Everything really is to play for in the final round of the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy. With first place facing second place, third playing fourth, fifth meeting sixth and seventh and eighth battling it out in a dead rubber, there’s plenty to still be determined.
The Blaze v Southern Vipers
Haslegrave, Loughborough
Saturday 16th September 10.30am
Although their run in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy has secured their qualification already, The Blaze have lost some momentum in recent weeks and have suffered some huge losses. In contrast, the Vipers are finding wins everywhere and for them, qualification is the bare minimum.
This may be the fixture that is paid in the final so neither side will take this game lightly. Of course, the Blaze are guaranteed to qualify, they will want to secure the top spot by a mile. The Blaze have often done well when their side is bolstered by Tammy Beaumont and Nat Sciver-Brunt but after England duties, they may not be available.
Central Sparks v South East Stars
Edgbaston Stadium, Birmingham
Saturday 16th September 10.30am
The Sparks and the Stars have fluctuated throughout the season, but both have plenty to play for this weekend. Sat on 31 points each and minimal difference in their net run rate, one team could gain four or five points and qualify while the other will miss out on a huge opportunity.
This fixture is likely to be one of the most exciting matches of the weekend as both sides have very strong chances of qualification.
Northern Diamonds v Sunrisers
Riverside, Chester-le-Street
Saturday 16th September 10.30am
From the ashes, the Sunrisers have risen and suddenly won three matches on the bounce – convincingly. Even if the Sunrisers beat the Diamonds, they will be reliant on other results going in their favour such as the Vipers losing.
The Northern Diamonds have a higher chance of progressing after a significant victory over the Thunder mid-week.
Thunder v Western Storm
Old Trafford, Manchester
Saturday 16th September 10.30am
If your heartrate wants to remain steady, this is perhaps the ideal game. Guaranteed to finish in seventh and eighth place, Thunder will face Western Storm in a dead rubber. Thunder have had the more successful season, reaching the Charlotte Edwards Cup semi-final but the Storm have struggled, failing to recruit over the winter and losing some important players.
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