Northamptonshire Steelbacks Women’s 100% start to the season came to an end as they lost to Middlesex Women by four wickets at The County Ground.
Middlesex Women chased down 144 in despite a valiant bowling attempt from the Steelbacks Women.
On a bright morning in Northampton, Middlesex Women won the toss and decided to bowl first.
The Steelbacks initially looked bright with the bat, with the side being 34/1 in the powerplay thanks to Amelia Kemp striking four boundaries throughout that period.
Unfortunately the side struggled over the next 11 overs, losing four wickets, leaving the Steelbacks 72/5. The ever-impressive Michaela Kirk was unable to convert one of her starts again as she fell for 24.
At 86/7, the Steelbacks needed a partnership and that mainly came between Ella Phillips and debutant Mabel Reid. The pair shared a 47-run stand to move the scoreboard forward but the Middlesex bowling attack proved too strong, bowling the side out for 144.
In their reply, Middlesex put the pressure on immediately, striking at over four an over during the powerplay.
Mabel Reid and Amelia Kemp dismissed Sproul and Trussler respectively but opener Downer pushed Middlesex past the 100 mark in the 22nd over.
Downer was dismissed in the next over for 47 at at the halfway stage, Middlesex Women were 107/3.
Three more wickets fell courtesy of Ella Phillips but most of the damage was already done, with Middlesex securing the win in the 34th over.
Northamptonshire Steelbacks Women are back in action at The County Ground on Monday 5th May where they take on Worcestershire Rapids in the T20 County Cup.