Cricket

The Blaze, led by a superb bowling performance from Australian allrounder Erin Burns, defended a modest total of 136 to secure a four-run victory over Northern Diamonds in the Charlotte Edwards Cup.Burns, in her first season with Diamonds, showcased her class with a career-best 5 for 25, including two wickets in the powerplay and two with her final two deliveries. Legspinner Katie Levick also impressed with 3 for 22.Despite Burns' heroics, Scotland skipper Kathryn Bryce top-scored for The Blaze with 31, while England Under-19 captain Josie Groves remained unbeaten on 24. Blaze skipper Kirstie Gordon led the charge in the field, claiming 3 for 20.The Blaze emerged from their batting powerplay at 38 for 2, but a middle-order collapse saw them lose four wickets for just 24 runs. Bryce, Sarah Bryce, Ella Claridge, and Nadine de Klerk all fell in quick succession, leaving The Blaze reeling at 84 for 6.Groves and Michaela Kirk briefly revived the innings with a 36-run partnership, but Kirk's dismissal sparked another collapse as Gordon and Burns wrapped up the innings.Diamonds began their chase steadily, reaching 39 for 1 in the opening six overs. However, Gordon's left-arm spin proved too much for Hollie Armitage, who was trapped leg before wicket.Lauren Winfield-Hill and Kathryn Bryce kept Diamonds in the hunt, but a costly over from Groves and two wickets in an over from Bryce swung the momentum in The Blaze's favor.Winfield-Hill was bowled by Bryce, while Burns ran out Beth Heath. Stere Kallis and Emma Marlow were also dismissed, leaving Diamonds needing an unlikely 19 from the final over.Despite Katherine Fraser's six over wide midwicket, Diamonds fell five runs short, handing The Blaze their second win from two in the Charlotte Edwards Cup.

Central Sparks emerged victorious in their Charlotte Edwards Cup clash against Western Storm, securing a 21-run triumph at the Cooper Associates Ground in Taunton. Abbey Freeborn's scintillating half-century propelled Sparks to a formidable total of 168 for 6, while Katie George's impressive bowling figures of 4 for 36 stifled Storm's chase.Freeborn, the 27-year-old opener, dominated the Sparks innings with a swashbuckling 68 off just 40 deliveries. She formed crucial partnerships with Davina Perrin (26) and Eve Jones (38), laying the foundation for a strong total. Chloe Skelton and Amanda-Jade Wellington were the pick of the Storm bowlers, claiming two and one wickets respectively.In response, Western Storm's Dani Gibson threatened to turn the tide with a quick-fire 40, but George's timely intervention removed her and sparked a collapse. Grace Potts also chipped in with three wickets, as Storm were dismissed for 147 in 18.3 overs.Freeborn's aggressive batting set the tone for Sparks' innings, as she punished anything short or wide. Perrin and Jones provided valuable support, contributing to a solid start and keeping the scoreboard ticking. Storm's bowlers struggled to contain the Sparks batters, with Freeborn reaching her half-century in just 34 balls.Gibson's early onslaught gave Storm hope, but George's wickets proved decisive. The former Storm all-rounder bowled Gibson and Luff in quick succession, while Potts' wickets of Griffiths and Smale further dented Storm's chances. Wellington's unbeaten 31 was in vain, as Sparks secured a comfortable victory.

Central Sparks commenced their Charlotte Edwards Cup campaign with a resounding seven-wicket triumph over Sunrisers at New Road, Worcester. In a season-opening clash between the teams that finished at the bottom of the standings last season, Sparks showcased their resurgence with a dominant performance.Davina Perrin emerged as the star of the show for Sparks, crafting an unbeaten 79 off just 48 deliveries. Her innings, adorned with two sixes and 13 boundaries, propelled Sparks to a comfortable victory. Australian import Courtney Webb provided valuable support, contributing an unbeaten 36.Sunrisers, batting first, posted a modest total of 138 for 6. Alice MacLeod's 39-ball 54 served as the backbone of their innings, while Hannah Baker and Emily Arlott led the Sparks bowling attack with two wickets apiece.Sparks' chase got off to a shaky start as they lost both openers within the first 13 balls. However, Perrin's brilliance and Webb's steady presence at the crease turned the tide in their favor. The duo forged an unbroken 83-run partnership in 47 balls, guiding Sparks to victory with 36 balls to spare.Sunrisers, who endured a winless campaign in the Charlotte Edwards Cup last year, failed to make an impact with the ball. Mady Villiers claimed two wickets, but Sparks' batters remained unfazed, cruising to their target with ease.

