A youthful Bears Women fell short in a spirited display against Worcestershire at Edgbaston.
Dom Ostler's side, which included two 15-year-olds, faced a Rapids outfit that included Central Sparks and England U19s bowlers Charis Pavely and Ellie Anderson, as well Academy players Phoebe Brett and Hannah Hardwick.
Having lost the toss, Bears bowled first, taking an immediate wicket when Samadhi Samarakoon dismissed Gabby Basketter.
But as the innings flowed, Worcestershire moved up through the gears with Bryony Gillgrass the clear standout. The impressive right-hander struck 151 (129 balls, 12 fours, eight sixes), to become the thorn in the Bears’ side as the hosts reached 322/8 with Ellie Phillips (4/46) and Samarakoon (3/53) playing their part with the ball.
In reply, Harriet Shuker top-scored for the Bears with 35 (five fours and one six), but the visitors were just too strong as they dismissed the hosts for 92.