Downham Stow Ladies defeat Hethersett & Tas Valley and March in opening two games of Iceni Women’s Division One season

Downham Stow Ladies have opened up their Iceni Women’s Division One season with two wins.

They began their campaign at home against familiar rivals Hethersett & Tas Valley in a repeat of last season’s County League final.

Having won the toss, Downham Stow's Freya Matthews claimed a wicket with her very first delivery in the second over, while Martha Broad also picked up an early breakthrough.

Further pressure was applied as Molly Pybus, Briar Hobbs, and Esther Broad each chipped in with a wicket apiece, helping to restrict Hethersett to 144 for 5 from their allotted 30 overs.

In reply, Downham Stow lost Broad and Pybus early.

However, captain Ellen Kerbey and Martha Broad steadied the innings superbly, constructing an unbroken 108-run partnership across 26 overs.

Their composed approach and ability to rotate the strike saw DSCC over the line with wickets in hand and plenty of overs to spare.

The Rethink Demand Player of the Match was awarded to Martha Broad for her contribution.

The team maintained their unbeaten start against March on Sunday.

Having won the toss, Kerbey elected to bowl first.

Opening bowlers Esther Broad and Freya Matthews began the innings with good lines and lengths, restricting March Town’s runs.

March Town’s top order initially showed composure, but the breakthrough came in the fourth over when Matthews bowled a crucial delivery to set the first wicket of the innings.

Key fielding contributions came from Molly Pybus, whose commitment saved multiple boundaries, and Molly Taylor, who formed an unbreakable wall at mid-on, cutting off scoring opportunities.

The bowling honours belonged to Molly Taylor, who delivered a game-changing over, claiming three wickets.

She was well-supported by Evie Griffin, Esther Broad, and Martha Broad, all of whom dismissed March Town’s batswomen to maintain the pressure.

Despite a spirited fightback from March Town’s middle-order, Downham Stow restricted them to 173/9 at the end of their allotted overs.

Following the innings break, Downham Stow commenced their run chase with openers Kerbey and Esther Broad.

Unfortunately, both openers were dismissed early within the powerplay.

Coming in at number three, Martha Broad anchored the innings with a masterclass in composure and technique.

She constructed a superb 68 not out, facing down tight bowling spells with patience.

Her ability to rotate the strike, punish the bad ball, and build meaningful partnerships was crucial in the successful chase.

Martha was supported by a string of valuable cameos from Andrea Hoskins, Matthews, Lios Boyle, Taylor, and Briar Hobbs, all of whom contributed to steady partnerships that kept the required run rate in check.

Despite tight bowling and sharp fielding from March Town, who entered the match as favourites, Downham Stow's determined batting line-up prevailed, ending up scoring 174/6, to win by four wickets.

The Rethink Demand Player of the match, for the second time in a row, was Martha Broad.