Northamptonshire Steelbacks Women suffered their first defeat of the Metro Bank One Day Cup Women’s League 2 campaign as Sussex Sharks Women claimed a 76-run victory at Finedon Dolben CC.
The hosts were all out for 192, falling 76 runs short of the 268 scored by Sussex.
After winning the toss and electing to field, the Steelbacks made early inroads as Bethan Robinson removed Collis for 18 before Ella Phillips claimed the wicket of Adams to leave Sussex 22/2 and under pressure in the powerplay.
However, Wilkinson steadied the innings superbly for the visitors, compiling a composed 88 from 126 deliveries, striking 11 boundaries in a pivotal knock. Supported by Patil (23) and Johnson (38), Sussex rebuilt effectively through the middle overs.
Ella Phillips was the pick of the bowlers, returning figures of three for 53 from her 10 overs, while Robinson and Gemma Marriott each picked up two wickets. Lenny Sims also delivered an excellent spell, conceding just 25 runs from her 10 overs while claiming one wicket.
The chase initially got off to a bad start as Chloe Hill was bowled by Tulloch for 2. Amelia Kemp and loanee Meg Austin steadied the ship and looked good together, putting on 68 for the second wicket. After Kemp was caught in the 15th over, wickets began to fall, with the Steelbacks going from 73/1 to 103/5.
Beth Ascott and Lenny Sims shared a 50 partnership but the Steelbacks were always chasing the game and when Ascott was bowled by Lee for 38, Sussex looked nailed on for victory.
Anisha Patel was the final wicket to fall in the 42nd over, securing a 76-run victory for Sussex.
Attention for the Steelbacks Women now turns to the T20 format as they face Bedfordshire & Huntingdonshire Women in the T20 Vitality Women’s T20 County Cup on Sunday 17th May.