Yorkshire get first win for six years as Ward sends Sussex into a spin

A ruthless bowling display backed up by impressive catching set Yorkshire Women on their way to an historic first win of the season. It was their first victory under the Yorkshire banner since 2019, after they were absorbed into the Northern Diamonds set-up between 2020 and 2024. But there have been positive signs for Yorkshire Women since they were re-established a few months ago, and that all came to the fore on Saturday, as they dismantled Sussex Sharks Women in a Metro Bank One-Day Cup 2 clash at The 1st Central County Ground in Hove.

The wickets were shared around a disciplined attack as the Sharks were bowled out for 77 in only 33 overs in front of new England head coach Charlotte Edwards, who was present. Vice-captain Maddie Ward claimed 3-5 from five overs of off-spin, while Beth Langston and Claudie Cooper struck twice apiece, added to one each for debutant Olivia Thomas and Grace Hall, the latter on her return from injury. Captain Lauren Winfield-Hill then led the task of dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s on victory - achieved by nine wickets inside 13 overs of the chase - with an unbeaten 47 off 43 balls.



She shared a fine opening stand of 74 with Erin Thomas, who made 25. The White Rose claimed five points, including a bonus point, from their second match of the season. Sussex opted to bat upon winning the toss, but Jazz Westley (20) and wicketkeeper-opener Mollie Adams (11) were the only two players to even reach double figures.

While there was obvious early swing on offer, the Sussex total was no reflection on the condition of the Hove pitch, which was a good one for batting. Yorkshire bounced back superbly from the previous Saturday’s opening-day defeat to Worcestershire at Headingley, and it sets them up ideally for this weekend’s Derbyshire double header. On Saturday, they visit Derby to face the Falcons in this competition, while on Bank Holiday Monday, they welcome the same county to Harrogate for the first round of the inter-tier County T20 Cup competition.

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