Cricket

Sunrisers, once the perennial underdogs of the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, have emerged as the final regional champions of the tournament. Their remarkable turnaround culminated in a 27-run DLS victory over South East Stars, a testament to their newfound resilience and determination.Kate Coppack, a formidable new-ball bowler, played a pivotal role in dismantling the Stars' top order. Her career-best figures of 4 for 27 left the Stars reeling at 53 for 4. Alice Davidson-Richards, however, provided a glimmer of hope with a valiant 93, forming crucial partnerships with Aylish Cranstone and Phoebe Franklin.Despite Davidson-Richards' heroics, the Stars were eventually bowled out for 212. Cordelia Griffith, in scintillating form, then led the Sunrisers' chase with a blistering half-century. Her 54-ball 57, adorned with elegant cover drives and powerful pulls, propelled the Sunrisers to a comfortable position.As the rain intensified, the match was halted with the Sunrisers well ahead of the DLS par score. Their victory marked a historic moment, as they became the last team to lift the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy in its regional format.Sunrisers' triumph is a testament to their unwavering spirit and the exceptional performances of their players. Coppack's accuracy and Griffith's explosive batting proved to be the difference-makers in their remarkable journey from wooden spoon winners to regional champions.

The South East Stars have secured their place in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy final after a thrilling three-wicket victory over the Southern Vipers in a semi-final that went down to the wire.The Vipers posted a competitive 220 for 9 from their 50 overs, with Nancy Harman top-scoring with 38. Tilly Corteen-Coleman was the pick of the Stars' bowlers, claiming 3 for 33.The Stars' chase got off to a shaky start, losing three wickets for just 10 runs. However, a remarkable partnership of 90 from 86 balls between Alice Davidson-Richards and Kalea Moore turned the tide in their favor.Davidson-Richards, who was dropped on 31, remained unbeaten on 90, while Moore contributed an unbeaten 52. The duo's heroics propelled the Stars to victory with just seven balls to spare.The Vipers' innings was anchored by Harman and Alice Monaghan, who put on a 48-run partnership for the seventh wicket. However, Corteen-Coleman and Davidson-Richards combined to dismiss both batters in quick succession.The Stars' chase was also marked by a crucial dropped catch by Naomi Dattani, who spilled a simple chance offered by Davidson-Richards when she was on 31. This proved to be a pivotal moment in the match, as Davidson-Richards went on to play a match-winning knock.The Stars will now face the Sunrisers in the final at Grace Road on Saturday, while the Vipers' season comes to an end.

Sunrisers have secured their place in the knockout stages of the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy for the first time, defeating defending champions Southern Vipers in a thrilling rain-affected encounter.After failing to win a single match in the first three editions of the competition, Sunrisers narrowly missed out on qualification last year. However, this season, they have emerged as a formidable force, with their seventh victory of the tournament coming against the holders.Cordelia Griffith and Lissy MacLeod laid the foundation for Sunrisers' impressive total of 281, scoring half-centuries. Former Sunriser Naomi Dattani claimed a maiden five-wicket haul for Vipers, but her efforts were not enough to prevent Sunrisers from posting a challenging target.In response, Vipers were restricted to 88 for 8 in their 10-over chase of 94 under the DLS method. Despite a winless Hundred campaign, Vipers had already secured a semi-final berth but their hopes of a home tie were dashed by South East Stars' victory over Northern Diamonds.Dattani's bowling spells proved pivotal for Vipers, as she dismissed key Sunrisers batters Grace Scrivens and Jo Gardner. Her return to the attack also saw Jodi Grewcock and Eva Grey depart, while Rebecca Tyson and Ava Lee's tight spin kept the run rate in check.However, MacLeod and Flo Miller counterattacked with an enterprising 90-run partnership, with MacLeod reaching her first RHFT fifty since 2021. Miller also contributed a valuable 41 off 31 balls.In the final overs, Vipers fought back with wickets, but Sunrisers managed to post a competitive total of 281. Rain intervened during the interval, reducing Vipers' innings to just 10 overs.Despite the challenging target, Vipers started brightly, but wickets fell regularly, including those of Rhianna Southby, Ella McCaughan, and Dattani. Emily Windsor and Nancy Harman kept Vipers in the hunt with a 26-run stand, but their dismissals and a run out left Vipers needing 13 off the last over. They could only muster seven, handing Sunrisers a memorable victory.

