The Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy resumed after a two month break for the Charlotte Edwards Cup and England games. However, it did return with some teams missing key personnel who had been called up to England or England A.
Sparks return to winning ways
Central Sparks denied Thunder their first Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy win as they registered a convincing victory by 29 runs. Sparks slipped to 27/3 and Thunder’s left-arm seam attack of Tara Norris and Mahika Gaur had an early impact. Abbey Freeborn and Ami Campbell rebuilt the innings scoring 67 and 68 respectively. Laura Jackson played her first match for Thunder this season, taking two wickets but it was Norris who shone, taking four. The Sparks were bowled out for 223 on the final ball.
Seren Smale anchored the innings for Thunder, scoring 94 – her highest score in regional cricket. But, her teammates struggled and Thunder lost quick wickets, Katie George taking three wickets and Bethan Ellis and Georgia Davis taking two apiece. It was a comfortable win for the hosts, winning with an over to spare.
Diamonds continue to shine
There were three debuts for the South East Stars as the team fielded a young side due to numerous players on England duties. Consequently, the Stars were bowled out for 205 with loanee, Chloe Hill top scoring on 63. Northern Diamonds’ Grace Hall was the pick of the bowlers, taking 4/33 while Katie Levick and Jess Woolston had two to their names.
In response, the Diamonds wrapped up the game in the 34th over with Lauren Winfield-Hill scoring 116* from 100 balls, supported by a quick 57 from 44 balls by South Africa’s Chloe Tryon. Debutant Darcey Carter took two wickets while the only other contribution was a run out by Jemima Spence.
Sunrisers do the Double
For the second time this season, Sunrisers beat the Southern Vipers – the Sunrisers cinching the win by 28 runs. 18-year-old Jodi Grewcock provided the all-round performance scoring 76 and taking 4/45. The Sunrisers were bowled out for 254
Emily Windsor responded, scoring 84 but it was futile as the Vipers were bowling out for 226. Of course, the Vipers were depleted of their usual key squad members – a factor in their loss.
The Blaze continue their winning streak
The Blaze were also bowled out for 245, Marie Kelly top scoring with 54. Teresa Graves, Michaela Kirk and Sophie Munro also reached the 40s but debutant Piepa Clearly and Nicole Harvey, on return to the side, took three-for.
Opening the batting, Alex Griffiths scored a tentative 67 aided by Fran Wilson’s 43 but Western Storm’s run-rate was too low and the Storm wrapped up on 239/7 after the 50 overs – just 7 runs short of the win.
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