Cricket

Southern Vipers extended their dominance in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, securing a four-wicket victory over the in-form Blaze at Chesterfield. In a rematch of last season's final, Blaze aimed to continue their impressive run of 14 wins in 15 games across competitions. However, Vipers proved to be an insurmountable obstacle once again.Blaze posted a competitive 278 in 47.2 overs, with Heather Graham leading the charge with a well-crafted 78. Kathryn Bryce (65) and Sarah Bryce (48) provided valuable support. Mary Taylor emerged as the standout bowler for Vipers, claiming 3 for 32, including two wickets with successive deliveries.Vipers' chase was anchored by a century partnership between Georgia Elwiss (101 not out) and Abi Norgrove (64). The duo came together at a crucial juncture, with Vipers facing a precarious 124 for 4. Their composed batting guided Vipers to victory with four balls to spare.Blaze's innings began with an early setback as Teresa Graves was run out. However, the Bryce sisters steadied the ship with a 71-run partnership. Sarah Bryce's dismissal brought Marie Kelly to the crease, who formed another productive alliance with Kathryn Bryce. The fourth-wicket pair added 66 runs before falling in quick succession.Ella Claridge and Kirstie Gordon departed in consecutive deliveries to Charli Knott, but Graham revived the innings with a brisk half-century. She found the gaps with ease, particularly on the off side, to keep the scoreboard ticking.Vipers' reply started with the loss of Knott, but skipper Adams steadied the chase with two half-century partnerships. However, Blaze fought back with two wickets in four balls, removing Adams and Emily Windsor.With Vipers facing a potential collapse at 124 for 4, Elwiss and Norgrove stepped up to the plate. They played with composure and skill, accumulating a century partnership to put Vipers back in control. Kathryn Bryce briefly threatened a Blaze comeback with two wickets, but Elwiss remained resolute, reaching her century with a six over mid-wicket to seal the victory.

Southern Vipers, the reigning champions of the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, secured a dominant bonus point victory over Western Storm at the 1st Central County Ground. The comprehensive win keeps the Vipers firmly in contention for a semi-final berth.Captain Georgia Adams led the Vipers' bowling attack with an impressive 3 for 17 from six overs. Seamer Mary Taylor also chipped in with three wickets, as Storm were dismissed for a mere 156 after being put into bat.In response, a masterful 65 not out from Georgia Elwiss and a solid 49 from Ella McCaughan guided the Vipers to victory within 30 overs.Storm's innings got off to a slow start, thanks to the disciplined bowling of Freyas Davies and Kemp. Davies, returning from successive stress fractures, claimed her first wicket in the fifth over.Storm skipper Sophie Luff and Emma Corney steadied the ship with a 40-run partnership before Taylor dismissed Corney for 20. Fran Wilson kept the scoreboard ticking over but was caught by Elwiss, while Luff was trapped lbw by Charli Knott.Nat Wraith attempted to counterattack but lacked support as wickets fell regularly at the other end. Amanda-Jade Wellington, Niamh Holland, and Alex Griffiths all departed cheaply.Wraith eventually fell for 31, and the Storm found themselves reeling at 148 for 8. The final two wickets fell in successive balls, as Chloe Skelton and Mollie Robbins were dismissed by Rhianna Southby and Taylor, respectively.The Vipers' reply began positively, with McCaughan and Knott scoring at a steady pace. However, McCaughan was dismissed for 20 in the eighth over, bringing Elwiss to the crease.Elwiss and McCaughan combined for a 73-run partnership, with McCaughan targeting wide deliveries and Elwiss favoring the off side. McCaughan was eventually trapped lbw for 49, but Elwiss continued to accelerate.Elwiss took three boundaries off Griffiths and another three off Wellington to bring the Vipers within striking distance of victory. Adams was dismissed for 10, but a boundary from Kemp sealed the bonus point win for the Vipers.

Southern Vipers, the reigning Charlotte Edwards Cup (CEC) champions, secured their first victory of the 2023 campaign with a dominant 19-run triumph over Sunrisers. The match witnessed record-breaking performances from England's Georgia Elwiss and Freya Kemp, who propelled Vipers to a formidable total of 171 for 2.Elwiss and Kemp forged an unbroken 110-run partnership, the highest for any wicket in Vipers' history. Elwiss anchored the innings with a composed 73 off 57 deliveries, while Kemp unleashed her power-hitting prowess, smashing 55 off 35 balls, including three maximums. Their alliance surpassed the previous Vipers' best of 108, set by Danni Wyatt and Maia Bouchier in last year's Eliminator.In response, Sunrisers' chase was spearheaded by Mady Villiers and Jo Gardner, who shared a 75-run stand. Gardner played the role of anchor, reaching her maiden CEC half-century, while Villiers fell just short of her own fifty. However, Vipers' bowlers tightened their grip, with Mary Taylor claiming two wickets in quick succession to swing the momentum in their favor.Despite Gardner's late power-hitting, Sunrisers fell short of the target, finishing on 152 for 5. Freya Davies, Linsey Smith, and Taylor were the standout bowlers for Vipers, each claiming two wickets.Elwiss's innings marked her first CEC half-century, while Kemp's fifty was her second for Vipers and her first in T20 cricket. Their record-breaking partnership laid the foundation for Vipers' victory, showcasing their exceptional batting prowess.