Bucks Women fell to a seven-wicket defeat against Staffordshire on Sunday in their penultimate Metro Bank One Day Cup match.

After an economical opening spell from Staffordshire’s Lauren Kenvyn (8 overs, 0-19), Bucks found boundaries hard to come by and were pegged back to 20-2 after 10 overs.

Opener Molly Carter made a patient 22 before being stumped by Helen Hughes. With wickets falling and the run rate slowing, Annie Townsend (29) and Cara Duggan (31) fought back with counter-attacking knocks, edging their side towards 150.

Hannah Hayes had Townsend caught before quickly removing Natasha MacBean (2) and Tegan Stockdale (4). With Bucks falling to 146-9, Caia Townsend stepped up with a spirited 30 from 25 balls alongside Carys Gerber (13*).

The final-wicket stand brought up a 50-run partnership, and a total of 200+ was in sight until Stockdale was adjudged LBW to the bowling of Lucy Shenton, leaving Staffordshire with a target of 197.

MacBean’s left-arm spin has been a reliable source of wickets this season, and it struck again as she dismissed both openers — Malisha Tennakoon (4) and Emily Hughes (13).

From there, Staffordshire quickly took the game away from Bucks. No. 3 batter Matilda Atherton-Gater produced a classy unbeaten 92 from 115 balls, well supported by Lydia Perry (35) and Kenvyn (37*).

In 36.4 overs, Staffordshire sealed the win with back-to-back boundaries from Kenvyn, handing Bucks a seven-wicket defeat.

Bucks Women will now travel to Slough on Sunday to face Berkshire in their final group match. If the result between Staffordshire and Devon falls in Bucks’ favour, a victory would secure them a place in the Metro Bank One Day Cup Final on Sunday, 21st September.