South East Stars secured a home semi-final in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy with a dominant 156-run victory over Northern Diamonds at Durham.New-ball seamer Alexa Stonehouse starred for the Stars, claiming a career-best 4 for 27 as the Diamonds were bowled out for a paltry 119 in 37 overs. Alice Davidson-Richards anchored the Stars' innings with a season-best 79, while Emma Jones contributed a career-best 47.The Diamonds, who had already secured top spot in the group stage, failed to match the intensity of the Stars. Rachel Slater and Abi Glen dismissed the Stars' openers, but Davidson-Richards and Phoebe Franklin steadied the ship.Franklin's 32 included a six over long-off, while Davidson-Richards reached her fifty off 56 balls. A 50-stand between Davidson-Richards and Aylish Cranstone gave the Stars a platform, and they capitalized on sloppy fielding and loose bowling from the Diamonds.Davidson-Richards pulled Beth Langston for six but was caught the next ball. Jones fell just short of a maiden senior fifty, caught by Erin Burns.The Diamonds' chase got off to a disastrous start as Tilly Corteen-Coleman dismissed Lauren Winfield-Hill. Stonehouse then took three wickets in quick succession, including opener Emma Marlow and Langston. Franklin bowled Sterre Kalis, leaving the Diamonds reeling at 30 for 5.Turner resisted with a career-best 49, but Stonehouse returned to complete her 10-over allocation. Spinners Dani Gregory and Kalea Moore (3 for 10) wrapped up the Stars' victory.The Stars will now host a semi-final, while the Diamonds will reflect on a disappointing end to their campaign.

In a rain-shortened Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy match at Taunton's Cooper Associates Ground, Thunder emerged victorious over Western Storm by two runs via the Duckworth/Lewis/Stern Method.Thunder captain Eleanor Threlkeld played a pivotal role, scoring an unbeaten 69 to guide her team to a total of 216 for 9 from 50 overs. Alice Clarke contributed 41, while Grace Johnson chipped in with 23. However, three self-inflicted run outs marred Thunder's innings.Western Storm's Australian international Amanda-Jade Wellington proved to be a thorn in Thunder's side, claiming 2 for 28 from 10 overs. Mollie Robbins also impressed with 3 for 28, keeping things tight with her new ball and death bowling.Chasing a revised target of 71 from 20 overs, Storm appeared in control with openers Emma Corney and Sophia Smale getting them off to a solid start. However, the experienced duo of Sophie Luff and Fran Wilson failed to accelerate the scoring rate, leaving Storm short of the DLS requirement.As the rain intensified, umpires Mark Newell and Fiona Richards were forced to abandon the game with Storm on 69 for 2 after 20 overs. Luff and Wilson remained unbeaten on 16 and 13, respectively.Threlkeld's innings was a masterclass in adaptability, as she adjusted her game to the challenging conditions and the loss of wickets around her. Her unbeaten half-century ensured that Thunder had a competitive total to defend.Despite the disappointment of not being able to complete the match, Storm can take solace in the fact that they have shown signs of improvement in recent weeks. With the season drawing to a close, they will be looking to finish on a high note in their remaining fixtures.

The Blaze's hopes of securing a domestic double in women's regional cricket hang in the balance after a disappointing five-wicket defeat to Central Sparks in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy. The result leaves the Charlotte Edwards Cup holders precariously placed in fourth position, with just a one-point advantage over fifth-placed Sunrisers.On a challenging pitch at Chesterfield, The Blaze struggled to find their rhythm, posting a modest total of 166. Michaela Kirk top-scored with a season-best 36, while Kathryn Bryce contributed 33. However, the Sparks' bowling attack, led by Grace Potts' three-wicket haul, kept the Blaze in check.In reply, Central Sparks rode on an unbeaten 57 from Katie George to chase down the target with 52 balls to spare. George anchored the innings, sharing a crucial 53-run partnership with Charis Pavely to guide her team to victory.The defeat leaves The Blaze's semi-final hopes in jeopardy. They must now rely on Sunrisers losing their final match against Southern Vipers to secure a top-four finish. The Sparks, meanwhile, end their campaign on a high note, marking their last appearance as Central Sparks with a win.The result also highlights the impending changes in domestic women's cricket. Trent Bridge-based The Blaze will retain their current identity, while the Sparks will transition to Warwickshire in 50-over cricket and Birmingham Bears in T20.

