ECB Women’s Under 17 County Championship

Performance Group 4

Gloucestershire (171) lost to Devon (269-6) by 98 runs

A STUNNING unbeaten century by Devon’s Sophie Mackenzie proved the difference as Gloucestershire began their County Championship campaign with a defeat at Rockhampton.

Scoring at more than a run-a-ball, the middle order batter took her side from 84-4 to 269-6 with an aggressive 117 not out that included 12 fours and a six.

Alice Hill (Hatherley and Reddings) and captain Naomi Forecast put on 30 for Gloucestershire's first wicket before Mackenzie continued her success in the match by bowling Hill for 12.

With wicketkeeper Emily Wilkins (Frenchay) and Forecast at the crease the home side moved on to 62-1 but when the latter fell for 27 Gloucestershire’s innings never really regained its momentum.

Despite a patient partnership of 49 from Wilkins (44) and Alder (7) the run rate was starting to climb.

Wilkins' dismissal then sparked a middle order collapse as the hosts slipped from 118-3 to 129-8.

A superb 30 not out from 23 balls by number nine Eva Shoemark restored some pride for Gloucestershire.