Cricket

The Blaze's impressive bowling performance propelled them to a crucial 20-run victory over Southern Vipers in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, keeping their knockout stage hopes alive.Marie Kelly's gritty 40 anchored The Blaze's batting effort on a challenging pitch, while Ava Lee's career-best 4-51 on her 19th birthday proved instrumental in restricting Vipers.The Blaze's innings got off to a shaky start as Sarah Bryce and Georgie Boyce departed cheaply. Kathryn Bryce's six provided a brief respite, but Georgia Elwiss dismissed her to leave The Blaze struggling at 38-3.Kelly emerged as the lone beacon of stability, driving confidently and building partnerships with Prendergast (38) and Gordon (26). However, Vipers' spinners, led by Lee, kept chipping away, dismissing Kelly for 40 and claiming three more wickets in quick succession.Despite Boyce's return from injury, The Blaze's innings ended on 208, with Grace Ballinger contributing a valuable 24.Vipers' chase began promisingly with Rhianna Southby's composed opening stand. However, Prendergast's early strikes put Vipers on the back foot. Gordon's accurate spin bowling further stifled the chase, leading to Southby's run-out.Emily Windsor's patient 41 kept Vipers in contention, but Prendergast's return to the attack proved decisive. Windsor's dismissal triggered a collapse, with Vipers losing five wickets for 21 runs.Linsey Smith's chip to mid-off and Norgrove's stumping left Vipers needing 45 from the last 13 overs. However, Kathryn Bryce's dismissal of Lee sealed the victory for The Blaze.The win keeps The Blaze in the hunt for a knockout spot, while Vipers remain top of the table but missed out on an opportunity to secure their progression.

The Blaze, led by an impressive Marie Kelly, secured a five-wicket victory over Central Sparks in a thrilling encounter at Edgbaston. This victory propelled Blaze to the top of the final table with nine wins in ten games, while Sparks dropped to fourth after Southern Vipers' bonus point win.Sparks' innings began cautiously, with Kirstie Gordon and Grace Ballinger restricting them to a modest 138 for eight. Abi Freeborn (39), Davina Perrin (37), and Amy Jones (36) provided solid contributions, but the rest of the batting lineup faltered. Josie Groves and Heather Graham each claimed two wickets, while Gordon and Ballinger chipped in with one apiece.In response, Blaze's Marie Kelly played a pivotal role, scoring an unbeaten 89 off 63 deliveries. Her classy innings guided her side to victory in just 19.2 overs. Kathryn Bryce (27) provided valuable support, adding 106 runs with Kelly for the second wicket.Despite a slow start, Blaze's innings gained momentum as Kelly found her rhythm. She reached her half-century in 37 balls and continued to dominate the Sparks bowling attack. Sarah Bryce, Pavely, and Claridge all fell in quick succession, but Kelly remained resolute, ensuring her side's victory at her former home ground.