Devon Women got their 50-over season off to the perfect start with a convincing victory over last year's champions at Datchet CC on Sunday.

Devon produced a dominant batting display to overwhelm Berkshire by 114 runs, with opener Jemima Vereker registering a record-breaking double century.

Batting first after losing the toss, Devon built their innings around Vereker's monumental 205 from 136 balls, which included 30 fours and five sixes. She shared a 61-run opening stand with Elle Golsworthy (10) before adding 126 for the second wicket with Ellie Bishop (38). After Bishop fell, Vereker continued her assault, putting on 120 with Regina Lilii (37). She eventually departed at 307/3, having faced 136 deliveries, recording 30 fours and 5 sixes. Georgia Read (30*) and captain Steph Hutchins (20*) added an unbroken 53-run stand as Devon posted their highest-ever score of 378/5 from their 50 overs.

Vereker becomes the first-ever Devon Women's player to score a double ton and subsequently sets a new record for the highest score by a player, beating Heather Knight's previous record of 190 set against Oxfordshire in June 2008.

In reply, Berkshire's chase never threatened. Sarah Pearson (78) and Ava Lee (33) offered resistance, but Maggie Haffenden (2-35) and Lilii (2-28) kept the scoring in check. Esther Woolley (2-62) and Hutchins (2-32) also contributed as Berkshire were bowled out for 264 in 43.3 overs.

Scorecard

Devon Women 378/5 (J Vereker 205, E Bishop 38, R Lilii 37; L Bowlby 3-44)

Berkshire 264 (S Pearson 78, A Lee 33, L Sharma 33*; R Lilii 2-28, S Hutchins 2-32, M Haffenden 2-35)

Devon Women beat Berkshire by 114 runs.

Lauren Rowles's Post-Match Thoughts

"What a fantastic day of cricket for the Devon Women on Sunday. It was a performance full of quality, intent, and composure across the board.

"Jemima quite rightly takes the headlines after an outstanding innings, one of those days where everything she struck seemed to race to the boundary. It was brilliant to see her hard work translate into such a dominant display. She was well supported by Ellie and Regina and, with valuable contributions from Steph and Reado, meant the team posted a formidable total of 378/5.

"In batter-friendly conditions, Berkshire kept pace with the scoring early on, which certainly kept things interesting. But our bowlers and fielders showed real resilience and discipline to work their way back into the game, eventually dismissing Berkshire for 264.

"Maggie Haffenden impressed with 2-35 from her 10 overs, showing excellent control and maturity well beyond her years; she's a hugely exciting prospect for the future. Steph and Regina also claimed two wickets apiece, both operating at under seven runs per over, allowing us to regain control and apply pressure at key moments in the innings.

"Overall, it was an excellent day's cricket and a hugely encouraging way to begin our 50-over campaign. The team played with confidence, clarity, and togetherness. It was a performance to be proud of and a strong platform to build on."

Jemima Vereker's Post-Match Thoughts

"It was good to get the win in our first 50-over game of the season. Everyone contributed, and we played well as a team. I am proud to have made 205 runs.

"Hopefully, we can take great confidence from this and keep improving over the next few games."

Up Next

Devon Women play their first home Metro Bank One Day Cup game against Buckinghamshire on Sunday, 14 June, at The Holt.