Image: Luke Stafford - Sports Shots

Tilly Fellows produced a standout unbeaten innings of 84, striking 13 boundaries in a fluent display during Game Two for Bucks Women. Despite her efforts, Bucks fell to consecutive defeats against Staffordshire at Ascott Estate, ultimately missing out on qualification.

Game One saw Bucks Women asked to bat by the travelling side, and they set a very competitive 166. Runs from Cara Duggan (43) and Annie Townsend (31) set up a score which could have been larger if not for a superb four-over spell from Anusha Chauhan, who conceded only 19 runs with her spin bowling.

Despite early wickets from Charlie Mailey, who dismissed both openers for 12 and 1 respectively, Megan Pittman (70*) and Ava Clive (75*) showed their class with a formidable 148-run partnership to secure the win in Game One.

Once again, Bucks batted first in Game Two, and this time it was Tilly Fellows (84*) who steered her side to an improved total of 171 with some incredible ball striking around Ascott Estate, a brilliant innings off just 40 balls. Chauhan was once again the pick of the bowlers for the away side, taking three wickets from four overs.

With first place up for grabs, a victory for either side would be enough to secure a place in the Vitality Blast final. Unfortunately for Bucks, a sensational knock from Lexie Cantrill (92) was supported by Pittman (57), and Staffordshire took control from the early stages, applying pressure throughout the innings.

Full credit to Staffordshire, who came out winners in Game Two and secured first place in League 3 - Division 1B, with Bucks Women finishing in second place, just one point behind.

Head Coach Ben Ungaretti reflects on a testing day in the heat: "Obviously disappointed to miss out on the T20 final after losing both games yesterday, but full credit to Staffordshire. They batted extremely well and put us under pressure throughout. For our group, this has been a really valuable learning experience. There’s a lot of young talent in the side, and these are the kinds of matches that help players grow and understand the standards needed at this level."