Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWPix.com. Ines Blackwell bats for Yorkshire last summer. She starred in the build-up to the new campaign in Potchefstroom today.
Yorkshire’s women produced a dominant performance in a 50-over friendly against local side North West Dragons in Potchefstroom today, with Academy all-rounder Ines Blackwell hitting a fabulous 86.
The White Rose bowled their hosts out for just 98 inside 31 overs after captain-for-the-day Rachel Slater elected to bowl first.
Ria Fackrell’s off-spin accounted for three wickets, as did Amelia Kemp’s seam.
Beth Langston, Hannah Rainey and Blackwell also struck once apiece added to a run out.
Yorkshire then agreed a revised target of 300 in 50 overs. But, having flown out of the blocks, the target was once again altered to 375.
Openers Rebecca Duckworth and Erin Thomas shared 90 before the former retired her innings on 39. Thomas went on to post a 50-ball 54.
All of the top order made starts; Maddie Ward with 18, Sterre Kalis 34 and Beth Langston 26.
But it was 16-year-old Academy all-rounder Blackwell who stood out.
She came in with the score at 178-3 in the 30th over and hit five fours in a composed, well-paced innings before falling lbw.
Scottish international Rainey later hit a brisk 18 not out as Yorkshire finished with 322-8.
The scorecard may read defeat. In truth, it was anything but.
Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWPix.com. All-rounder Amelia Kemp is on Yorkshire’s Academy. She played against the senior team for Northamptonshire last summer.