Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWPix.com. Hannah Rainey was on media duties at Headingley this evening.
Yorkshire seamer Hannah Rainey was left feeling mightily frustrated after her side suffered a Metro Bank One-Day Cup defeat against Somerset at Headingley on a day when she claimed three wickets, including one with the first ball of the match.
An extraordinary finish saw Somerset claim a dramatic five-run success in a low-scoring thriller which Yorkshire looked to be winning until its frantic climax.
Four wickets fell with the White Rose score stuck on 121 before the 10th on 125, as the hosts were defeated having earlier bowled Somerset out for just 130.
Rainey, who took 3-16 off five overs, said: “It was a frustrating day in the end after putting in a really good performance with the ball.
“Everyone bowled really well, but overall we’re disappointed about how we played. We fell apart a little bit, and we’ve been in positions where we could have won a few games this season and we’ve given it away. That’s how we feel today.”
Despite the result, the ever-smiling Rainey was determined to enjoy her own performance after a tough time with injury over the winter and into the start of this season. She bowled Bex Odgers with the day’s opening delivery.
She said: ”It’s always a good start when you take a wicket with your first ball and you feel like the day is going to go a bit easier.
“I feel really good at the minute after doing a lot of work over the summer when I cane back from injury.
“I’ve been trying to be a bit more consistent, and I was really happy with how I bowled today.”
Rainey joined Yorkshire from Roses rivals Lancashire late last summer, initially on loan prior to a two-year contract.
She helped the county win the Tier 2 Metro Bank One-Day Cup title, impressing during the competition’s latter stages thanks to two wickets in the semi-final win over Middlesex at Radlett and then one in the rain-affected final win over Glamorgan at New Road.
“I feel it has been a really good move for me to come across to Yorkshire,” said Rainey. “I absolutely love playing here – it’s a great environment, and I think it’s brought out the best in my bowling.
“It’s really nice to be able to pay that back on the pitch on days like today, and I just feel it’s so much easier to perform when you feel really backed.”
The 28-year-old added that she now feels her career with both Scotland and Yorkshire can go from strength to strength now she feels settled and supported.
Rainey added: “Especially this year I feel I’m reaping the rewards of the sacrifices I made giving up my career before cricket.
“It’s been really special as there were times I really doubted if it was the right decision when I was battling with injury.
“But now I’m actually getting the run of games I’ve always wanted, and it feels really good to play and perform at this level consistently.”
