Stormers beat Peaks in EPS opener

The first match of the Women's Under-21 Elite Player Series 2012 nearly did not go ahead after a huge thunderstorm dumped rain over the Kowloon area just hours before the match was to start. But, despite the rain, the Mission Road ground was still in good enough condition and the match was able to start on schedule at 1:30PM.

Conditions were hot and humid when Peaks' captain, Mariko Hill won the toss elected to bat first given the possibility of further afternoon rain and a soggy outfield. But the Stormers' bowlers made the most of the conditions to grab two early wickets to have the Peaks struggling at 2-17 after 6 overs. Hill herself was one of the early victims, sent on her way for only 3, while Shanzeen Shahzad was brilliantly run out by the Stormers' wicket-keeper Natural Yip for just 5.

The Stormers through Ishitaa Gidwani, Kristine Wong and Keenu Gill continued the pressure on the Peaks middle order and they were eventually dismissed for a disappointing 70. Annie Ho was the best of the Peaks' batters - her 21 being one of only two double-figure scores on the Peaks' scorecard, the other being by Priya Jain who scored 12. Keenu Gill was the best of the Stormers' bowlers, claiming 3-8 off her three overs.

In reply, Stormers could not have got off to a worse start losing Godiva Li and Emma Li to have them 2-2 in the second over. Natural Yip (14) and Smita Chhetri (8) kept their cool and gradually worked the Stormers closer to their victory target but then Stormers lost four quick wickets to allow Peaks back into the game. If it wasn't for some poor bowling, with 38 wides conceded, the Peaks might have pulled off a remarkable win but in the end Kristine Wong and Pull To got Stormers home with 6 overs remaining.

Annie Ho (Peaks) was named Player of the Match after a great all round performance of 21 runs and 2-6 off 6 overs.

Game two of the best of 3 series will be held at Mission Road on Sunday 20th May starting at 1:30pm.