Women almost snatch victory at Old Xaverians
Rainhill fall agonisingly short in dramatic run chase
Old Xaverians 98-1 (Net score 293)
Rainhill 106-3 (Net score 291)
Old Xaverians won by 2 runs
Rainhill's women's team lost their first match in this year's Women's Softball Super 8s League match on Wednesday evening, but will look back on a positive away performance against a talented Old Xaverians' side.
Rainhill won the toss and elected to field in windy conditions. Old Xaverians batted well but were aided by the extras column, with wides contributing 30 runs to the total of 91-1 from 16 overs. This gave the home side a net score of 293 - the net score is calculated with teams starting at 200, with each run scored adding 1 to the total and 5 deducted for each wicket that falls.
If Rainhill were disappointed with their bowling performance then they will be more pleased with their batting. Rainhill's innings was a tale of three key partnerships. The away side got off to a very strong start with the bat, and the opening partnership of Bobbie Grant and Vicky Graham (making her debut) put on 25 from the first 4 overs. Olivia Reilly and Megan Murphy kept the scoreboard ticking over in their partnership, helping to maintain the required run rate. Katie Roberts and Rachel Court took to the crease and moved Rainhill to within 35 runs of Old Xavs going into the final 4 overs. Sarah Curlett and Susan Rotheram, with some powerful hitting and good running between the wickets, almost did enough to snatch victory in a dramatic run chase but ultimately the loss of three wickets proved decisive. It was a great effort and will fill the team with confidence ahead of the next game, away to Tarleton.
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