Century hero Neve Crisp leads rout before World Cup flag duty

Barnard Castle Women have been having a memorable time on and off the pitch recently.

First off, they hammered Newton Aycliffe in a Hardball 100 fixture by 156 runs with two players achieving personal landmarks.

Then, two days later, they helped unfurl the giant flags ahead of a Women’s World Cup T20 Group Two fixture between England and Scotland at Headingley.

On the pitch, opener Neve Crisp scored a sensational century at Newton Aycliffe while team-mate Dani Howson recorded her maiden half century. Crisp (sponsor Simpler Digital) smashed 129 runs off just 55 balls while Howson (sponsor J & JG Gill) scored 64 off 49 balls as the visitors totalled 242-2.

Clara Tudor (2-12), Georgie Robson (2-21) and Robyn Womack (2-23) took two wickets apiece as the hosts were restricted to 86-6.

Then it was off to Headingley. Barney coach Mark Robson explained how his players were selected to help with the flags in Leeds.

“We received information from the NYSD about opportunities to volunteer at the World Cup,” he told the Mercury.

“We applied and were successful along with others who where also involved with unrolling the giant flags that just about cover half of the outfield.”

England won the World Cup fixture by 38 runs, making it a special night for the Barney contingent.

“It was just a really nice day out and it was inspiring for the women and girls to see professional role models up close in the unique spectacle of a home World Cup,” said Mark.

Barney 242-2 (100 balls) bt Newton Aycliffe 86-6 (100 balls) by 156 runs.