Town takes on Gown

Winter is officially over, although it didn't feel like it when NCI women's XI braved the cold on Sunday for the first match of the season: a 33 over friendly against the Cambridge University Women's XI. After winning the toss (hurray!) & interrogating our double agent Tiff, captain Paula decided to field first. A cold & creaky team soon warmed up to the usual NCI fielding standards and although the wickets didn't fall initially, runs were kept in check by opening bowlers Jan and Lois. After some missed chances off the other bowlers, Paula soon decided to rock the batting side taking the a wicket & going on to take another two wickets for a very economical 6 runs in 6 overs, including an LBW which she didn't get round to appealing for. Tiff proved her loyalty, picking up four for 15 including the opposition's top scorer – she will be in demand by both teams after this performance! Caroline didn't want to be left out of the wicket haul & after inducing a few juicy edges, finally one stuck …in slip fielder Paula's stomach; she went away with 2 for 15.

The chase was on for 121 runs, with 3.7 runs an over required…NCI got off to a rocky start with opener Emily out to an amazing catch. Gen and Jan steadied the ship with a 27 run partnership. Mary, unburdened from captaining duties, was in next compiling an elegant 42 not out while a few wickets fell at the other end causing nerves to fray (it's hard to keep up with Mary)! The finish was exhilaratingly close, but Mary and Sam were more than equal to the pressure, seeing NCI home with an over and two balls to spare. Man of the match was Mary for her fine innings, although the new season's sponsorship choccies haven't arrived yet. Bad luck!