Steelbacks suffer first defeat as Sussex Sharks prove too strong at Finedon
Northants Steelbacks Women suffered a first defeat of the season as they were beaten by 76 runs by Sussex Sharks at Finedon Dolben on Sunday.
David Ripley's side were hoping to make it three wins out of three in the Metro Bank One Day Cup Women’s League Two, but they were second best on the day.
The Steelbacks started well with the ball as Sussex were reduced to 22 for two, but Phoebe Wilkinson then took control as she made 88 from 126 balls to steer the visitors to 268 for nine in their 50 overs.
Ella Phillips was the pick of the bowlers for the Steelbacks, finishing with three for 53 while there were two wickets apiece for Bethan Robinson and Gemma Marriott.
Lenny Simms also did her bit as was economical in taking one for 25 in her 10 overs.
The Steelbacks looked in good shape in reply as they made their way to 73 for one in the 15th over, but Amelia Kemp's dismissal for 32 from 47 balls sparked a collapse.
Northants slumped to 78 for four as Meg Austin (23) and Marriott (1) then fell in quick succession, and the Steelbacks would never recover.
Beth Ascott did provide some resistance as she made 38 from 59 balls and Sims added 20 from 26, but there was little other support as the Steelbacks were bowled out for 192 in the 42nd over.
For Sussex, Poppy Tulloch snared three for 23 and skipper Chiara Green took three for 36.
The loss sees the Steelbacks slide to fourth in the table, having been leapfrogged by Sussex, and they are now six points adrift of second-placed Middlesex and nine adrift of leaders Glamorgan, who have won all four of their games.
The Steelbacks are quickly back in action this Sunday when they return to T20 action.
Ripley's side will host Bedfordshire & Huntingdonshire in the second round of the T20 Vitality Women’s T20 County Cup.
The match is being played at Desborough Town CC, and starts at 2.30pm.