Devon Cricket Board - Fairbairn praises girls' growing maturity as players

Fairbairn praises girls' growing maturity as players

DEVON’S ex-England women’s starlet Rosalie Fairbairn said the girls’ growing maturity as players contributed massively to the 23-run over Somerset at Taunton.

It was a rare chance for both teams to play in a First Class environment as Somerset CCC made the County Ground at Taunton available for the game.

And Devon turned on a top-class show to match their surroundings, recovering from a couple of early setbacks to make 155 for eight, then dismissing Somerset for 132.

Bovey Tracey’s Fairbairn (pictured), who appeared in 37 one-day internationals and seven Tests, said Somerset had depth and were a tough side to beat.

“The conditions were not what you expect in that environment – moisture in the wicket and an outfield that didn’t give value for shots – and at 89 for six we could have crumbled,” said Fairbairn, who top scored with 58.

“Instead, we batted with discipline and application to set a respectable total.”

Setting a total was only half the job. It had to be defended and Fairbairn was full of praise for the way the bowlers went about it.

“Becky Donohue and Cait O’Keefe kept it tight first up, the we got the spinners on,” said Fairbairn.

“Our two left armers – Jodie Dibble and Hazelle Garton really dried up the runs.

“Somerset bat all the way down and have experienced people all the way.

“It got a bit tight towards the end, but we got over the line.”

Victory keeps Devon top of the Division Two table and chomping at the bit to play again.

Devon now have a couple of weeks off before facing Worcestershire at Sidmouth on June 15.

Devon 155-8 (R Fairbairn 58, L Milles 20; A Carr 28), Somerset 132 (extras 37; H Garton 3-15, C O’Keefe 3-22). Devon bt Somerset by 23 runs

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