A second half century for Ed Pollock in the 2021 Vitality Blast could not prevent defeat for Birmingham Bears. The Bears and other contenders for a top four finish, will want to avoid slip-ups as the group stage comes to a close.
9 July
Worcestershire Rapids vs. Birmingham Bears
The Rapids completed a comfortable 49 run win over fellow top four North Group contenders Birmingham Bears.
The Rapids set the Bears a target of 175.
With the Bears on 81-2 at half-way, the possibility of a close finish was on the cards. Yet, the Bears fell away once the Rapids leg-spinners got to work. Only Ed Pollock (53) challenged the Rapids as a weakened batting line-up mustered a paltry 125.
This was Ed’s second half century of the 2021 campaign and his fifth in the Vitality Blast.
Durham vs. Derbyshire Falcons
The Falcons claimed their fourth win in the North Group while Durham continue to falter.
Durham looked set for a healthy total during the power play. As the innings progressed momentum was lost and Durham closed on 176-9 (Scott Borthwick 33) with Matt Critchley taking 1-27.
The Falcons slipped behind in the run chase. But, the match turned on a 64 run partnership between Brooke Guest (34) and Matt Critchley (33).
Off the last ball of the final over Guest hit the match winning boundary, to give the Falcons a confidence building victory.
Hampshire Hawks vs. Somerset
In defeating Somerset, the Hawks recorded their third win of the campaign.
Batting first the Hawks posted 175-6.
Somerset failed to offer a threat as they were dismissed for 100 off 16 overs (Tom Lammonby 8) with Mason Crane taking 1-23.
After previously recording 10 and 13 run victories, this 75 run win was easily the Hawks most comfortable win in the 2021 Vitality Blast.
(PhoenixMedia Image)