionable delivery only to be called back by the Edinburgh captain.

Running between the wickets also nearly cost the duo their wickets, but a number of fumbles from the visiting wicketkeeper saved them.

Butcher was eventually out for nine but Hayson continued, top scoring with 22, leaving the away side needing 57 for victory.

Edinburgh started their chase with intent as both openers retired having scored 10.

The chase seemed to be going smoothly but a series of run-outs when the team were in the nervous 50s gave the home side the smallest glimmer of

hope.

However, they were able to scamper across the line with five wickets to spare.

After the game, Hayson said: “I think for our first proper competitive game we did brilliantly.

“The team spirit was amazing and I think once we got over the nerves and into the swing of things, it was really good.”

The side are set to play six more matches this summer with some coming in a tournament against other Dorset women’s sides and others in the form of inter-team friendlies.

If you are interested in joining the side, contact the club at wey mouth.play-cricket.com