Cricket

Northern Diamonds emerged victorious in a thrilling Rachael Heyhoe-Flint Trophy encounter against Central Sparks, securing a four-wicket triumph at North Marine Road. The Diamonds' triumph was orchestrated by the brilliance of Katie Levick and Bess Heath.Levick's exceptional bowling performance saw her claim four crucial wickets for just 46 runs, while Heath's unbeaten 58 runs played a pivotal role in guiding her team to victory.Central Sparks, after winning the toss and opting to bat first, posted a competitive total of 239 for 8. Davina Perrin and Katie George both showcased their batting prowess, scoring half-centuries. However, Diamonds' bowlers, led by Levick, consistently struck back, preventing Sparks from establishing a dominant position.Northern Diamonds' chase began steadily, with opener Lauren Winfield-Hill setting the tone with an aggressive approach in the powerplay. Emma Marlow's solid contribution of 55 runs provided further stability, while Heath and Erin Burns combined effectively to steer the Diamonds towards their target.Despite losing Winfield-Hill for 46, Diamonds maintained their composure. Skipper Hollie Armitage and Marlow rotated the strike efficiently, keeping the scoreboard ticking. Armitage's departure for 28 was followed by a brief setback as Sparks claimed two quick wickets.However, Heath and Burns displayed their experience and skill, rebuilding the innings and guiding the Diamonds to victory with six overs to spare. Heath's boundary-hitting ability and Burns's reverse sweep for four proved crucial in the final stages.

Northern Diamonds' experienced trio of Katie Levick, Lauren Winfield-Hill, and Hollie Armitage led the team to a dominant nine-wicket victory over Thunder in their opening match of the season at Chester-le-Street.Levick, a veteran legspinner, spearheaded the Diamonds' bowling attack, claiming 4 for 38 as Thunder was dismissed for 165 in 43.1 overs. The visitors' innings was anchored by Seren Smale's 32, but they struggled to build substantial partnerships.In response, Winfield-Hill and Armitage, both England internationals, guided the Diamonds to a comfortable victory with unbeaten half-centuries. Winfield-Hill struck 69*, while Armitage contributed 61* as the hosts reached the target in just 34.3 overs.Thunder's batting woes began early when Emma Lamb was dismissed for a duck by Jessica Woolston. Smale showed some resistance, but she lacked support from her teammates. Australian debutant Katie Mack made a promising start with 19, but she was trapped in front by Abi Glenn.Glenn then bowled Fi Morris for a first-ball duck, leaving Thunder reeling at 40 for 3. The umpires were kept busy as both Ellie Threlkeld and Smale departed leg-before, with Smale's 32 being the highest score of the innings.Levick turned the screw, taking the last three wickets to fall and finishing with impressive figures of 4 for 38 from 9.1 overs. Thunder's total of 165 proved to be well below par.Winfield-Hill and Sterre Kalis attacked from the outset of the Diamonds' innings, putting pressure on Thunder's bowlers. Phoebe Graham and Mahika Gaur bowled tightly, but they failed to make a breakthrough until the 14th over when Kalis was caught for 28.Armitage joined Winfield-Hill at the crease, and the pair put on a match-winning partnership. They attacked Thunder's bowlers, particularly Norris and Morris, with some powerful hitting. Winfield-Hill reached her half-century, and Armitage followed suit in the 34th over.The century partnership was completed shortly before the winning runs were hit, leaving Winfield-Hill and Armitage unbeaten at the close. The Diamonds secured a bonus-point victory, setting the tone for a promising start to their season.