EMILY Arlott’s stunning century helped Warwickshire Women to a first-ever win against Essex in the One-Day Cup.
Arlott (130) hit 21 boundaries en route to scoring her maiden List A century to spearhead a Bears fightback at the County Ground.
Warwickshire recovered from 22-5 to claim victory following a thrilling draw against Hampshire in their opening fixture.
The Bears looked in danger after losing their first five wickets inside seven overs as Eva Gray (5-62) ripped through Warwickshire’s top order.
However, Chloe Brewer (44) and Arlott put on 101 runs for Warwickshire’s sixth wicket as the Bears staged a stirring fightback.
And a 132-run partnership between Arlott and Charis Pavely (31) put the Bears back on track.
Issy Wong (29 not out) scored some quickfire runs from just 14 balls as Essex took the last wicket with the final ball with the Bears all out for 289.
Essex made a strong start with the bat in reply as opener Grace Scrivens (53) and Cordelia Griffith (72) both scored half-centuries.
However, only Jo Gardner (15) and Sophia Smale (14) managed double figures from Essex’s remaining batters.
Brewer (3-18) and Katie George (3-38) impressed with the ball as the Bears took the final five wickets for the loss of as many runs with Essex all out for 181.
