Someset batted first, posting 220 in what was very-much a team effort, with Anya Shrubsole (49), Sophie Luff (49) and Fran Wilson (58) all contributing. Luff in particular was livid with herself when she was caught on the ring by Liz Russell, but she'd done her bit, even if the lower order couldn't quite keep up the pace - losing wickets as Somerset were all-out in their final over.
Nevertheless, the 221 they'd set Warwickshire looked like a fair-old ask. The Bears needed a hero, and they found one in Shipman, who played beautifully early on, including a couple of lovely Edwardsesque late cuts, as she and Minahil Zahoor put on 101 for the first wicket.
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| Shipman faces Shrubsole in the opening over of Warwickshire's reply |
As she grew in confidence, Shipman began to hit over the top, riding her luck a bit, but you can't argue with the scoreboard - she'd made 124 from 143 balls, when she was caught by Moria Comfort off Jenny Withers, with Anya Shrubsole running the length of the field to congratulate the Warwickshire opener on her fine innings.
The game looked Somerset's to lose then however, and even more-so going into the final over, with Isabelle Watson and Liz Russel (Warwickshire's 8 and 9) facing England opening bowler Anya Shrubsole, needing 15 to win. But to screams of delight from the pavilion, Shrubsole's first two balls were dispatched for four, and suddenly it was on! A single followed, then another BIG heave for four and it was down to two-from-two - a single from the penultimate ball brought the scores level (which (I believe???) meant that Warwickshire had actually already survived) but they made sure of it with another single of the final ball - a thrilling end to the season; but heartbreak and tears in the huddle for Somerset, who were denied for the second year running, albeit at least on the field this time.
As one might expect, there is nothing in the rules and regs explaining what would have happened if the match had ended in a tie.In fact the R&Rs don't even state what would have happened if both the 14th and 28th had been rained off (I realise there is precedent from last year but nothing in R&Rs).
ReplyDeleteIn such a situation I think we can understand the importance of Warks getting that single off the final ball.
Top notch dignity in defeat from Anya - not only (as you have noted) congratulating Shippers when Shippers was out but also subsequently 'tweating' her congratulations.
Shipper's innings was simply outstanding - one of the best of the season. Not just given the situation or the fact she's missed a stack of the season with injury but the grace and elegance of it. Watching her bat with Wyatt would be interested (very similar styles) and the running between the wickets would be electric.There can't be anyone quicker than Wyatt and Shipman.
Somerset are a 1st Div team stuck in Div 2 so its a shame that Div 1 isn't an even number of teams - after all it won't consume any more weekends whether one has 9 or 10 teams in Div 1. In fact there would be no injustice if the ECB allowed Somerset into Div 1 next season to even up the number of teams - its not as though it would harm anyone. Come on 'Connie', let's have a 10 team Div 1 next season. Doubtless Somerset will win Div 2 next season and then the ECB will change the size of Div 1 anyway !