Essex Women are set for a midweek matchup this Wednesday as they face Somerset Women at Taunton Vale Sports Club.
Following the hard-fought and well contested clash against The Blaze on Saturday, which included an Amara Carr half-century, Stephen Parry's group now set their sights on victory against Somerset Women.
Essex Women will face second place Somerset who are in a fine run of form - taking three victories from their first three matches, sitting one point behind Surrey Women in top spot.
Stephen Parry has named a 14-player squad for the trip over to Taunton Vale to face Somerset Women.
Captain: Sophie Luff
Head Coach: Erin Osborne
2025 finish: 5th
2025 leading run-scorer: Sophie Luff (362)
2025 leading wicket-taker: Amanda-Jade Wellington (19)
Winter moves: Australia A international Anika Learoyd will fill the overseas vacancy created by Amanda-Jade Wellington's switch to Hampshire, while England Under-19 seamer Bea Willis and batter Ruby Davis have signed their first professional deals. Dani Gibson, Charlie Dean, Niamh Holland, Chloe Skelton and Jess Hazel have all penned contract extensions. Opener Amelie Munday and seamer Laura Jackson have been released, while batter Fran Wilson has left to join Gloucestershire's coaching staff.
The big question: Can new head coach Erin Osborne mastermind a transition from wannabe status to genuine contenders in her first season? Somerset will fancy their chances of beating anyone when England stars Heather Knight, Charlie Dean and Dani Gibson are available, but it remains to be seen if promising youngsters can step up and help fill the gaps created by the departure of experienced campaigners Amanda-Jade Wellington and Fran Wilson.
Player to watch: Overseas signing Anika Learoyd is a fast-rising star Down Under and boasts exciting potential. The 23-year-old broke into Australia's A team last year following a series of stand-out performances for Sydney Thunder and New South Wales, scoring 362 runs in 13 matches across all formats for her country. Her forthright style with the bat will bolster the top order, while her leg spin will offer variety.
Final thoughts: The return to fitness of talented opener Emma Corney and England all-rounder Dani Gibson following long-term injury should effect improvement with both bat and ball and serve to render Somerset more competitive. Providing they can find the consistency needed to build on last season's progress and overcome an apparent lack of depth, there is no reason why they cannot achieve a top-four finish.
Somerset squad: Ruby Davis, Bex Odgers, Sophie Luff, Anika Learoyd, Niamh Holland, Jess Hazell, Katie Jones, Alex Griffiths, Chloe Skelton, Ellie Anderson, Lola Harris, Liv Barnes, Bea Willis.
Somerset’s high-scoring innings denied Essex Women a chance at victory as rain curtailed the match at Chelmsford.
Put in to bat, Somerset raced to 312-6 in 49.2 overs, the sixth-highest total of the season. Niamh Holland led the charge with 76 from 76 balls, striking eight fours and anchoring the innings after returning from a back injury sustained in Australia over the winter. Jess Hazell added 60 from 56 balls, and Alex Griffiths contributed 29, as the visitors built a commanding platform. Fran Wilson and Sophie Luff also added quickfire runs in cameo efforts.
Essex’s bowling struggled for consistency, with Sophia Smale the only bowler to make significant inroads, finishing with 2-56. Other bowlers frequently strayed in line and length, allowing Somerset’s batters to dominate. Holland’s composure at the crease allowed her teammates to play freely, with Odgers and Hazell capitalizing on gaps, while extras from Somerset were minimal.
The weather ultimately prevented Essex from taking on the massive chase, as rain halted play with just four balls remaining in Somerset’s innings. Despite flashes of brilliance in the field, including a stumping by Amara Carr and some smart catches, Essex were left without an opportunity to respond to the daunting total.
Somerset’s combination of solid top-order batting, aggressive middle-order contributions, and patient partnerships ensured they left Chelmsford in control, with rain acting as a final safeguard against an Essex reply.
Click here to for the tournament preview.
If you are unable to attend any of the matchdays, the game will be available to watch via the Essex Cricket YouTube livestream. Alternatively, you can keep up to date with the game via our social media channels as we provide live updates.
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Daily highlights will be available after each day's play via the Club website and social media.
Tickets are free of charge should you wish to make the journey to Taunton Vale to support the Essex Women.