South East Stars secured a crucial victory over Central Sparks in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, boosting their chances of reaching the semi-finals. Batting first, Stars amassed an impressive 270 all out, thanks to a 127-run partnership between Kira Chathli (80) and Alice Davidson-Richards (70). Katie George and Charis Pavely claimed four and three wickets, respectively, for Sparks.Sparks' chase got off to a shaky start, losing four wickets within the first 13 overs. However, Davina Perrin (50), Chloe Brewer (54), and Bethan Ellis (57) staged a valiant recovery, keeping their team in contention. Despite their efforts, Sparks fell short by 20 runs, finishing on 250 for 9.The victory puts Stars on the brink of a semi-final berth. They need only to win their final game against Northern Diamonds to secure their place in the last four. However, a defeat could potentially see them edged out if Sunrisers manage a bonus-point win over Southern Vipers.Stars' innings began with an early wicket, but Alexa Stonehouse and Phoebe Franklin steadied the ship with a 70-run partnership. Chathli and Davidson-Richards then took control, punishing the Sparks bowlers with a flurry of boundaries. George's three quick wickets slowed Stars' momentum, but Priyanaz Chatterji's late cameo ensured a strong total.Sparks' top order struggled against the Stars' bowling attack, with Tilly Corteen-Coleman claiming two early wickets. Perrin's half-century provided a glimmer of hope, but her dismissal triggered a collapse. Brewer and Ellis rebuilt, but their efforts ultimately proved insufficient.

Northern Diamonds emerged victorious in a thrilling last-ball encounter against Southern Vipers, securing a home semi-final berth in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy. Chasing a formidable target of 241 at Headingley, Diamonds overcame adversity to triumph by a single run.The Vipers innings was anchored by Georgia Adams' measured 82-ball 57, supported by contributions from Ella McCaughan (30), Georgia Elwiss (31), Emily Windsor (33), and Naomi Dattani (30). Despite losing three wickets for 30 runs, the Vipers managed to post a competitive total.Diamonds' chase got off to a shaky start with the early dismissal of Lauren Winfield-Hill. However, Emma Marlow (52) and Rebecca Duckworth (51) steadied the innings with a 91-run partnership. After both batters departed, Erin Burns (31) kept the scoreboard ticking.As the match reached its climax, Diamonds found themselves on the ropes at 216 for 9. Debutant Rebecca Tyson impressed with three wickets, but Katie Levick and Rachel Slater remained at the crease. With nine runs required off the final over, Slater hit the winning two to long-on, securing a dramatic victory.Levick's 13 runs and three wickets played a crucial role in Diamonds' triumph, while Adams' all-round performance (57 runs, 4 wickets) highlighted her impact for the Vipers.

The Blaze emerged victorious in a thrilling encounter against Thunder in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, securing a crucial 24-run victory at Sale. The Blaze's triumph keeps their hopes alive in the competition, while Thunder's defeat dashes their aspirations of reaching the knockout stages.The Blaze's innings got off to a promising start, with Sarah Bryce and Michaela Kirk establishing a solid foundation with a 66-run partnership. However, the introduction of Fi Morris into the Thunder attack proved pivotal, as the spinner's career-best 6 for 35 wreaked havoc on the Blaze's batting lineup.Morris's devastating spell began with the dismissal of Kathryn Bryce, who was caught at gully for 31. She then trapped Orla Prendergast lbw for 29 and Lucy Higham for 4, reducing the Blaze to 135 for 6. Hannah Jones claimed the wicket of Kirstie Gordon, before Morris completed her impressive performance by bowling Ella Claridge, Grace Ballinger, and Cassidy McCarthy.In response, Thunder's chase got off to a disastrous start as Grace Ballinger's impressive left-arm swing dismantled their top order. Ballinger's 4 for 23 included the dismissals of Eve Jones, Alice Clarke, Morris, and Dani Collins, leaving Thunder reeling at 41 for 5.Despite Ballinger's early heroics, Thunder's innings was plagued by a series of unfortunate events. Seren Smale was caught at point off Prendergast, while Ellie Threlkeld and Darcey Carter fell cheaply. Grace Johnson's dismissal left Thunder in dire straits, but a defiant last-wicket partnership of 50 between Tara Norris and Hannah Jones provided a glimmer of hope.Norris's unbeaten 53, which included three sixes, was a testament to her fighting spirit. However, it was not enough to prevent The Blaze from securing victory with 26 balls to spare. Kathryn Bryce claimed the final wicket of Hannah Jones, sealing the win for her team.The Blaze's victory was a testament to their resilience and determination, while Thunder's defeat was a disappointing end to their campaign. The Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy continues to provide thrilling and competitive cricket, with every match having the potential to shape the destiny of the tournament.