PERSHORE Women reached the national knock-out semis after a rain-affected regional final with St Fagan’s.

Following heavy showers in the morning, it was essential a result was achieved as neither team wanted to go out on the toss of a coin.

St Fagan’s won the toss and sent the determined home side out to bat.

Pershore’s endeavours were hampered by the loss of two early wickets as St Fagan’s bowled tightly.

Naomi Heywood (18) kept the scoreboard ticking over as further wickets fell but she too was out shortly after Rachel Baldwin (22) had arrived.

Pershore’s spirits rose as Baldwin and Harriet Lowe (25) hit out.

The innings eventually closed on 116 with the final wicket falling in the last of 40 overs.

After tea, with the clouds looking ominous, Pershore knew they had to restrict the runs and take wickets to win.

Ten overs in the St Fagan’s innings would constitute a game.

In the case of rain, Pershore had to ensure that, whatever over play closed on, St Fagan’s had not out-scored them at the same number of overs in their innings.

Pershore had their first breakthrough, thanks to the accurate bowling of Katie Blunt. She soon followed this success by taking the wicket of the other opener.

The third wicket fell to Coral Handley, courtesy of a catch by Heywood.

Pershore maintained their grip on the run-rate with consistent bowling and tight fielding.

A further wicket fell when Thea Brookes took a catch off Blunt (3-13) before rain ended play for the day with St Fagan’s 10 runs behind.

Regional champions Pershore play in the national knock-out semis on Sunday at a venue and against opposition to be announced.