Stingers Soft Ball v Emmbrook & Bearwood Womens Softball

Stingers Post Strong Total but Match Left Unfinished at Wargrave

Sonning Stingers Soft Ball posted an imposing 93 for 1 from their 12 overs against Emmbrook & Bearwood in the Berkshire Women's Softball Performance – East league at Wargrave C.C. on 12th June 2022, but the match was ultimately recorded as in progress with the opposition's innings cut short after just three overs.

After the home side won the toss and inserted the Stingers, it was Frances Howson who anchored the batting effort with a superb 17 from 11 balls, striking four boundaries to set the tone for the middle and lower order. Howson's aggressive approach ensured that the Stingers maintained a healthy scoring rate throughout, and her contribution proved the standout individual innings of the afternoon.

Opener Siobhan Davis got Sonning off to a bright start with 11 from just six deliveries, including two fours, giving the Stingers early momentum. Captain Sharon Fleming matched that tally with 11 of her own from seven balls, while Melissa Pengraeve was arguably the most destructive batter late in the innings, smashing 15 from 11 balls with three boundaries to push the total into the nineties.

A significant factor in the Stingers' total was the 36 extras conceded by the home bowling attack. Emmbrook & Bearwood's bowlers struggled with their line and length, sending down 24 wides and 12 no-balls across the 12 overs. Fiona Henry's single over was particularly costly, conceding 12 runs including six wides and six no-balls, while Charlie Spencer leaked 24 runs from her two overs. Caroline Meader also went for 24 from two overs, though she at least kept the extras in check.

Alex Jennings was the lone bright spot with the ball for the home side, claiming the only Stingers wicket — that of Freya Spafford for a duck — though her two overs still cost 17 runs with six wides and two no-balls.

In reply, Emmbrook & Bearwood managed 18 for 1 from just three overs before the match was curtailed. Captain Allison Holloway top-scored with 11 from seven balls, hitting two fours, while Emily Lacey added 7 from 11 deliveries. The Stingers' bowling was disciplined in the brief spell available, with Frances Howson, Chloe Bailey and Siobhan Davis each completing an over without conceding a single extra between them.

With the second innings incomplete and the result recorded as match in progress, neither side was able to claim the league points on offer, leaving an element of frustration for a Stingers side who had done the hard work with the bat and appeared well placed to secure victory.