NEWPORT Cricket Club’s women’s team celebrated their momentous inaugural match with a four-wicket victory over Bristol Phoenix at home.

It was the first time the club has fielded a women’s team in its 175-year history, the new side led by Wales captain Claire Thomas.

The visitors made a fine start in the South West Women’s Regional League encounter at Newport International Sports Village, racing to 117-2 from 23 overs.

But after the dismissals of Ffi Morris (32), stumped by Tash Cable off the bowling of left arm spinner Lauren Parfitt, and Emily Robinson (37), caught off the bowling of off spinner Thomas, the run rate began to slow.

Excellent bowling and good fielding saw wickets fall at regular intervals, only opener Alex MacDonald (41) making any further significant contribution.

Newport kept up the pressure, restricting Phoenix to 155-6 from their allotted 45 overs.

In a very good all round fielding performance, the pick of the Newport bowlers were Thomas, who took a wicket at a cost of just 16 runs, and Kath Hudson, who ended with figures of 2-24.

In reply, Newport got off to a quick start through Gaby Basketer (30) and Parfitt (23), reaching 55-2 off just ten overs.

However, with the introduction of Chloe Davies (3-39) into the attack, Newport slipped to 81-5.

With the pressure mounting Becky Struthers and Cable produced an excellent 49 run partnership, before the former was out for a well played 42, Newport on 130-6.

It was left to skipper Thomas (14 not out) and Cable with a very useful 33 not out to guide the hosts home to an excellent victory with five overs to spare.

It was also a great day for the club’s thriving girls’ Under-13s and Under-15s sides who were also triumphant.

The U-13s scored 255 to defeat Bristol Phoenix (228) by 28 runs and the U-15s scored 282 to defeat Bristol Phoenix (232) by 50 runs.

The club also held a taster event on Sunday as part of a ‘Cricket Awareness Day’ to encourage girls to take up the game. For more information, you can go to: newportcc.play-cricket.com