Ella Claridge struck an unbeaten hundred before Emma Jones took four wickets as The Blaze 2nd XI saw off a spirited Challengers side by 34 runs at Lady Bay.

Claridge hit 105 not out from 98 balls, with 14 fours and a six, as the hosts took full advantage of having first use of the pitch to pile up 317-8, with Georgie Boyce also adding 74.

Amelie Munday and Indigo Gentry claimed two wickets apiece for the visitors, but Claridge’s innings led the way as she and Boyce added 123 at just over a run a ball for the third wicket.

In reply, Cassidy McCarthy claimed a clean-bowled scalp with only her second ball on her way to 2/26 from eight overs as she gave the hosts a strong start.

However, it was Josie Groves’ 3/51 and Jones’ 4/50 further into the innings that ensured Challengers were dismissed for 283 at the start of the 46th over.

Visiting captain Lucy Western top-scored with 75 before falling caught-and-bowled to her counterpart Groves, while Amelia Kemp and Maddie Blinkhorn-Jones also both made fifties.

Jones, though, made sure of the result as she removed both of the latter two batters before her fourth wicket, at the start of her ninth over, completed victory.