Cricket

The Blaze emerged victorious in a thrilling Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy encounter against Western Storm, securing a five-wicket triumph at Cheltenham.Chasing a modest target of 218, The Blaze's pursuit began promisingly with Sarah Bryce's aggressive 61 off 54 deliveries. However, a mid-innings collapse left them reeling at 115 for 5.Enter Lucy Higham and Ella Claridge, who forged an unbeaten 105-run partnership to guide The Blaze to victory with 7.3 overs to spare. Higham's composed 62 off 60 balls and Claridge's steady 43 proved crucial in the chase.Earlier, Western Storm had posted 217 all out in 46.2 overs. Fran Wilson top-scored with 67, while Sophie Luff contributed 31. Kathryn Bryce was the standout bowler for The Blaze, claiming 4 for 20 from 8.5 overs.The victory lifts The Blaze to fifth place in the standings, while Western Storm remain rooted to the bottom after their fifth consecutive defeat in the 50-over format.

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.