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.

Thunder's dominant performance at Worcester has reignited their hopes of qualifying for the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy. Their comprehensive eight-wicket victory over Central Sparks was orchestrated by the exceptional bowling of Tara Norris and Sophie Morris.Norris's four wickets for 18 runs and Morris's three for 31 restricted Sparks to a meager 144 all out in 42.4 overs. Only captain Eve Jones (38) showed any resistance for the home side, as the Thunder bowlers exploited the batters' reluctance to play aggressively.In response, Thunder cruised to victory with 21 overs to spare. Emma Lamb (71 not out) and Katie Mack (52 not out) forged an unbroken 122-run partnership for the third wicket, guiding their team to 147 for two. Lamb's half-century came in 66 balls, while Mack reached hers in 67.The win lifted Thunder above Sparks in the standings, keeping their qualification hopes alive. Sparks, on the other hand, face an uphill battle in their remaining matches.

Northern Diamonds' Beth Langston made a triumphant return from injury, claiming a stunning six-wicket haul to lead her team to a thrilling four-wicket victory over Sunrisers in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy.Langston, who had been sidelined since July 2022 due to a ruptured ACL, showcased her exceptional pace and accuracy, bowling six overs and four overs from the Pavilion End to dismantle the Sunrisers' batting lineup. Her wickets included opener Jo Gardner, Jodi Grewcock, Mady Villiers, Flo Miller, Amara Carr, Eva Gray, and Amu Surenkumar.Sunrisers were bowled out for a mere 109 runs in 31 overs, with only Gardner managing to score over 20. Northern Diamonds' bowlers, including Lizzie Scott, Phoebe Turner, and Erin Burns, shared the remaining wickets.In response, Northern Diamonds faced a shaky start, losing four wickets for 32 runs. However, Burns, who finished unbeaten on 35, and Hollie Armitage (33) steadied the innings with a 43-run partnership. Despite losing Langston for eight, Burns guided her team to victory with 25.2 overs to spare.Sunrisers' Kate Coppack impressed with three wickets, but it was Langston's performance that stole the show. Her six-wicket haul is the best by any bowler in regional cricket this summer.Northern Diamonds' victory propelled them to second place in the table, all but securing a semi-final berth with five games remaining. Sunrisers remain in the top four despite their third loss in nine matches.Langston's return is a major boost for Northern Diamonds and England, who will be looking to defend their World Cup title in India later this year. Her performance is a testament to her resilience and determination, and it bodes well for the future of English women's cricket.

South East Stars showcased their dominance in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, crushing Thunder by 82 runs in Blackpool. Bryony Smith and Paige Scholfield led the charge with scintillating half-centuries, propelling Stars to a formidable total of 283.Smith, facing the world's top-ranked seamer Kate Cross, displayed her class with elegant drives and a stylish push through the off side. She reached her half-century in just 56 balls, setting the tone for Stars' batting onslaught.Scholfield, the 28-year-old all-rounder, played a pivotal role, marshalling the innings and reaching her own half-century off a mere 50 deliveries. Her all-round brilliance kept the scoreboard ticking over.Thunder's bowlers struggled to contain the Stars' batting prowess, with Ryana MacDonald-Gay emerging as the lone bright spot with four wickets. However, her efforts proved insufficient as Stars posted a daunting target.In the chase, Thunder's hopes were dashed early on as Emma Lamb and Katie Mack departed cheaply. Seren Smale provided some resistance with a brisk 30, but MacDonald-Gay's bowling brilliance proved too much for the Thunder batters.Fi Morris and Ellie Threlkeld briefly kept Thunder in the hunt with a patient partnership, but Stars' bowlers seized the initiative with a flurry of wickets. MacDonald-Gay, Moore, and Smith combined to dismantle Thunder's batting lineup, leaving them 7.2 overs short of their target.South East Stars' comprehensive victory solidifies their position in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy standings, while Thunder remains in search of consistency.

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.

The Blaze have continued their dominance over the South East Stars, securing a resounding 133-run victory (DLS method) in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy at Beckenham.Despite a rain-reduced innings of 44 overs, the Blaze amassed a mammoth 318 for 8, their highest List A score. Sarah Bryce led the charge with a superb 81, while Ella Claridge smashed a career-best 71 from just 45 deliveries. Marie Kelly also contributed a valuable 52.The Stars' chase was derailed by the brilliance of Heather Graham, who claimed an impressive 6 for 39. Alice Davidson-Richards offered some resistance with a defiant 44, but the Blaze's bowling attack proved too strong.The victory marks the Blaze's second consecutive triumph over the Stars in a major final, following their success in the Charlotte Edwards Cup just eight days prior.The Blaze's innings got off to a shaky start with the early dismissal of Teresa Graves. However, the Bryce sisters steadied the ship with a 94-run partnership. Kathryn Bryce was eventually dismissed for 30, but Sarah Bryce continued to anchor the innings.After a rain delay, Sarah Bryce fell for 81, but Claridge took over the mantle, launching into a blistering attack. She was eventually caught for 71, but not before Michaela Kirk had chipped in with a useful 18.The Stars' reply began disastrously, with Bryony Smith and Kalea Moore dismissed cheaply. Graham then wreaked havoc, removing Tash Farrant, Emma Jones, Aylish Cranstone, and Alexa Stonehouse in quick succession.Davidson-Richards provided some hope with her aggressive 44, but her dismissal to Graham sealed the victory for the Blaze. Danni Gregory was the final wicket to fall, caught by Cassidy McCarthy off Graham's bowling.The Blaze's victory is a testament to their depth and quality. They have now won three of the last four major domestic trophies in England.

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.

Sophia Dunkley's return to form for South East Stars in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy has not yet earned her a recall to the England Women's team, according to assistant coach Gareth Breese. Dunkley, who has scored 293 runs in five innings, including a century, was dropped from the England set-up after a poor run of form on the recent tours of India and New Zealand.Breese explained that England's current top-order, including Dunkley's replacement Maia Bouchier, will be given time to develop, while Dunkley will be allowed to regain her form away from the international spotlight. He emphasized that England backs its players even after setbacks and that Dunkley remains an integral part of the wider set-up.Dunkley's involvement in a red-ball training session at Loughborough on Tuesday demonstrates the management's commitment to supporting players on the fringes. Breese stated that the team is working closely with Dunkley and that she is "still in and around the fold."Despite the upcoming ODI series against Pakistan and the New Zealand tour in June and July, Breese insisted that England is not operating a closed shop for selection. He believes that competition for places is essential for driving improvement and that players can still break into the team from outside the contracted group.The first T20I against Pakistan highlighted the strength of England's spin attack, with Sarah Glenn, Sophie Ecclestone, and Charlie Dean all contributing wickets. Breese praised the bowlers' hard work and recognition in the ICC's T20I rankings but emphasized that he is constantly pushing them to improve.He described himself as a "grumpy dad" when it comes to demanding higher standards and believes that all three spinners have the potential to get even better. He highlighted Ecclestone's growth as a death bowler, Dean's wicket-taking ability, and Glenn's consistent performances.