Suffolk Women lose one-day opener

April 21, 2025

SUFFOLK Women began their 2025 Metro Bank One-Day Cup campaign on Sunday with a 187-run loss to Oxfordshire at Kingston Bagpuize CC, writes Jack Oastler.

Immy Sidhu stood out with 4 for 43 as Suffolk bowled their hosts out for 291, before the Oxfordshire attack – led by Italy international Emilia Bartram – sparked a Suffolk collapse of 6 for 18.

Facing brand-new opponents in a brand-new competition, Suffolk fielded a familiar team with just one debutant in Tamsin Holmes.

Oxfordshire won the toss, and chose to bat – familiar territory again, as Suffolk chased in every 50-over match last year.

It was an uncomfortable start for the batters, as Izzy Sidhu’s bounce and Maddy Reynolds’ pace brought about some close calls. Oxfordshire opener Genny Porter started to break free, with five boundaries in three overs to close out the powerplay.

Immy Sidhu came into the attack to slow things down, and did so marvellously – bowling Porter’s opening partner in her first over, before removing two of the middle order in her third.

With wickets at the other end and a half-century in sight, Porter was vulnerable and leg spinner Izzy Sidhu capitalised – sending her back lbw for a 44-ball 48.

Captain Bartram came to the crease, with her side wobbling at 72 for 5, and set about steadying the ship. Sophie Hughes was welcomed into the attack with four boundaries, before Immy Sidhu saw off the left-hander for 25.

The mini-fightback had been thwarted, but another blossomed as Sophie Grayson announced her arrival with a six off spinner Sidhu.

The visitors continued to work away at the other end: one batter was run out and another was trapped in front by Lauren Swinburne, while the ninth wicket fell to captain Lara Neild – inducing an edge behind to keeper CJ Oastler.

Grayson was here to stay, though, and struck an imperious straight six over Hughes’ head into the sightscreen. She had passed fifty, but still had work to do with her side at 212 for 9.

Maya Barnwell (17) proved a capable accomplice, shepherding Grayson to an unbeaten century. She moved to her ton in two shots, finding the square boundary either side of the wicket.

With a target of 292, Suffolk needed a fast start and briefly threatened one – Jess Board struck a boundary through point off her second ball. She and opening partner Amelie Clarke, however, were both caught early to rein in Suffolk’s optimism.

Bartram was responsible for both, and struck again to remove Izzy Sidhu lbw. Immy (25) and Poppy Sidhu started to rebuild – taking two overs for 11 runs each – before the former nicked behind.

Poppy and Liv Hyndman moved things along, and at 85 for 4, Suffolk were technically on track. However, both fell to catches by Ellie Ingram, and Hughes was run out, leaving the visitors staring down the barrel.

As the drizzle got harder, Suffolk’s resistance got lighter and they were ultimately bowled out in 20 overs.

Up next is a trip south-west for the inaugural ECB T20 County Cup. Suffolk will be up against Devon or Dorset, for a chance to host professionals Warwickshire.

The Suffolk squad are pictured above before Sunday’s match.

Scorecard

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