Devon Cricket Board - MacKenzie ton speeds Devon U17s to victory

MacKenzie ton speeds Devon U17s to victory

AN unbeaten century by Sophie Mackenzie proved the difference as Devon U-17 Women opened their County Championship campaign with a 98-run win over Gloucestershire at Rockhampton.
MacKenzie clattered along at better than run-a-ball rate as Devon went from 84 for four to 269 for six with an aggressive 117 that included 12 fours and a six from 98 balls faced.
The target of 270 was always going to be a tall order for the home side, who ended up falling well short.
MacKenzie had gone in at a difficult time for Devon, who had lost Gemma Lancaster, captain Cait O'Keefe (38), Alli Kelly (18) and Milly Squire (17) with Danielle Gibson (4-38) among the wickets.
Mackenzie added 119 with Olivia Jones (30) for the fifth wicket. Gibson (3-48) returned to break the partnership by removing Jones.
Gloucestershire were all out for 171 in the last of their 45 overs, losing their way after reaching 62 for two with Naomi Forecast (27) getting a few.
Despite a patient partnership of 49 from Emily Wilkins (44) and Alder the run rate was starting to climb.
When Wilkins went so did Gloucestershire's hopes as they nosedived to 129 for eight.
A superb 30 not out from 23 balls by Eva Shoemark restored some pride.

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