SOMERSET lost both of their T20 matches in Division 1 of the ECB Women’s County Championship T20 on Sunday, hosted by Taunton Deane Cricket Club.

In their opening match against Yorkshire, the hosts won the toss and, opting to bat first, scored 126-4 from their 20 overs.

Somerset captain Sophie Luff once again made a major contribution to the total with 55 off 38 balls, during which she added 80 for the second wicket with Jackie Hawker, who hit 26.

In reply Yorkshire reached 130-6 off the penultimate ball of their innings, Hawker taking 2-29 and Georgina Tulip 2-32 for Somerset.

Against Kent, the hosts were put into bat first and made 109-6, of which Luff made 35, while Emily Bayliss scored 31, the two adding 62 for the second wicket.

Kent replied with 113-4 to seal victory with 10 balls to spare. 

Megan Hodkinson ended with an impressive 2-14 from her four overs, while Luff claimed two run-outs.

Reflecting on Sunday’s matches, captain Luff (pictured below) said: “It’s disappointing to lose both games again, but we’re getting closer to getting over the line. 

“Looking at the bigger picture, we are a young side and hopefully in a couple of years’ time those are the games we will come out on the right side of the result.

“We are doing certain things well and even though it’s T20 we need to keep doing the right things for longer periods in the game and be more consistent.

“Now it’s just about trying to finish the T20 competition at East Grinstead against Sussex and Berkshire [on July 30] on a bit of a high, leading back into the 50-over format at the end of August.”

The skipper added: “Huge thanks must go to Taunton Deane who hosted us – fantastic venue, food and very friendly atmosphere!”

Bridgwater Mercury:

JUMPING FOR JOY: Anya Shrubsole celebrates sending England into the Women's World Cup Final.

ELSEWHERE, Somerset's Anya Shrubsole held her nerve to hit the winning runs in England’s nail-biting Women’s World Cup semi-final victory over South Africa in Bristol on Tuesday.

Shrubsole walked to the wicket with England needing two runs from the final three deliveries, and promptly hit her first ball for four through the covers to send the hosts into Sunday’s sold out Lord’s final.

The Somerset seamer, who comes from Bath and also represents the Western Storm, had earlier taken the first wicket of the day as South Africa opener Lizelle Lee fell for seven.

The other wickets were shared around the attack as the Proteas made 218-7, Mignon du Preez top scoring with an unbeaten 76.

England looked to be cruising in reply at 139-2, but a middle order collapse set up a nervy finale for the home crowd.

Laura Marsh fell in the final over to leave England eight wickets down, but Shrubsole saved the day in a thrilling encounter.

England will now meet either Australia or India, who contest the second semi-final today (Thursday), for the chance to lift the World Cup trophy for the fourth time.