Somerset Women's cricket team got their season off to a flying start and won all four of their opening games before coming unstuck in their most recent game which was away against Lancashire.

Somerset's fourth win came against the previously unbeaten Ireland in a 50 over match at Brislington, where after being put into bat first Somerset posted 247 for seven, with opener Elwyn Campbell making 85, while Fran Wilson batting at number four made 85 off 67 balls, while Sophie Luff hit 20 and captain Anya Shrubsole made 18.

Elwyn Campbell shared a partnership of 85 with Sophie Luff and then added 75 with Fran Wilson.

Ireland in reply were all out for 170 in 41.1 overs, Lauren Shrubsole claiming four for 38, and Jenny Withers took three for 41 to see Somerset to a 77 run victory.

Somerset then made the long trek up to the north east to play against a strong Lancashire side who won by six wickets, after bowling their visitors out for 61.

“It was a combination of good bowling and not so good batting from us. It was one of those days when we lost five quick wickets and you cant claw it back from there. We have done a lot well this season and we need to start doing that against Staffordshire,” said captain Anya Shrubsole.

Next up for Somerset are Staffordshire at Himley about which the captain said: “They will provide us with tough opposition, and even though we lost against Lancashire there is still a lot to play for and we will be trying our best to get back to winning ways.”

Going into the Staffordshire game Somerset are currently second in the table.

Mean while Anya Shrubsole has been selected to play against the Pakistan series which gets underway later this month, which involves two T20s and two ODIs.

“I have bowling well this season so I am delighted to be picked for England and I am really looking forward to the series.”