Tammy Beaumont and Georgia Elwiss produced composed half-centuries to steer The Blaze to a six-wicket victory over Somerset in the ECB Women’s One-Day Cup 2026 Women’s competition at the Maer Ground in Exmouth.
Beaumont remained unbeaten on 99 from 109 balls, striking 12 fours and a six, while Elwiss contributed 72 off 76 deliveries with 11 boundaries. The pair combined for a decisive 131-run partnership for the third wicket, guiding their side to a target of 223 with 10.5 overs to spare.
Learoyd Anchors Somerset Recovery
Somerset, asked to bat first, recovered from an early collapse to post 222 for 9, thanks largely to Anika Learoyd’s disciplined 97 from 118 balls. The innings began poorly as the hosts slipped to 33 for 3 in the powerplay, with Grace Ballinger applying pressure and Charley Phillips removing both Niamh Holland and Bex Odgers. Orla Prendergast added to the damage by dismissing Sophie Luff.
Learoyd and Jess Hazell stabilised the innings with a 53-run stand for the fourth wicket, before skipper Kirstie Gordon intervened to reduce Somerset to 96 for 5. Hazell made 32, while Katie Jones was stumped by Sarah Bryce shortly after.
Learoyd, dropped on 21 by Elwiss, capitalised on the reprieve and built her innings steadily, reaching her half-century off 81 balls. She found acceleration later, striking 10 boundaries before falling for 97 to a return catch by Kathryn Bryce. Alex Griffiths added 43 from 58 balls, including the only six of the innings, as Somerset reached a competitive total.
Kirstie Gordon (2-37) and Charley Phillips (2-33) were the standout performers with the ball for The Blaze.
Beaumont, Elwiss Control Chase
Somerset struck early in the chase, with Alex Griffiths removing Marie Kelly and Lola Harris trapping Kathryn Bryce lbw to leave The Blaze at 48 for 2 in the 11th over.
However, Beaumont held firm, playing confidently through the off side, while Elwiss countered with positive strokeplay. The pair built a strong third-wicket partnership, keeping the required rate under control without taking unnecessary risks.
Elwiss reached her half-century first, getting there in 53 balls, while Beaumont followed with a 73-ball fifty. Somerset attempted to break the stand by reintroducing Griffiths and bringing on debutant off-spinner Jasmine Westley.
Westley eventually made the breakthrough, dismissing Elwiss for 72 with the score at 179 for 3. At that stage, The Blaze needed just 44 more runs at a manageable rate.
Beaumont continued to anchor the chase but fell just short of a century, finishing unbeaten on 99 as Sarah Bryce struck the winning boundary to seal victory.
Blaze Stay Top of the Table
The win marked a fifth consecutive victory for The Blaze, keeping them at the top of the table ahead of Hampshire. Somerset, meanwhile, suffered a fourth straight defeat, slipping further behind in the standings.
