Rockets boost chances as Gardner plays starring role

TRENT Rockets produced a clinical all-round performance in the Women’s Hundred to overcome Welsh Fire by 23 runs at Sophia Gardens.

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It keeps them in the mix for progression to the Eliminator.

Aussie all-rounder Ash Gardner starred with bat and ball, hitting 36 and taking 2-28 with her off-breaks, as the Rockets claimed a victory which leaves them four points behind third-placed Manchester Originals with one game still to play.

‘They need to win their final group match against Birmingham Phoenix on Wednesday and hope other results go their way to secure a top-three finish.

Bryony Smith (38) laid the foundations for the Rockets’ 145-6, the opener hitting Freya Davies for three boundaries in the second set and then finding the ropes from three consecutive Jess Jonassen deliveries in the fifth.