Having come so close last year, Suffolk Women set off to Northumberland on Saturday afternoon in determined mood to start their 2013 ECB Women’s County Championship Division Four North & East campaign campaign with two away wins

Winning the toss, skipper Vicky Mitchell put the opposition in and her team gave full championship debuts to the Wilson sisters, Bex and Natasha.

Suffolk started with early wickets – a good catch by keeper Ali Newman off Penny Everett, followed by a direct-hit run out by Bex Wilson.

As a result of this early pressure, Northumberland were dismissed for just 67.

Suffolk set about knocking the runs off but lost Beth Absolon early after a confident start. Vice-captain Amanda Ford (32 not out) and young Natasha Wilson saw them home for the loss of one wicket.

An early finish helped keep some energy in the tank with two games in two days, and allowed Suffolk to make the trip to play Cumbria on Bank Holiday Monday.

Again Mitchell won the toss and elected to field. As well as they bowled Sunday, Suffolk went up another step on Monday.

Mitchell and Penny Everett tore into the hosts and with Dani Lavender and Bex Wilson following on strongly, Suffolk blew them away for just 51.

It was a great team effort with good fielding to back up the good bowling, while Natasha Wilson took over the gloves from Ali Newman who damaged a finger in Sunday’s game.

A young Cumbrian side then came out and put Suffolk under huge pressure.

Some tight bowling and some poor shots saw Suffolk slump to nine for four and, with the home fans baying for more wickets, Suffolk suffered a self-induced torrid hour.

Thankfully captain Mitchell and vice-captain Ford showed great composure and shot selection and, after a tough hour, saw Suffolk home to a good win without any further hiccups.

Suffolk’s bowling looks excellent, their fielding decent - they just need to transmit their ability and plans with the bat if they are to secure victories in their forthcoming home games.