Somerset Women’s XI won their opening match of the season in Division Two of the ECB Championship when they beat Worcestershire at Pershore by 99 runs.

After being put into bat first Somerset were bowled out for 129 in 46.5 overs, Fran Wilson was the top scorer with 17, Elwyn Campbell and Lauren Shrubsole both made 16, Sophie Luff made 15 and skipper Anya Shrubsole scored 13.

Worcestershire in reply had reached 30-4 after 20 overs when the rain fell and no further play was possible, leaving Somerset the victors.

The pick of the Somerset bowlers were Jenny Withers with 2-3 runs from her five overs, while there was one each for Lauren Shrubsole and Moira Comfort.

Somerset coach Caroline Atkins said: “It was good to get some action in given the rain about and especially pleasing to get off to a winning start. It was challenging to be put in to bat so the contributions that came from throughout the order were vital.”

The coach added: “Seamers and spinners showed sufficient control with the ball to pick up cheap wickets and ensure Somerset were ahead at 20 overs. This was a great team effort with plenty more still to offer for our next matches.”

Somerset Women play a double-header over the Bank Holiday weekend taking on Cheshire at Cleeve CC on Sunday 5th May and Durham at The County Ground in Taunton on Monday, May 6.