Beth Ascott and Josie Groves produced a crucial 128-run partnership to ensure that Northamptonshire Steelbacks Women maintained their unbeaten start in the Metro Bank One Day Cup Women’s League 2.
The pair came together at 19/4 and played beautifully throughout to secure a six-wicket victory.
After being put into bat, Gloucestershire struggled to build sustained partnerships and were eventually bowled out for 143 in 43 overs. Halliday provided the backbone of the innings with a patient 46 from 50, striking seven boundaries, while Start added a useful run-a-ball 28. However, wickets fell at regular intervals, preventing the hosts from gaining any real momentum.
The Steelbacks bowling unit delivered a disciplined display throughout. Captain Anisha Patel was the standout performer, returning excellent figures of 3/15 from her 10 overs, consistently applying pressure and striking at key moments. She was well supported by Bethan Robinson, who also claimed three wickets, while Ella Phillips, Mabel Reid, Lenny Sims and Josie Groves each chipped in with a wicket to ensure Gloucestershire were kept to a modest total.
Chasing 144 for victory, the Steelbacks found themselves in a difficult position. The top order were all dismissed in the opening six overs and the visitors where 19/4. Bird was brilliant with the ball and made the most out of the new ball, with three wickets.
However, any chance of an upset was calmly extinguished by an outstanding unbroken partnership between Ascott and Groves. Ascott anchored the innings with a composed unbeaten 53 from 73 balls, hitting eight boundaries, while Groves showed her experience with an unbeaten 62 from 70 deliveries, including eight fours and two sixes.
The pair combined assurance with positive stroke play, steadily guiding the Steelbacks towards the target without taking unnecessary risks. Their partnership ensured the chase was completed comfortably in just 27.3 overs.
Northamptonshire Steelbacks Women are back in action on Sunday 10th May when they Sussex Sharks Women at Finedon Dolben CC.