Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWPix.com. Ami Campbell was key to Yorkshire’s win in Bristol today.
Ami Campbell was both happy and relieved after helping Yorkshire to a 150-run Metro Bank One-Day Cup victory over Gloucestershire at Bristol today.
Campbell’s 98 not out off 61 balls continued her impressive form in this competition, taking her to 350 runs in six innings across seven matches. She underpinned Yorkshire’s 281-7 total, to which the hosts replied with 131 all out.
The White Rose’s fourth win in seven games has consolidated their position in fourth in the table, and with two group games remaining they are on course for the semi-finals.
This win ends a difficult few weeks for Yorkshire, who snapped a three-game losing streak across competitions. They were beaten by Middlesex twice on successive Saturdays, both in the Vitality Blast T20 final and this competition.
They then lost to Glamorgan in this One-Day Cup last Saturday.
“We really, really wanted to win today, and it puts us in good stead for getting into the semis,” said the experienced left-hander.
“We struggled the last few games with just building partnerships.
“We’ve trained really hard all week, putting emphasis on backing our shots and playing confidently against slower spin bowling, which I think we struggled with.
“The pitch today was actually not easy. Not a lot actually came out of the middle of my bat, I don’t think. It felt like it kept coming off my toe.
“There was a little bit of turn, there was a little bit of bounce. It was a pitch that you really had to dig in on. Thankfully, my bigger shots came off today.
“Honestly, towards the back end, they bowled well. They were just bowling really full. If I’ve got a switch hit coming out, then I’m in trouble. Do you know what I mean. I’m struggling to find any other options.
“We were aiming for 250, so we were really happy with what we got at the end.”
After Amelia Oliver’s calm and impressive career best 61 at the top of the order, Yorkshire’s innings was really accelerated through a fifth-wicket partnership of 78 between Campbell and Olivia Thomas, who chipped in with 33, from 134-4 in the 33rd over.
“I really enjoy batting with Liv because we’ve got a similar sort of fighting intensity. She ran hard with me. It was really hot out there today, so we were both blowing at one point.
“But, yeah, we just kept ticking for the team.”
Thomas was excellent, also adding three wickets with her leg-spin.
“We bowled really well, again,” added Campbell.
“The bowlers have been very good for us throughout the season. Thankfully, we were able to pull through with those partnerships with the bat, and it all came together.”
