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Ireland’s Women got their season off to a great start with a 126-run win over Worcestershire in the opening match of their ECB County Championships season, Isobel Joyce leading from the front with an unbeaten century.
Batting first after a short delay to prepare the ground after overnight rain, the star of the show was the captain Joyce, who made an unbeaten 127 to help Ireland set a score of 315-5 from their 48 overs before the home side were bowled out for just 189.

Joyce was supported well by Meg Kendal, who made 56 not out after coming into the side as a last minute replacement for the injured Mary Waldron.

Clare Shillington had got the innings off to a blistering start before falling for 48. Her opening partner Shauna Kavanagh (16) was dismissed in the same over by Houghton after a 68-run opening stand.

That brought sisters Cecelia and Isobel Joyce to the crease, but Houghton once again brought two wickets in an over when Cecelia (14) was run out and Gaby Lewis (4) bowled to leave Ireland 95-4.

Laura Delany played an anchor role to Isobel, scoring 16 runs in a solid 69-run partnership before falling to Brookes, Houghton taking the catch this time.

That was the last of the wickets though, as Meg Kendal and Isobel batted fantastically well to leave the field with an unbeaten 150-run partnership.

Chasing 316 to win from 48 overs Worcestershire made a positive start before Louise McCarthy (2-41) picked up the wicket of Heywood for 25.

With Worcestershire scoring well, the introduction of spin put Ireland on top, with Elena Tice (3-23), Isobel Joyce (0-17) and Robyn Lewis (1-41) combining in a nine over period taking four wickets for just 17 runs.

With Ireland on top in the game and Worcestershire well behind the scoring rate Laura Delany finished off the game collecting three wickets for just 27 runs as Worcester were eventually bowled out for 189.

The squad will travel to Bath to face Somerset on Monday, with new coach Aaron Hamilton looking to retain his 100% record as Head Coach.

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