Jones demands relentless standards as WSB WP Women host Dragons at Newlands

World Sports Betting Western Province Women captain Leah Jones has called for intensity, discipline and consistency as the Girls in Blue prepare to host North-West Dragons in their final Hollywoodbets Pro Series home fixtures at WSB Newlands this weekend.

WSB Western Province will face the North West Dragons on Saturday and Sunday in crucial Pro50 and Pro20 encounters, having already secured a place in the Hollywoodbets Pro20 final while still pushing to climb higher than third position in the Pro50 standings.

Jones emphasised that maintaining momentum across both formats will be key as the season reaches its decisive phase.

“Momentum is massive for us,” said Jones. “When you’re competing in two formats at the back end of the season, consistency in performance and mindset becomes really important. Securing a Pro20 final is a great achievement but it doesn’t mean much if we take our foot off the pedal in the Pro50. The confidence you build in one format feeds into the other - whether that’s clarity in roles, execution under pressure, or just the belief within the squad. We want to be a team that carries intensity and standards across formats.”

While a Pro20 final against the Lions awaits, the captain made it clear that the squad’s full focus remains on the immediate task.

“The key is staying present,” she said. “The final against the Lions is something we’re excited about, but right now the most important game is the next one in front of us. We’ve spoken about not looking too far ahead and making sure we earn momentum through strong performances in the Pro50. At the same time, everything we do in preparation - from training standards to tactical clarity - naturally contributes to being ready for the final. It’s about trusting the process and understanding that good habits now will put us in the best position when that Pro20 final comes around.”

The Dragons present a significant challenge, particularly in the longer format, where fine margins often determine outcomes.

“The Dragons are a competitive side with players who can change the game quickly,” Jones explained. “In the Pro50 format especially, one big partnership or a key spell with the ball can swing momentum. At Newlands, conditions can test you - there’s often assistance early on for the seamers and the outfield can be quick, so you need to be sharp in all departments. They’re a team that will punish you if you’re slightly off, so our discipline with bat and ball will be crucial.”

For Province, the focus will be on executing the basics and sustaining high standards for the full duration of both matches.

“It starts with executing the basics well. With the bat, that means building partnerships and making sure one of the top six converts a start into something substantial,” she said.

“With the ball, it’s about control through the middle overs and taking wickets at key moments. Fielding will also be a big focus - tight games at this stage are often decided by small margins. If we stay disciplined, adapt well to conditions and keep our intensity high for the full 100 overs, we give ourselves the best chance of securing maximum points.”

Hollywoodbets Pro Series Fixtures

Saturday @ 10am – Hollywoodbets Pro20

World Sports Betting Western Province v North West Dragons – WSB Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town

Garden Route Badgers v Hollywoodbets Dolphins - Recreation Ground, Oudtshoorn

DP World Lions v Fidelity Titans - DP World Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg

Sunday @ 10am – Hollywoodbets Pro20

World Sports Betting Western Province v North West Dragons – WSB Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town

Garden Route Badgers v Hollywoodbets Dolphins - Recreation Ground, Oudtshoorn

DP World Lions v Fidelity Titans - DP World Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg