Libby stars for Shropshire with a superb century

A brilliant century from Libby Thomas in a 254-run opening partnership with skipper Lara Jones set Shropshire’s Women’s XI well on course for victory when they travelled to Swindon to take on Wiltshire

.After being put in to bat, Thomas smashed 180 off 154 balls, including 25 boundaries and five maximums, before she was dismissed with just eight balls left in the innings in their Metro Bank One Day Cup League 3 Division One fixture.

Jones provided the support in the partnership with 79 as Shropshire finished their 50 overs on 332-5.

Opening bowlers Kate Brazier (3-27) and Sophia Parton (1-19) then got to work in the reply reducing their hosts to 2-3 and then 20-4.

Although Emma Goodman stood firm with 78, Esther Hurford claimed 3-37 and Izzy Crann 3-42 as Wiltshire were dismissed for 177 in the 40th over to give Shropshire victory by 155 runs.

It is the second successive win for Shropshire as they get used to life in Division One following their promotion last year.

Coach Sam Whitney said: “It was a good toss to lose! We were put in to bat on what on looked like a tricky pitch with clouds overhead.

“Libby and Lara were cautious to start, putting the bad balls away. The partnership grew steadily and reached 125 by the halfway stage.

“Libby went through the gears after she reached her century. She hit the ball to all parts of the ground with five sixes. She batted beautifully.

“It was great to see her get to three figures after coming so close in the last game – at one point 200 was a possibility.

“Lara provided perfect support and herself went through the gears and nearly go to three figures. It was an incredible partnership.

“After a tough afternoon in the field chasing the ball around, especially in the last 10 overs, they slipped to 2-3 after a superb opening spell from Kate, ably supported by Sophia.

“Wickets continued to tumble as they couldn’t find any rhythm. Esther bowled a brilliant spell, picking up three big wickets, while Izzy finished things off, adding to ever growing impressive wicket tally.

“The win with a bonus point moves us ever closer to safety after two dominant performances, largely thanks to the massive partnerships between Libby and Lara.”

Meanwhile, former Shropshire all-rounder Lauren Kenvyn had a day to remember playing for Derbyshire Falcons against Sussex Sharks in Tier Two.

Kenvyn, who came through the Shropshire age groups and played a role in the Women’s XI’s promotion last season in the 50 over competition, took 3-44 with the ball as the Sharks made 318-7 in their 50 overs.

She then made 132 not out in the reply and shared in a 146-run third wicket partnership with Lara Shaw which saw their side to a seven-wicket victory.