Sussex defeated in thrilling end to London Championship season

Library image (Lee Floyd)

Sussex lost the final match of their debut Women’s London Championship campaign by two wickets in a thrilling encounter with Middlesex on Thursday.

Seven weeks since their last match and with last week’s match against Essex abandoned, Sussex’s patience was rewarded with a glorious day in North London.

After being inserted, Sussex’s top order made a steady start reaching 82 for 2 thanks to contributions for Izzy Collis, Phoebe Wilkinson and Mary Taylor.

Three quick wickets fell to leave the side 97 for 5, but Emily Spooner and top-scorer Ellen Burt rebuilt the innings.

While Burt was unmoveable on her way to an unbeaten 38, when Spooner was bowled for 29, wickets tumbled once again and Sussex were bowled out for 174 with just under six overs remaining.

Sussex got off to a fantastic start defending their total, reducing Middlesex to 10 for 4 thanks to the devastating new ball partnership of Cassidy McCarthy and Burt.

Two sizeable middle order partnerships put the home side right back in the game, however, as Middlesex reached 146 for 5.

Mille Taylor swung the game back Sussex’s way as she removed the well-set Kate Coppack and followed it up soon after with the another wicket to leave still requiring another 18 runs with three wickets

Sonali Patel– who had earlier taken 3 for 33 – and keeper Iqraa Hussain kept their cool, however, and took Middlesex to the verge of victory.

Millie Taylor dismissed Hussain for 43 with two runs required for victory, but their was to be no final twist as Patel hit the winning runs and finished on 30 not out.

A full scorecard is available here.

The Women’s London Championship table is available here.