Phillips and Marriott on song as Steelbacks Women close in on Blast leaders
Northants Steelbacks have closed to within four points of leaders Glamorgan in the Vitality Blast Women's League Two after they sealed a comfortable six-wicket win over Derbyshire Falcons at Horton House.
The Steelbacks secured a second straight win to stay third, but with second-placed Middlesex losing to Worcestershire Rapids things have tightened up at the top.
Just five points now separate leaders Glamorgan and fifth-placed Rapids.
A strong bowling performance set up the win over Derbyshire on Sunday, with the visitors restricted to just 77 for five from their 20 overs.
Ella Phillips claimed two for eight from her four overs, with Anisha Patel taking one for eight from four and Bethan Robinson one for eight from two.
For the Falcons, Lauren Kenvyn was the only batter to make any impression, hitting 46 not out from 57 balls.
The Steelbacks were always in control in reply after they eased to 50 for one in the ninth over, and although they lost a couple of late wickets, they coasted home at 78 for four in 13.2 overs.
Skipper Gemma Marriott led the way with the bat, hitting 49 from 37 balls, including seven fours, with no other player reaching double figures.
The Steelbacks take a break from the Blast this weekend, but are still in T20 mode as they once again take on Derbyshire Falcons in the last 16 of the Vitality T20 Women's County Cup.
David Ripley's side are on the road this Sunday as they take on Falcons at Denby Cricket Club (start 2.30pm).
A win will take the Steelbacks into the quarter-finals.