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.

Lancashire Thunder kicked off their Charlotte Edwards Cup campaign with a resounding eight-wicket victory over Northern Diamonds at Emirates Old Trafford.Mahika Gaur, Fi Morris, and Kate Cross's exceptional bowling restricted Diamonds to a meager 109 for 5 in their 20 overs. Emma Marlow's valiant 47* was the only notable contribution for the visitors.Thunder's chase was equally impressive, reaching the target in just 15 overs. Emma Lamb led the charge with an unbeaten 44, while Seren Smale contributed 30*.Diamonds' innings began disastrously as Leah Dobson and Lauren Winfield-Hill departed cheaply. Hollie Armitage's dismissal left them reeling at 19 for 3. Sterre Kalis and Marlow provided some resistance, but their partnership was broken when Kalis was caught for 16.Marlow found an ally in Katherine Fraser, and the pair added 42 runs to give Diamonds a semblance of respectability. However, the target of 110 was always within Thunder's reach.Lamb and Georgia Voll got Thunder off to a flying start, reaching 56 for 1 in the powerplay. Voll's unfortunate run out slowed the momentum, but Smale's energy kept the chase on track.Thunder secured the victory with 31 balls to spare, earning a bonus point in the process.

The Blaze emerged victorious in a thrilling rematch of last season's Charlotte Edwards Cup final, defeating the Southern Vipers by a narrow margin of three runs. Kirstie Gordon played a pivotal role for The Blaze, showcasing her prowess with both bat and ball.After losing eight wickets for just 48 runs, The Blaze faced an uphill battle. However, Gordon and Lucy Higham forged a remarkable ninth-wicket partnership, adding 62 runs to the total. Gordon's 29 and Higham's 36* proved crucial in setting a competitive target of 113 for the Vipers.The Vipers' chase got off to a shaky start as they struggled to find momentum. Gordon's bowling proved effective, claiming two wickets for 13 runs. The Vipers' run rate remained sluggish, and wickets fell at regular intervals.With 10 runs required off the final over, Nadine de Klerk stepped up for The Blaze. She dismissed Rhianna Southby and Emily Windsor, securing a thrilling victory for her team.The Vipers' absence of captain Georgia Adams due to injury did not hinder their bowling performance. Charli Knott and Alice Monaghan wreaked havoc on The Blaze's top order, claiming three wickets each. However, Gordon and Higham's resilience proved too much to overcome.The Blaze's victory marks their second consecutive win in the group stage, while the Vipers remain winless. The match showcased the unpredictable nature of the Charlotte Edwards Cup, with both teams demonstrating their fighting spirit and determination.

Daniel Gidney, Lancashire's chief executive, has urged the ECB to secure a title sponsor and a dedicated broadcast deal for the Charlotte Edwards Cup. This call comes after Lancashire's significant investment in women's cricket earned them Tier 1 status in the revamped domestic structure from 2025.Lancashire has been a major supporter of Thunder in England's regional competitions since 2020, with backing from Hilton and Sportsbreaks.com. They now boast a full-time squad of 15 professionals and have embarked on their third consecutive pre-season tour.Gidney expressed his delight at Lancashire's Tier 1 status, emphasizing the need for proper investment in women's cricket. He believes the ECB must find a title sponsor for the Charlotte Edwards Cup and invest in marketing games outside of the Hundred.The ECB has pledged to invest around £19 million in women's domestic cricket by 2027. However, Gidney argues that the Charlotte Edwards Cup needs to be backed by England players and taken seriously. He points out that their quarter-final at Blackpool last year attracted more spectators than Finals Day at New Road.While the men's county competitions have headline sponsors, the women's regional equivalents do not. Gidney insists that the Charlotte Edwards Cup requires a title sponsor that pays substantial money and that it should be broadcast.Gidney believes the move towards a county model reflects the rapid commercialization of women's sport. He cites the success of the Lionesses, Red Roses, and Arsenal's women's team as evidence of this growth.The tender process for Tier 1 teams has highlighted the counties that are genuinely committed to investing in women's cricket. Gidney emphasizes that authenticity is crucial and that counties must demonstrate their commitment through actions and investments.Thunder, who have appointed Chris Read as their coach, will play seven fixtures at Old Trafford this year, the most of any regional team at a men's Test venue. Lancashire is also building a new facility at Farington, which will serve as a training base and host matches.Gidney stresses that Emirates Old Trafford remains the home of Lancashire Cricket for both men and women. Old Trafford will also host women's international cricket again from 2025, and Gidney hopes to secure Women's T20 World Cup matches there in 2026.