Mixed results to begin new era of the game

Somerset Women have begun their historic new campaign with mixed results in the Metro Ban One Day Cup.

- Fred Atkins & Andrew Stockhausen

The season got off to the most dramatic possible start at Beckenham last Wednesday, when Somerset beat Surrey off the very last ball in a Metro Bank One Day classic.

With the scores level, Fran Wilson hit Alice Davidson-Richards for four to secure a seven-wicket win in game reduced to 33 overs-a-side. Somerset had seemed to be coasting thanks to an opening stand of 122 between Heather Knight and Emma Corey, who both hit 64.

Surrey responded with a stifling fielding performance but, with Somerset almost dead and buried, Amanda-Jade Wellington hit four successive fours to leave the visitors needing 15 off the last over. With the scores level Wilson powered Alice Davidson-Richards' final ball through mid-wicket.

Earlier Surrey posted 243-7 meaning Somerset had to chase revised target of 238.

Davidson-Richards was their top scorer with an unbeaten 57 from 47 balls, while Jade-Wellington took 3-42.