Image - Stephen Hewitt

Annie Townsend (51) and Cara Duggan (44) steered Bucks Women into Round 3 of the Vitality T20 Women's County Cup with a 56-run victory over Norfolk at Ascott Estate. The victory sets up an exciting away tie against current holders Lancashire Thunder on 21 June at Neston CC.

After a superb 91-run partnership, Townsend's brilliant innings, featuring seven boundaries, came to an end following an incredible one-handed catch by Georgia Demetriou at cow corner.

Duggan continued to accelerate and featured in a 19-run over alongside Tilly Fellows before eventually being dismissed for a well-made 44.

Amy Morris was the pick of the bowlers for the away side, who recently defeated Tier 2 Sussex, claiming 3-26 from four overs.

Bucks finished their 20 overs on 157-7, which looked a strong total on a difficult wicket.

In reply, Bucks "put in a clinical performance", as described by Head Coach Ben Ungaretti, with Zaynah Wani leading the way by taking 4-16 from four overs.

Despite Niamh Rushton and Jade Hoyte scoring 23 runs each, Wani's wickets, alongside Bucks' exemplary fielding, mounted pressure on Norfolk.

Tash MacBean produced a smart tip onto the stumps to dismiss opener Bella Borges, while catches from Tegan Stockdale and Fellows ensured the away side fell short of 157, as Bucks booked themselves a huge third-round clash against Lancashire Thunder.