Nottinghamshire suffered defeat against Derbyshire in their opening Women’s County 50-over fixture, despite three wickets for Maddie Ward and a gritty performance with the bat from Emily Hughes.
Having lost the toss and been put into bat at Worksop College, Notts lost opener Diya Badge for 2, with skipper Ella Porter (14) bowled by Pagan Hardwick shortly after.
Notts number three Emily Hughes anchored the next phase of the hosts’ innings, weathering the loss of Maddie Ward (10) and Eleanor Owen (5). But her 94-ball vigil was brought to a close on 34, Hardwick claiming a third victim.
Amelia Kite made double figures before she was bowled by Zara Craig, with Evee-Mae Hicklin remaining unbeaten on 13 as Notts were dismissed for 132.
In reply, Derbyshire reached 42 before Natasha Allen was pinned by Hicklin (29), before Sophia McCollum and Adrianna Darlow compiled a half-century stand for the second wicket.
That stand was broken by Ward, who trapped McCollum for 31, removed her replacement Zara Craig for 3 and bowled captain Darlow for 30.
Hicklin returned to remove Mille Gray (6) lbw, but Derbyshire had paced their chase well, and reached their target with five wickets, and a little under five overs, to spare.