Lincs County League: Rasen Ladies make record-breaking start to title defence

Market Rasen CC Ladies XI have made a record-breaking start to the defence of their county crown.
Market Rasen Ladies XI are the defending county league champions EMN-160613-105450002Market Rasen Ladies XI are the defending county league champions EMN-160613-105450002
Market Rasen Ladies XI are the defending county league champions EMN-160613-105450002

The ladies got their campaign under way with a trip to Hartsholme where they elected to bat first upon winning the toss.

The early loss of Brooker to up-and-coming bowler Leggate, brought one of Rasen’s two debutants, Halloran, to the crease.

She made a quickfire 15 before Boothright cleaned her up with a well-executed yorker.

Fellow debutant, Page-Graves, joined opener Smith in the middle and they saw out the rest of the overs with Smith finishing 63 not out and Page-Graves unbeaten on 42, amassing 128-2 from their 16 overs.

Hartsholme set up a strong reply with Boothright and Moore putting on more than 50 before Woods cleaned up Boothright’s stumps.

Leggate joined Moore, but only lasted an over when Phillips had her trapped leg before.

Marris was run out by Page-Graves for five, but Moore continued to bat steadily through.

Graham partnered Moore for the last part of the game and kept her wicket intact while Moore made 30 not out, but Hartsholme finished well short on 74-3 to give Rasen a convincing 54-run victory.

They hosted Louth at Rase Park for their second fixture, and Smith made it two from two at the toss and elected to bat.

Strong foundations were put in place by Brooker’s triumphant innings, while Smith also knocked it around, meaning no-one else had to go to the middle.

In a perfectly played knock, Brooker gained her maiden century within 17 overs. The scoring didn’t stop there as Rasen posted the highest-ever total in a women’s league game of 210-0 from their 20 overs.

Louth were not deterred by the total and came out fighting with Johnson and Hill starting very strongly, and even getting above the run rate for a couple of overs.

Thankfully for Rasen the partnership was broken when star player Brooker ran Johnson out for 45.

Halloran then cut through the Louth batting order and picked up four wickets, with Brooker cementing her performance by taking a catch for her.

Hill had scored an impressive 43 before falling to Halloran, and the rest of the Louth order tipped the ball around as Louth ended on 118-7.

The player of the day was without a doubt county under 17s captain Becki Brooker with her maiden century at the age of 16, an inspiring performance for all those in the county, both younger and older.

Rasen currently sit second in the league behind Hartsholme who have played three games more.

They continue their defence at Louth looking to continue their fantastic start.

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