Edwards inspires easy England victory

England's women showed its superiority over Ireland with an emphatic 147-run win over Ireland on Wednesday, in its first one day international of the season, at Kibworth Cricket Club, Leicester.

Winning the toss and electing to bat, Charlotte Edwards (72) led her team in style picking up eight boundaries and crafting a steady partnership (34) with Laura Marsh (67), to set up the England victory.

Marsh scored her first one day international half-century as she racked up the runs in an impressive partnership (50) with Danielle Hazell (24*). With contributions throughout the batting order, England set the target of 274-7 for Ireland to chase down.

The England bowling attack once again showed their superiority with wickets shared across the board. Spinner Holly Colvin picked up 2-31 and the fast paced Katherine Brunt (1-13) was in-form, with aggressive bowling from the off.

Ireland opening batter, Clare Shillington was forced to retire hurt after being hit on the arm early in her innings.

Despite top scoring Laura Delany (43), Ireland failed to make inroads into England's formidable target. With the fall of early wickets leaving Ireland 4-77, a middle order collapse followed under the pressure to leave Ireland 147 runs short, on 127-9.

Speaking after the game Laura Marsh said: 'It was a great day today and personally nice to have scored my first one day fifty. I have been working hard with Mark Lane and Jack Birkenshaw on my technique and it's paying off.

'Charlotte Edwards batted well up front and put in a good performance.

'We've now got to take this momentum into the NatWest One Day International Series against New Zealand.'

The first NatWest Women's One Day International, between England and New Zealand will be played on Saturday July 10, at the County Ground, Taunton.