Earlswood played their first league match on Sunday and showed they will be a force to be reckoned with in this division.

Skipper Tyla Davison won the toss and opted to bat first on a sunny afternoon at Watery Lane. She opened with Amy Weir and the pair batted steadily in the initial overs against Five Ways openers Chauhan and Hardy. As they got used to the pitch though the pace picked up with Amy hitting several boundaries. Tyla also accelerated with three fours in an over and just pipped Amy to 50 as Earls reached 147-0 at drinks.

Amy opted to retire not out at this point to ensure that some of the other players were able to bat. A selfless act of team play much appreciated by her colleagues. Laura Smitten came in and was able to manoeuver the strike to Tyla who began to push on. Tyla reached her maiden century in the 27th over with some big hitting before playing on the very next ball. An excellent knock that left Earls in a very strong position on 192-1 with 13 overs left.

Emily Perrin joined Laura in the middle and continued to push the score along until Laura popped one back to the bowler Pullen who took a smart catch (208-2). This brought Isobel Holden to the wicket and she showed immediately what a good prospect she is with some excellent leg side shots in particular. Smart running between the wickets between the two pushed us up to 275-2 at the innings close with both finishing undefeated; Emily on 26 and Isobel on 34.

The bowling proved just as impressive as the batting. With a large total to defend Tyla was able to open with some of our younger players who certainly didn't let her down as Five Ways found it very difficult to get going. Emily Bicknell and Georgina Wilmot started and gave very little away. Katie Fisher came on first change and started with two maidens and then star of the show on the bowling front, Amy Dixon joined the party. The first wicket, however, fell to Anjali Shingadia who pinned the impressive Chauhan LBW (28-1).

Amy meanwhile was constantly beating the bat but eventually got her reward with a spell of 3 wickets in 12 deliveries as Five Ways collapsed to 39-4 at drinks. After drinks Emily Perrin and Amy Weir bowled a couple of tight overs each followed by Katie and Emily Bicknell as the score crept up to 46-4. The introduction of Laura Smitten though changed proceedings as she took three quick wickets. At the other end Isobel removed the stubborn opener Beynon who scored 6 off 66 balls. Lana Ryan then came on to finish off the innings bagging a pair as Five Ways ended on 61 all out, a victory by 214 runs.

An excellent first match that bodes well for the rest of the season. Assured performances by our experienced players coupled with much promise from our younger ones.

Scorecard