South East Stars Snatch Narrow Four-Run Win Over Western Storm in Charlotte Edwards Cup Opener

In a thrilling encounter at the Seat Unique Stadium in Bristol, South East Stars emerged victorious over Western Storm by a narrow four-run margin in their Charlotte Edwards Cup opener.

Chasing a modest target of 133, Storm's hopes were dashed in the final over by the brilliance of Tash Farrant. The former England allrounder conceded just two runs from the final two deliveries, including the crucial wicket of Alex Griffiths, to secure the win for Stars.

Earlier, Amanda-Jade Wellington had starred for Storm with a superb bowling performance, claiming 3 for 22 from four overs. Her efforts, coupled with a catch and a run-out, restricted Stars to 132 for 9. Aylish Cranstone top-scored for the visitors with a gritty 31, but a middle-overs collapse saw them lose five wickets in quick succession.

Storm's reply got off to a solid start thanks to Emma Corney's 37-ball 40. Niamh Holland contributed 32, but the chase faltered in the final over as Griffiths and Sophie Luff were dismissed in quick succession.

Stars skipper Bryony Smith had set the tone for her team with an aggressive start, but her dismissal for 16 triggered a collapse. Paige Scholfield and Sophia Dunkley provided some resistance, but Wellington's three wickets in 14 balls put Storm firmly in control.

However, Cranstone's spirited 31 kept Stars in the game, and Farrant's heroics in the final over ultimately proved decisive.

Tags: #CharlotteEdwardsCup, #SouthEastStars, #WesternStorm, #TashFarrant, #AmandaJadeWellington