Worcestershire Rapids Women lose in T20 at Gloucestershire

The match began under a gloomy Bristol sky, and things got off to a rocky start for the Rapids. Elicia Pollard was dismissed for a duck in the second over, beaten by early spin from Charlie Phillips. However, Bryony Gillgrass stepped up, scoring 30 runs at a steady strike rate, hitting two fours and a six to lift the team’s spirits. The Rapids finished the power play at 33-1, but they soon lost Gillgrass, caught at midwicket.

As wickets continued to tumble, Sophia Mitchell and Clare Boycott tried to stabilize the innings, but a run-out and a few more dismissals left the Rapids reeling at 63-4. Meg Bishop and Boycott attempted to push the score, but with tight bowling from Gloucestershire, they struggled to find the boundary. Bishop was eventually caught for just 6 runs, and the innings closed at 101-6, with Liv Gough and Boycott adding some late runs.

With a modest target set, the Rapids needed a strong start with the ball. Jess Beach provided an early breakthrough, trapping Meg Ahearne LBW for a duck. Amy Maund followed up by claiming the scalp of Munday for 0, leaving Gloucestershire at 27-2 and giving the Rapids a glimmer of hope.

However, Rebecca Halliday had other plans. She played a stunning innings, scoring 70 not out, and quickly turned the game in Gloucestershire's favour.

Despite some promising bowling from the Rapids, including a wicket from Meg Bishop, Halliday’s aggressive batting, supported by her partner Patel, saw Gloucestershire cruise past the 50-run mark. The pair built a solid partnership, and Halliday brought up her half-century in just 30 balls.

In the end, Gloucestershire secured their victory in the 15th over, with Halliday hitting the winning runs.

This defeat means the Rapids missed out on back-to-back Blast wins.