Essex Women are set to host Lancashire Women at the Ambassador Cruise Line Ground for round seven of the Women's Metro Bank One Day Cup.
Following brilliant back-to-back victories against Somerset Women last week and Yorkshire Women on Saturday, Essex Women will be looking to make it three wins in a row when they welcome Lancashire Women to Chelmsford on Wednesday.
After being put into bat first by former Eagle and current Yorkshire skipper, Lauren Winfield-Hill, Grace Scrivens' side posted a total of 270. Cordelia Griffith top-scored with 69, while Ariana Dowse added 43 and Scrivens contributed 36.
Wickets were shared among Eva Gray (3–51), Sophia Smale (2–31), Jodi Grewcock (1–54), Kate Coppack (1–32), and Esmae MacGregor (1–53).
The visitors, last year’s winners, currently sit two places above Essex, separated by just two points, having won two of their opening five matches.
Stephen Parry has named a 15-player squad for the clash against Lancashire, which includes former Red Rose Liberty Heap
Captain: Ellie Threlkeld
Head Coach: Chris Read
2025 finish: Champions
2025 leading run-scorer: Emma Lamb (794)
2025 leading wicket-taker: Grace Potts (16)
Winter moves: September’s final hero Gaby Lewis returns as overseas, Ireland’s captain having hit a stunning unbeaten 141 in chasing 289 at Hampshire to complete the County T20 and One Day Cup double. Fellow opener Tilly Kesteven, star of May’s County Cup final against Surrey – has signed her maiden pro contract. Experienced seamer Phoebe Graham has retired into a pathway coaching role, joining new senior bowling coaches Mattie McKiernan and Scott Boswell.
The big question: Can Lancashire go one step further and complete the treble? It will be a huge ask, of course, despite the immense quality they have. But the Red Rose were frustrated at missing out on a Finals Day place in the Vitality Blast last year and want to rectify that in 2026. Largely speaking, though, the hunters are now the hunted. It’s a challenge they are excited to tackle.
Player to watch: The obvious one would be Emma Lamb. Her form with the bat was sensational, sailing beyond 1,000 runs in all competitions. However, we know all about the England star. Instead, let’s look at dynamic Scotland batter Ailsa Lister. An emerging middle order prospect, the 21-year-old hit the winning runs in the final at Hampshire and has a huge summer ahead, including June’s Women’s T20 World Cup in England.
Final thoughts: Aside from the trophy hunt, there are a couple of really exciting things on the horizon for Lancashire. Firstly, Yorkshire’s elevation to Tier 1 introduces the Roses rivalry to the professional era of women’s domestic cricket in England. Also, Emirates Old Trafford will host the Vitality T20 County Cup Finals Day on Saturday 29 August. The defending champions would love to be there.
Lancashire squad: TBC
A resilient half-century from Jodi Grewcock was the main highlight for Essex as they succumbed to a 138-run defeat against a dominant Lancashire side at Sedbergh in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup.
After winning the toss and opting to bowl, Essex struggled to contain an in-form Lancashire top order. England international Emma Lamb starred with a career-best 142 from 109 balls, supported by Eve Jones’ 71, putting on a massive 162-run opening stand. Despite tidy opening spells from Kate Coppack and Eve Gray that limited Lancashire to 44 in the powerplay, breakthroughs were hard to come by. Esmae MacGregor and Abtaha Maqsood were expensive, with Lamb reaching her century via a huge six off Maqsood. Late partnerships lifted Lancashire to a commanding 306-4.
Essex’s reply began shakily, losing captain Grace Scrivens for two early. Cordelia Griffith (13), Flo Smale (38), and Maddie Penna (15) fell as Lancashire’s bowlers, led by Alana King and Mahika Gaur, applied consistent pressure. Grewcock’s 52 from 54 balls was a bright spot, showing resilience amid the collapse, but once she departed, wickets tumbled quickly. Amara Carr (caught), Kate Coppack (run out), and the tail fell to King’s back-to-back stumpings, leaving Essex all out well short of the target.
Despite the heavy defeat, positives remain in Grewcock’s form and the glimpses of fight shown by the middle order.
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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 available to purchase both online in advance or on the gate on matchday.
Unallocated tickets are available for just £10 with discounts available on family tickets. Purchase a Junior ticket and you can apply for a FREE Junior Membership Upgrade for the 2026 season! Junior Membership includes free entrance to all home Rothesay County Championship and Metro Bank One Day Cup matches.
Please note that the start time is 10:30am so gates will open to spectators at 9:30am.
To secure your seats for Wednesday, please click here or call 01245 254010.
