South East Stars caused an upset, the Sunrisers are thriving in the Scrivens era, the Vipers are winning as usual and the Diamonds have become run machines. Here's everything that happened in round 12 of the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy 2023.
The Vipers Steam Ahead
Winning by 64 runs, the Southern Vipers enjoyed yet another win in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy to boost their chances of making finals day. Georgia Adams’ 71 and Emily Windsor’s 59 from 67 guided the Vipers to 237 where they were bowled out. Thunder’s spin attack thrived with Olivia Bell and Fi Morris taking three wickets apiece and Hannah Jones, on return from injury, taking two.
Thunder’s slow response determined the result, but Fi Morris managed to contribute with the bat scoring 52. Despite her efforts, Mary Taylor’s four wicket hall and economic bowling by Linsey Smith saw Thunder all out for 173.
ADR Stars
Alice Davidson-Richards’ maiden list A century and Paige Scholfield’s half century helped the South East Stars climb to 278. The Blaze’s Grace Ballinger impressed, taking 4/54 and their spin department proved equally important.
Despite their winning run so far, the Blaze failed to get over the line as they were bowled out for 171. Kirstie Gordon top scored on 40 but the Stars’ bowling line up proved too strong for the table leaders. The Stars registered a comfortable 107 runs win, bouncing back from their defeat last week.
The Sun Won't Set
An unbeaten century from Abbey Freeborn placed Sparks in a strong position against the Sunrisers, ending 227/8. It was a team effort for the Sunrisers with the ball, Jodi Grewcock being the pick of the bowlers, taking 2/36 from her 10 overs.
Grace Scrivens opened the batting for the Sunrisers, scoring a patient half century, setting up her side well. Amara Carr and Mady Villiers also went on to score half centuries but both fell LBW to Sparks’ seam attack. With the target getting close and enough wickets in hand, Sunrisers knocked off the runs to seal the win within 45 overs.
Diamonds' Run Machines
Reduced to 43 overs due to rain, the Northern Diamonds batted first, showing their strength against the Western Storm. The Diamonds raced to 281/3 with Lauren Winfield-Hill top scoring on 83 and 68* by Leah Dobson. Western Storm struggled to find breakthroughs, only Mollie Robbins registering wickets.
After a slow start, there was some promise in the batting for the Storm as Sophie Luff and Fran Wilson held a 107-run partnership. However, with the required run rate pushing above 10, it seemed an impossible task for the hosts. The Diamonds secured victory, winning by 31 runs
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