Bath Wanderers 1st XI returned to the top of the West of England Premier Cricket League Women’s Premier Division by dethroning leaders Devizes 1st XI in ruthless fashion and killing their challenge.
Bath Wanderers 1st XI will go here to Frenchay with one hand on the league championship trophy | Photo © Richard Briggs
The Wanderers went into Sunday 17th August’s game at North Parade having won all five of their previous fixtures but sitting in second place after being knocked off the summit by the Wiltshire outfit this month.
Devizes took advantage of Bath’s involvement in the ECB Women’s Club Cup T20 semi-finals on Sunday 3rd August to edge in front in the standings, although the city side were left with two matches in hand.
And Bath took back the leadership in sizzling style, dismissing their guests for 78 in 33.5 overs and romping to a nine-wicket success that ensured they went 13 points clear and have one hand on the championship trophy.
After opting to bat, Devizes made a solid start. Opening pair Katherine Mills (25) and Rowan Sabin (15) put on 43 for the first wicket – but a dramatic collapse ensured.
That the visitors reached 78 was an achievement, considering they were 53-8. Apart from Mills and Sabin, none of the batters scored more than 5. There were 22 extras.
Emily Smith was Bath’s bowling star, swooping for an incredible 5-1 from four overs, three of which were maidens.
In reply, the Wanderers lost Laila Moledina for 23 with the scoreboard reading 31. But skipper Emma Godman (13 not out) and Katie Dolman (21 not out) took them to 79-1 in 9.5 overs, extras contributing 22.
Mills finished with 1-19 from 2.5 overs.
Bath can clinch the title in their penultimate match – at bottom team Frenchay on Sunday 24th August.
With Devizes having now completed their fixtures, the only side in with a chance of catching Bath are Bridgwater.
The third-placed Sedgemoor side are 19 points behind the Wanderers but have only one game – worth 20 points and against Royal Wootton Bassett on Sunday 31st August – to play.
