CARLTON BEAT GRAMPIAN THISTLES TO WIN T20 SCOTTISH CUP

Carlton held off a strong challenge from Grampian Thistles to be crowned Women's T20 Scottish Cup champions at Stirling on Saturday.

 

After comfortably beating Watsonian in the semifinal, the Arrows were pushed hard by Thistle, who beat holders Stewart's Melville in their semifinal and were pushing for a first title in just their second season.

 

Batting first, Carlton were reduced to 19-2 early on, but captain Sam Evans led the fightback with an unbeaten 65, supported by Sophie Thomas (22) and Heather Tait (16 not out) as they reached 132-5 in 20 overs.

 

 

Grampian Thistle were always struggling to keep up with the required rate, and their hopes of a maiden triumph faded with the departure of Emily Henderson, who'd scored a half century in the semifinal win earlier in the day. Thistle finished on 92-8, some 40 runs short of their target.

 

In the morning semifinals, Carlton piled on the runs against city rivals Watsonian, amassing 174-1, with Charis Scott smashing a brilliant unbeaten century. Scotland cap Scott finished 102 not out, supported by Ikra Farooq with 44. Watsonian won this competition two years ago, but were never in the hunt as they finished on 109-8 in their 20 overs, Lucy Rynn topscoring with 27.

 

Meanwhile Stewart's Melville came unstuck in the other semifinal as Henderson blasted 55 from 45 balls to set an imposing target of 144-7, with Bella Watson (20), daughter of former Scotland Men's captain Ryan, also impressing with the bat.

 

 

The holders moved to 109-3 with Emily Duguid (40) and Lois Wilkinson (29) at the crease with three overs to go, but their attempt to accelerate in the final overs saw them lose five wickets in quick succession, as Grampian Thistles ran out winners by 23 runs.

 

Carlton and Grampian Thistles go head to head again this Sunday in the WPL 40 at Huntly, with the sides first and second respectively in the league table.