Austin delivers brilliant century on debut as Steelbacks Women get cup campaign off to a flyer

Austin’s innings was the backbone of the Steelbacks' 307 for eight from their 50 overs, with Kent then being bowled out for 268 with one ball to spare in reply.

David Ripley's side were asked to bat on a cold and blustery day at Wantage Road, and they got off to a good start with Chloe Hill and Amelia Kemp putting on 70 for the first wicket.

Kemp's dismissal for 15 brought new loan signing Austin to the crease, with the batter having joined Northants from Tier 1 side Birmingham Bears.

After Hill was dismissed for 59 from 51 balls, Austin took up the mantle and and raced to her 50 in no time, hitting seven fours along the way.

At halfway, Steelnacks were 139 for two, with Beth Asott having joined Austin at the crease.

The pair then dominated the Kent bowling, putting together a third-wicket partnership of 142 as the Steelbacks stormed to 252 for two befire Austin was eventually dismissed for a superb 123 from 108 balls, striking 17 fours all around the ground.

Ascott went soon after for 56, but a quickfire 25 not out from 19 balls from Mabel Reid ensured the Steelbacks passed the 300-mark.

For Kent, Megan Belt took five for 50.

The visitors started their reply very well, and were looking good at 132 for one in the 28th over, but the dismissal of Coco Streets for 78 from 84 balls sparked a collapse.

Kent lost six wickets to slump to 220 for seven, and despite a late rally they fell well short as they were bowled out for 268.

Lenny Sims led the way with ball for the Steelbacks, claiming three for 52, and there were also wickets for Reid, Liz Russell, Ella Phillips and Gemma Marriott.

The Steelbacks are without a game this weekend.

They return to action on Sunday, April 26 when they take on Tier 3 side Herefordshire in the T20 County Cup.