Weston ladies defeated Brompton Ralph on the penultimate ball of the innings.

WESTON ladies travelled to Brompton Ralph to play a gripping match with over 400 runs scored and the match concluded on the penultimate ball of the match.

Weston lost the toss and were asked to field. Brompton’s openers started well and in order to stop the runs, skipper Roxy Newman replaced Emilia Taylor (3-0-21-0) with Alice Wiseman. An inspired change as Wiseman took a wicket in her first over, leaving Brompton were 39-1 off seven overs.

Newman (4-0-27-0) had another over herself before being replaced by Emma Whitehead (7-0-55-0). Meanwhile at the other end, Wiseman took her second wicket.

Newman brought on Josie Smith with Sam Evans having already replaced Whitehead. Evans took two wickets in her first over and went on to take a further two wickets, finishing with figures of 6-0-7-4.

Meanwhile, Smith bowled the only maiden of the Brompton innings and in her sixth over took a wicket. Georgia Tulip (3-0-8-0) was the other bowler used and helped to keep the Bromton innings to 200.

After tea, Weston knew that this would be one of their biggest run chases if they were to be successful. Openers Whitehead and Wiseman started well until Whitehead was run out by a direct hit for 20. Dannie Stone was then bowled for a golden duck.

Weston looked in trouble, but Newman and Wiseman put on a partnership of 40 before Wiseman was bowled for 23, reducing Weston to 75-3.

This brought experienced Evans to the crease, renowned for her big hits not her quick singles. The pair started to make a win look possible and with five overs to go, Weston were on 171.

By the last over, Weston needed eight to win and after scoring three from the first four balls, Evans hit her second six to win the match with one ball to spare.