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Tough Start but Bright Sparks

Tough Start but Bright Sparks

Greg Mackett4 Jun - 11:00

Hertfordshire Women Embrace Tier 3 Challenge in Metro Bank One Day Cup

The 2025 season marks the beginning of a new era for Hertfordshire Women as they take their place in the newly formed Tier 3 of the Metro Bank One Day Cup. While results on the pitch have yet to fall in their favour, there have been promising signs of growth, resilience, and potential within a re-shaped squad.

Hertfordshire have endured a challenging opening to their campaign, suffering three defeats in their first three fixtures.

The season began with a spirited performance against Staffordshire, where Herts posted a competitive 219/9 in response to Staffordshire’s score, thanks in part contributions throughout the order. However, Staffordshire score of 267, following a 205-run 5th wicket partnership proved too big a task for the Hertfordshire batting line up.
A week later, the team travelled to Tring park to face Berkshire. After being bowled out for 128, the bowlers fought hard to defend the total, but Berkshire reached the target with six wickets in hand.
The most recent fixture, against Buckinghamshire, saw Hertfordshire fall just short again. Batting first, they posted 131 before Bucks secured a five-wicket win in the second innings.

Despite the results, the run of fixtures has offered a vital platform for the integration of new faces into the squad. The recruitment and loan agreements have brought huge potential and energy to the group, laying key foundations for the team’s future.
Sally Chapman, a new permanent addition from Essex, has slotted into the bowling attack with composure and threat. Her 2-31 against Staffordshire was a standout performance and a sign of her growing influence.

Elena Newbould (Northants) has looked assured at the crease, contributing a useful 20 against Berkshire, while Emily Wilson (Hampshire) has added variety to the bowling options. An impressive debut Cara Castleman (Essex), whose 33-run knock against Bucks provided much-needed resistance in the middle overs and was the team’s top score on the day.

Although Hertfordshire currently sit at the lower end of the table, the bigger picture is one of evolution. Competing in Tier 3 brings new demands, and the exposure to this level of cricket—particularly for the emerging players—is essential for long-term success.
As the squad continues to gel and build consistency, the focus remains on small gains, collective belief, and maximising the potential of a new-look Hertfordshire side.

The wins may not yet be on the board, but there are signs that this team is beginning to find its identity in the new Tier 3 landscape.


Vitality T20 Cup

Hertfordshire Showcases Grit and Growth
Hertfordshire Women embarked on their 2025 Vitality T20 County Cup journey with determination, delivering commendable performances in the early rounds of the competition.

Round 1: Triumph Over Bedfordshire & Huntingdonshire
In their opening match at Hitchin, Hertfordshire faced the combined team of Bedfordshire and Huntingdonshire. Opting to bat first, the opposition posted a total of 131/7 in their 20 overs. Hertfordshire's bowlers, led by Elizabeth Clune's impressive 3/25, kept the scoring in check. Elena Newbould and Jenna Botha also contributed with a wicket each.
Chasing 132 for victory, Hertfordshire's innings was anchored by captain Kezia Hassall, who scored a steady 55 runs. She was well-supported by Katia Boulton, who remained unbeaten on 49. Their partnership ensured Hertfordshire reached the target with seven wickets in hand and two balls to spare, marking a confident start to their T20 campaign.

Round 2: Narrow Defeat to Oxfordshire
The second round saw Hertfordshire travel to Oxford to face a formidable Oxfordshire side. Opting to field first, Hertfordshire's bowlers faced a challenging task as Oxfordshire amassed a formidable 191/7 in their allotted 20 overs.Despite the onslaught, Kezia Hassall stood out with the ball, claiming 3 wickets for 19 runs.
In response, Hertfordshire's batting lineup showcased resilience. Eva Cullen led the charge with a composed 43, while Boulton continued her fine form, contributing an unbeaten 44. Despite their efforts, Hertfordshire fell short, finishing at 167/3, resulting in a 24-run defeat.

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