SOMERSET Women Seniors started training during the winter of 2024-25 and this year they are playing in a mini league involving Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and Somerset.

Last week the team played their opening match when they hosted Wiltshire at Midsomer Norton.

Somerset skipper Liz Basson lost the toss but then stepped up to open the batting with Michelle Ho who made 11. The captain was in top form and proceeded to smash 98 runs off 60 balls with 2 sixes and 16 fours, adding 82 with Heidi Hutchings (17) for the second wicket before hurling herself across the line to get her 99th run but to no avail; she was run out by a perfect throw.

Wicketkeeper Katie Rudd, with an impressive unbeaten 61 off 85 balls with 8 fours, and Malissa Thompson, who ended 20 not out, then shared an unbroken sixth wicket stand of 75 to enable the hosts to reach 263 for 5 from 35 overs.

When the visitors responded Lucie Hopkins accounted for both openers before the captain claimed a wicket making Wiltshire 67 for 3.

The fourth wicket pair then established themselves and tried to pick up the pace, but against the tight bowling Wiltshire ran out of overs and ended on 238 for 3 from their 35 overs, giving Somerset victory by 25 runs.

Lucie Hopkins was the pick of the bowlers taking 2 for 36 from her 6 overs, while Liz Basson had 1 for 36 from her 7.

The Seniors next game is against Gloucestershire on 4th June at Midsomer Norton CC starting at 2pm.

Somerset Women Seniors are looking to expand their pool of players, so anyone who would like to join and who is over 40, plays hard ball cricket, and either lives, was born or plays their cricket in the county, should contact team manager Roz Hartley on 07715 668248.