The Blaze lost their first Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy fixture but still sit clear at the top of the table. At the other end, Western Storm remain winless, the Sunrisers sitting just above them. In unprecedented circumstances, the Southern Vipers are struggling in 5th place but returned to winning ways this week.
Washed Out
Persistent rain in Northampton meant the anticipated match up between Sunrisers and Thunder was called off. The teams share points.
Sparks Alight
The Central Sparks took another win on the road as they overcame the Northern Diamonds by five wickets. In a DLS effected game, the Diamonds set 224 for the Sparks to chase with all batters impressing. Bess Heath’s 49* from 31 balls, accelerated the run rate but skipper Hollie Armitage struck an assured 66 to improve her side’s chances.
Katie Levick’s 3/31 proved futile as Katie George rocketed to a half century, totalling 56 from 35 balls, placing the Sparks in prime position to seal the win. Eve Jones and Ami Campbell reached the mid-20s and the visitors eased over the line.
Vipers bounce back
In a match reduced to 48 overs, the Southern Vipers enjoyed victory over the Western Storm at Millfield School. Batting first, the Storm hit 230/5 with Emma Corney impressing with 69 from 100 balls. Fran Wilson and Niamh Holland just fell short of half centuries but offered valuable contributions.
Spinner Linsey Smith was the pick of the bowlers taking 2/36 from her 10 overs. The Vipers out did the Storm bowlers as Maia Bouchier struck 71 just below a run a ball. Freya Kemp, who has missed most of the season with a lower back stress fracture, didn’t feature with the ball but scored a pacy 47 from 36 deliveries.
Despite an economical seven overs from Sophia Smale and wickets from Piepa Cleary, Phoebe Graham, Chloe Skelton and Alex Griffiths, the Vipers secured the win with six overs to spare.
The Blaze Run Ends
The Blaze registered their first Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy defeat as the South East Stars took a comfortable win at Welbeck CC. The hosts were bowled out for 159 with Teresa Graves top scoring on 56 from a sluggish 96 balls. There were no other significant contributions from the side.
Freya Davies was among the wickets taking 3/28 assisted by Alice Davidson-Richards and youngsters Alexa Stonehouse and Ryana MacDonald-Gay who took two apiece. The Stars’ response with the bat was far from impressive as they quickly slipped to 3/30. Overseas star, Tasmin Brits, however, hit a winning knock of 85, the Stars reaching the total in the 35th over.
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