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Northamptonshire Steelbacks Women were knocked out of the T20 County Cup by Essex on Sunday despite an incredible knock from Amelia Kemp. Kemp hit 88 unbeaten from 69 balls, which included 16 fours, and guided the Steelbacks to a total of 123 after being 19 for 5 at one stage. The early wicket of Lissy Macleod did provide hope for David Ripley’s side but Grace Scrivens and Jodi Grewcock were able to send Essex into finals day. Having won the toss Northamptonshire decided to bat, however it didn’t get off to the best of starts when Sophie Munro managed to dismiss captain Gemma Marriott and Mabel Reid in the first over. Ana Clive departed in Munro’s next over before May Drinkell was bowled by Sophia Smale in the last ball of the powerplay. Lenny Sims was unfortunate to go in the next over when Kemp’s shot went straight down the ground and was tipped by Esmae MacGregor onto the stumps. At what could’ve been a really difficult period for the Steelbacks, Kemp and Alicia Presland managed to build a 47-run partnership before the latter was caught by Jo Gardner off the bowling of Jodi Grewcock. After Emma Gibbs was run out, Kemp reached her fifty and then upped a gear ultimately ending on 88 with 16 fours, as well as a 50-run partnership with Liz Russell. Chasing 124, Essex lost their first wicket when Reid dismissed Macleod for four in the third over. Scrivens and Grewcock were able to comfortably bat out the rest of the innings for Essex though as they secured a spot in the semi-finals. Next up for the Steelbacks Women is a trip to Belper to take on Derbyshire in the last group game of the One Day Cup.