England Defeat Flowers of Scotland

The sporting anthem “Flowers of Scotland” is a stirring and emotional call to action for Scottish sporting teams. Today England trampled on those flowers.

At Headingley, Scotland skipper Kathryn Bryce won the toss and sent the English in to bat. The Scots opened the bowling with former England Test player, Kirstie Gordon and it brought about an immediate return, the dismissal of Amy Jones for 1 run in the first over. Gordon picked up the second wicket too, but bot before England had passed the 50 mark. Sophia Dunkley (57) in her first match of the tournament dismantled the bowling with a blockbusting knock.

England gathered and accumulated runs before a pyrotechnic display from Freya Kemp (39*) and Dani Gibson (30*) took the England total to 200/5 after their 20 overs. Sure it was a good batting track but the Scottish bowlers had no real answers for the questions England were asking.

The Scottish batters likewise enjoyed the conditions – indeed, only twelve wickets fell for the combined innings – and finished with a more than respectable 167/5, falling short by 38 runs. The innings featured enterprising knocks from Sarah Bryce (34) and Darcey Carter (29) but at no time did it look like England’s total would be overhauled. Sophie Ecclestone (2-23) was the best of the England bowlers.

Sophia Dunkley was awarded Player of the match for her sparkling 57, a reminder to the England selectors that she still commands a spot in the first eleven.

With this win, England have all but secured a spot in the finals with matches still to play against New Zealand and West Indies. Scotland still remain in the race despite the loss, but it is an uphill battle for them from here, needing to have decisive wins over Sri Lanka and New Zealand.

Scores

England 200/5 (Sophia Dunkley 57, Alice Capsey 40, Freya Kemp 39*, Kirstie Gordon 2-30) defeated
Scotland 162/7 (Sarah Bryce 34, Darcey Carter 29, Pippa Sproul 27, Sophie Ecclestone 2-23) by 38 runs

POTM: Sophia Dunkley