Salomons thwarts Development XI

Beth McGregor reverse-sweeps in her 89 for the ECB Women's Development XI, but she was trumped by Caroline Salomons

Despite rattling up 244 in their 50 overs, the ECB Women’s Development side slipped to a six-wicket defeat by the Netherlands in the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifying Championships in Scotland yesterday.

After the young side had lost a couple of early wickets Beth McGregor crafted an entertaining partnership of 122 with Fran Wilson to steady the innings.

The left-handed McGregor top-scored with 89 for the development side, blasting eight boundaries off 108 balls.

Somerset batsman Wilson added an impressive 76 before she was bowled by Anne-Marie Tanke, leaving the ECB XI on 156 for five.

McGregor continued with good support from the lower order before she was ninth out in the final over.

Marloes Braat was pick of the bowlers for the Netherlands, taking 3-33 as the Dutch were set a target of 245 for victory.

Beth Langston and Kathryn Doherty claimed the two early wickets of Violet Wattenberg and Caroline De Groot respectively to raise the ECB XI's hopes of victory, but they were dashed as Caroline Salomons (100 not out) stepped in and led a successful run-chase for the Dutch.

A diving catch from Hannah Phelps secured the dismissal of Marijn Nijman in the late stages but could not impact on the final result.

With only four more runs required Salomons brought up her hundred to win the match for the Netherlands.

McGregor said: “The pitch was quite slow so every ball was a challenge.

“I was happy with the way I paced my innings, we did well to recover to 244 after a low total looked on the cards.

“Unfortunately we weren't able to defend our total but we have learnt a lot from today, particularly the way we need to bowl and field here in our next two games.”