Groves and Ascott deliver century stand as Steelbacks Women sink Gloucestershire
Beth Ascott and loan signing Josie Groves were the stars for Northants Steelbacks Women as they made it three wins out of three with a six-wicket Metro Bank One Day Cup success against Gloucestershire at Bristol on Sunday.
David Ripley's side, who were County T20 Cup first round winners over Herefordshire last weekend, secured a second One Day Cup League Two scalp of the summer as well, following up their opening day win against Kent.
But things looked dicey for Northants as they were quickly reduced to 19 for four chasing the home side's modest 143 all out, with Amelia Kemp, Chloe Hill, Ava Clive and Gemma Marriott all falling cheaply. .
That brought together Ascott and Groves, with the latter having joined on loan from top tier outfit Blaze to get some playing time. She is at home at Northants, having played all of her age-group cricket for the County.
Groves and Ascott got their heads down and produced a superb unbeaten 128-run partnership that saw the Steelbacks over the line at 147 for four in just 27.3 overs.
Groves led the way with an unbeaten 62 from 70 balls, hitting eight fours and two sixes, while Ascott contibuted 53 not out from 73 balls, striking eight fours.
Earlier, Gloucestershire struggled to build sustained partnerships against a disciplined Steelbacks attack and were bowled out for 143 in 43 overs.
Skipper Anisha Patel led the way with the ball, claiming three for 15 from her 10 overs.
Beth Robinson also impressed, as she snared three for 39 from nine overs, while there was a wicket apiece for Ella Phillips, Mabel Reid, Lenny Sims and Groves.
The win sees the Steelbacks sitting third in the League Two table, five points adrift of leaders Glamorgan who have played a game more.
Ripley's side are back in Metro Bank action on Sunday when they host a Sussex Sharks side that has won one and lost two of their three matches to date.
The match will be played at Finedon Dolben's Avenue Road ground, with a 10.30am start.