17/05/2026
🏏 Skipton Women’s 2nd XI Earn First Win of the Season in Windy Hill‑Top Battle 🏏
Skipton Women’s 2nd XI travelled to Sicklinghall CC to face Collingham & Linton Women’s 1st XI, relocated due to a Cup match at the hosts’ main ground. Perched at the top of a hill, the venue offered bright sunshine, a bracing crosswind and an artificial wicket that bounced more than expected. A lush, heavy outfield added another layer of challenge, with well‑struck shots holding up in the grass.
Despite late squad changes caused by illness, Skipton once again fielded debutants: and they rose to the occasion.
Winning the toss, Skipton chose to bowl, and the opening overs immediately showcased the team’s discipline and energy.
J Smithson, making her debut not only for the 2nd XI but in hardball cricket altogether, delivered a superb first over, conceding just a single wide. It was a calm, composed start in tricky conditions.
She was followed by E Walker, who produced a brilliant maiden over capped by a sharp run‑out from E Smithson, whose throw from the field was described as “smashing” for good reason. Momentum continued with a maiden from E Smithson, tightening the screws on the Collingham batters.
Throughout the innings, Skipton’s bowlers held their lines impressively despite the swirling crosswind. The fielders backed them up with commitment and safe hands, including another run out from E Walker. In the final pair’s overs, E Walker and E Smithson kept things tight once more. Walker even found herself on a hat‑trick after two excellent catches — one from J Smithson, the other from H Scott — but the third chance just didn’t carry.
In challenging conditions, Skipton restricted Collingham & Linton to 249 (69/4), a strong effort built on teamwork and consistency.
Skipton’s reply began with E Walker and E Smithson, who set the tone perfectly. They mixed boundaries with sharp running, putting 29 runs on the board and giving the chase real momentum.
The second pair, S Ellis and B Dean, consolidated well. Despite losing a wicket, they kept the scoreboard moving and brought the scores level.
The third pair, H Scott and E Binns, batted with care and maturity. They protected their wickets, absorbed pressure and ensured the final pair would walk in with a 7‑run lead to defend.
The last partnership — E Smithson and S Ellis (batting again) — finished the job in style. Running well between the wickets and striking the ball cleanly, they added 28 runs, securing Skipton’s first win of the season, finishing on 284 (94/2).
Skipton played with enthusiasm, spirit and togetherness from first ball to last. Debutants shone, experienced players led calmly, and the whole team embraced the challenge of an unusual pitch and a windswept hilltop ground.
Most importantly, they earned a thoroughly deserved victory, and the joy of finally getting that first win under their belts made the sunshine feel even brighter.
