Kemp and Drinkell shine as Steelbacks Women set up Essex quarter-final date
Northants Steelbacks set up a huge Vitality T20 Women's County Cup quarter-final with Essex as they hammered hosts Derbyshire by 75 runs on Sunday.
David Ripley's side claimed a second comprehensive win over Derbyshire in as many weeks, following up their Vitality Blast win eight days earlier, and they will now host Tier 1 side Essex in the last eight on August 23.
If they can secure a success in that one, then the Steelbacks will qualify for Finals Day at Old Trafford on August 29.
Playing at Denby CC, the Steelbacks turned in a superb batting performance to set up the win over Derbyshire.
Although Ava Clive was dismissed early to leave Northants five for one after just three balls, there were strong contributions throughout the order as Steelbacks posted an imposing 195 for four.
Amelia Kemp top-scored with 49 from 31 balls, hitting 10 fours along the way, while May Drinkell hit a six and six fours as she hammered 47 not out from just 27 deliveries.
Opener Gemma Marriott also did her bit, making 34 from 27 balls, while Beth Ascott scored 26 from 17 and Chloe Hill 22 not out from 16.
Reaching that total was always going to be a tall order for Derbyshire, and by the end of the powerplay the game was all but over with the hosts reduced to 29 for four.
They did recover slightly, but were still way short as they closed on 120 for six.
Ella Phillips led the way with the ball, taking two for 20, while there were also wickets for Bella Reid (1-23 from four), Anisha Patel (1-10 from three), Kemp (1-26 from three) and Marriott (1-15 from two).
The only Derby batters to get going were Aamna Khan, who made 37, and skipper Adrianna Darlow who finished on 22 not out.
Essex booked their place in the last eight with a 61-run win over Gloucestershire.
The eastern county side are enduring a testing top flight season.
They currently sit rock-bottom of the Metro Bank One Day Cup Tier One table having lost seven out of 10 matches, while in the Blast they are sixth, having won three and lost three.
The rest of the quarter-final draw sees Hampshire Hawks host Somerset, Warwickshire Bears entertain Surrey and Lancashire Thunder go to The Blaze.
The Steelbacks are back in Vitality Blast League Two action on Sunday when they travel to Canterbury to take on Kent.
It is a big game for Ripley's side as they sit third in the table, four points adrift of leaders Glamorgan, with Kent one place back in fourth, and level on points with the Steelbacks, although they have played a game more.