South East Stars Crush Sunrisers with Record Partnership and Clinical Bowling

The South East Stars secured a dominant 44-run victory over the Sunrisers in the Rachel Heyhoe Flint Trophy at Beckenham on Sunday, thanks to a record-breaking partnership and a clinical bowling performance.

Batting first, the Stars posted a formidable total of 258, with Bryony Smith (84) and Alice Davidson-Richards (70) sharing a historic 148-run stand for the third wicket. Jodi Grewcock was the pick of the Sunrisers bowlers with 3 for 43.

In reply, the Sunrisers made a promising start, reaching 88 for 1. However, the dismissal of Jo Gardner (39) triggered a collapse, with Dani Gregory (3 for 47) and Smith (2 for 31) leading the charge. Alice Macleod top-scored for the visitors with 44, but they were eventually bowled out for 214.

The Stars' innings was characterized by patience and resilience. Smith, dropped twice, played a measured knock, while Davidson-Richards reached her half-century with a stylish boundary. The pair's partnership laid the foundation for a strong total.

The Sunrisers' chase began with a setback as Phoebe Franklin dismissed Mady Villiers for 11. Macleod and Gardner steadied the ship, but Gregory's dismissal of the former proved pivotal. A flurry of wickets followed, with Smith and Gregory claiming key scalps.

Despite a late rally from Sophie Munro (12), the Sunrisers were unable to keep pace with the required run rate. Ryana MacDonald-Gay sealed the victory for the Stars, dismissing Kate Coppack for five.

The result sees the Stars move above the Sunrisers in the standings. The competition now enters a break for the Hundred, with both teams looking to maintain their momentum upon its resumption.

Tags: #RachelHeyhoeFlintTrophy, #SouthEastStars, #Sunrisers, #BryonySmith, #AliceDavidsonRichards