The women’s softball team at Monmouth Cricket Club opened the new outdoor league season with two superb victories, reports Ian Morgan.

Lauren Maguire’s side played fantastically in the pairs’ format to defeat hosts Cowbridge and then Radyr in a double-header in the South Wales Softball League Division 1.

Helen McGloin with 27 top-scored for Monmouth, sponsored by Nayager Woods, in their opening match with Cowbridge, as they piled up 297-3.

With the team starting at 200 runs, opener Meg Maguire and Jill Jones laid an excellent foundation of 21 runs without the loss of a wicket, while Claire Maguire and Tracey Best also batted very well and kept their wickets intact.

In reply, a three-wicket burst from newcomer Karina Shaw immediately rocked Cowbridge and, with further wickets from Lauren Maguire, Megan Maguire and Jill Jones (1-6), Monmouth restricted the hosts to 283-6.

Against Radyr, Monmouth dazzled with the bat, losing just one wicket throughout as the big-hitting Shaw with 43, including three giant sixes, led the way.

Backed up by Lauren Maguire (21) and Megan Maguire (17), each Monmouth team member contributed as they amassed a formidable 346-1. After the break, Lauren Maguire (3), Shaw (3), Megan Maguire (2), and Clare Dunsford (1) each picked up wickets.

Supported by fine fielding from Tracey Best, Lily MacDonald-Wallace and McGloin, the Monmouth team took 10 wickets as Radyr replied with 259-10.

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