Chloe Hill stars as Steelbacks Women close in on One Day Cup last four
Northants Steelbacks Women could secure a semi-final place when they host Worcestershire Rapids in the Metro Bank One Day Cup League Two on Sunday (start 10.30am).
David Ripley's side were impressive winners over Middlesex at the Brunton Memorial Ground in Radlett last weekend, and that result saw rise to third in the table with just two matches to play.
The top four qualify for the semis, and a win at the cinch County Ground on Sunday could well seal a place in the last four with a game to spare.
Rapids look to be out of the running for knockout qualification, and they currently sit seventh having won just two of their six matches to date.
Last Sunday, the Steelbacks were 105-run winners over Middlesex after a brilliant batting display.
Chloe Hill starred with the bat, hitting 12 fours as she scored 93 from 125 balls to provide the backbone of Northants' 298 for eight in their 50 overs.
There were other good contributions from skipper Anisha Patel (33no), Ria Fackrell (31) and Michaela Kirk (28) - while extras totalled 34!
In reply, Middlesex were going well at 58 for one in the 12th over, but the dismissal of Issy Routledge sparked a collapse that saw the home side slip to 90 for six and then 124 for eight.
Abbie Whybrow then showed some resistance for the home side, clubbing 80 from just 51 balls, and she lifted her side to respectability at 193 all out in 35.2 overs.
Amelia Kemp led the way with the ball for Steelbacks, snaring four for 21 from six overs, whole Lenny Sims took three for 29.
There were also wickets for Beth Robinson, Gemma Marriott and Patel.
After Sunday's showdown with Worcestershire, the Steelbacks face a huge clash a week later (August 23) when they host Essex Women in the quarter-finals of the Vitality Blast T20 County Cup.
That match will also be played at the County Ground, with a 2pm start.