Yorkshire women were beaten in the ECB’s County T20 final by Lancashire yesterday, as England all-rounder Emma Lamb claimed a standout 5-5 at Northern Cricket Club in Liverpool.
Lancashire finished as one of eight regional group winners across the country in an early season competition which acts as a forerunner to the start of the regional programme from this weekend.
Yorkshire started Finals Day with a morning semi-final victory over Derbyshire, as they chased 110 to win by nine wickets with 2.1 overs to spare.
All-rounder Abi Glenn was the star, claiming 2-22 from her four overs of seam before opening the batting and hitting an unbeaten 53 off 48 balls.
Jessica Woolston also impressed with the ball, returning 2-15 from 3.5 overs before Glenn and her Northern Diamonds captain Hollie Armitage shared an unbroken 91 partnership for the second wicket.
Armitage was at her destructive best with four fours and a six in 51 not out off 38 to help set up a Roses final after Lancashire had seen off Nottinghamshire on an adjoining ground at the Liverpool Competition club’s home.
Unfortunately, the final didn’t go to plan against a Lancashire side whose strength was highlighted by the inclusion of Lamb, who played in the winter Ashes series in Australia and the one-day World Cup in New Zealand.
Lamb had hit an unbeaten 62 at the top of the order in the semi-final win over Notts before shining with her off-spin against Yorkshire, who were restricted to 83-9.
The off-spinner recorded her county’s best bowling figures in Roses matches.
Unfortunately, in defence, Yorkshire were unable to pull a rabbit out of the hat as the hosts won by eight wickets with 7.5 overs to spare, Georgie Boyce finishing 37 not out.
Following a number of injury and unavailability issues, coach Mark Harrison, captain Beth Langston and their players will reflect on an encouraging campaign which saw them win five of their eight games played.
