Hollie Armitage's 97 Powers Northern Diamonds to Victory Over Western Storm

Northern Diamonds' Hollie Armitage produced a scintillating performance, smashing a career-best 97 off 64 deliveries, to power her team to a 28-run victory over Western Storm in the Charlotte Edwards Cup. The match, played at Headingley, was a dead rubber, but the Diamonds showcased their dominance with a commanding display.

Armitage's innings was a masterclass in batting, featuring 14 boundaries and two towering sixes. She forged a formidable opening partnership with Emma Marlow, contributing 97 runs before Marlow departed for nine. Armitage continued her onslaught, reaching her half-century in just 30 balls and dominating the Storm's bowling attack.

Western Storm's bowlers struggled to contain Armitage's aggression, with Ellie Anderson conceding five boundaries in a single over. The Diamonds' innings was a testament to Armitage's exceptional form, as she propelled her team to a formidable total of 146 for three.

In response, Western Storm's chase faltered from the outset. Rachel Slater's incisive bowling accounted for Dani Gibson and Nat Wraith in the first over, leaving Storm reeling at one for two. Emma Corney and Fran Wilson attempted to rebuild the innings, but their partnership was broken by Sophia Turner's dismissal of Corney.

Katherine Fraser and Katie Levick further tightened the screws on Storm, with Fraser removing Wilson and Levick dismissing Sophie Luff. Turner and Levick shared the remaining wickets, as Storm were restricted to 118 for seven, falling 28 runs short of their target.

Armitage's magnificent innings, coupled with the Diamonds' disciplined bowling performance, secured a comfortable victory. The match was witnessed by several former Yorkshire players, including England legend Katherine Sciver-Brunt, who was recently honored with an OBE.

Tags: #CharlotteEdwardsCup, #NorthernDiamonds, #WesternStorm, #HollieArmitage, #FranWilson