The final game of the 2023 season – for some reason, it doesn’t feel like it’s the end of the season. The players probably feel very differently!
A repeated fixture of the Charlotte Edwards Cup Final, the Southern Vipers will face The Blaze at Northants. The Vipers will be looking to win their third Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, while The Blaze – in their first year of existence – will want to get their hands on some silverware.
Joining back up with the Vipers are England players: Freya Kemp, Maia Bouchier and Charlie Dean, who will only strengthen the side. The Vipers are a winning machine and that is undeniable but having experienced players – a few of whom have played in crunch Ashes matches over the summer – adds to their armoury.
For the Blaze, it’s their first chance at the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy and having missed out on the Lottie Cup – to the Vipers – they’ll be even more keen to pick up silverware. Having only been rebranded and re-established this season, Chris Guest’s side have had an impressive run, remaining unbeaten until the Lottie Cup Final.
So, who will win? On one hand, the Vipers seem to usually find a way to win but the Blaze are new, fresh onto the scene and have real bowling depth. If the Blaze can impress with the bat, their top order including Lizelle Lee, Tammy Beaumont, Marie Kelly, Kathryn Bryce and Sarah Bryce, should be able to set or chase a respectable total.
But, saying that, the Vipers have immense depth with the bat. Their top order is strong while members of the lower order have made half centuries across the season. With Charlie Dean back, their bowling department has another string to its bow to work alongside the likes of Mary Taylor and Linsey Smith. Most importantly, the Vipers have Emily Windsor who is a serial finisher with the bat!
Southern Vipers Squad: Georgia Adams ©, Freya Kemp, Linsey Smith, Maia Bouchier, Ava Lee, Rhianna Southby (wk), Charlie Dean, Ella McCaughan, Megan Sturge, Georgia Elwiss, Alice Monaghan, Mary Taylor, Nancy Harman, Abi Norgrove, Emily Windsor
The Blaze Squad: Grace Ballinger, Tammy Beaumont, Georgie Boyce, Kathryn Bryce, Sarah Bryce, Ella Claridge, Kirstie Gordon, Teresa Graves, Josie Groves, Bethany Harmer, Lucy Higham, Marie Kelly, Michaela Kirk, Lizelle Lee, Cassidy McCarthy, Sophie Munro
Comments