Cricket

The South East Stars secured a dominant 44-run victory over the Sunrisers in the Rachel Heyhoe Flint Trophy at Beckenham on Sunday, thanks to a record-breaking partnership and a clinical bowling performance.Batting first, the Stars posted a formidable total of 258, with Bryony Smith (84) and Alice Davidson-Richards (70) sharing a historic 148-run stand for the third wicket. Jodi Grewcock was the pick of the Sunrisers bowlers with 3 for 43.In reply, the Sunrisers made a promising start, reaching 88 for 1. However, the dismissal of Jo Gardner (39) triggered a collapse, with Dani Gregory (3 for 47) and Smith (2 for 31) leading the charge. Alice Macleod top-scored for the visitors with 44, but they were eventually bowled out for 214.The Stars' innings was characterized by patience and resilience. Smith, dropped twice, played a measured knock, while Davidson-Richards reached her half-century with a stylish boundary. The pair's partnership laid the foundation for a strong total.The Sunrisers' chase began with a setback as Phoebe Franklin dismissed Mady Villiers for 11. Macleod and Gardner steadied the ship, but Gregory's dismissal of the former proved pivotal. A flurry of wickets followed, with Smith and Gregory claiming key scalps.Despite a late rally from Sophie Munro (12), the Sunrisers were unable to keep pace with the required run rate. Ryana MacDonald-Gay sealed the victory for the Stars, dismissing Kate Coppack for five.The result sees the Stars move above the Sunrisers in the standings. The competition now enters a break for the Hundred, with both teams looking to maintain their momentum upon its resumption.

Northern Diamonds emerged victorious in a thrilling Rachel Heyhoe Flint Trophy match against Western Storm, securing a six-wicket triumph via the Duckworth/Lewis/Stern method.Chasing a revised target of 199 in a rain-affected encounter, Diamonds skipper Hollie Armitage led the charge with an unbeaten century. Her 101-run knock, studded with nine fours and a six, proved pivotal in guiding her team to victory.Armitage received crucial support from Sterre Kalis (34) and Erin Burns (21*), who contributed valuable runs in the middle order. The Diamonds' chase was aided by two dropped catches, with Armitage being reprieved on 23 and 53.Earlier, Western Storm had posted a competitive 200-5 after losing the toss. Fran Wilson anchored the innings with a well-crafted 61, while Emma Corney (40) and Nat Wraith (34) made significant contributions. Amanda-Jade Wellington provided a late flourish with a quickfire 27.Abi Glen was the standout bowler for Diamonds, claiming 2 for 24 in her six-over spell.The match was characterized by rain interruptions, which forced a reduction in overs and set the tone for a tense and unpredictable contest.Armitage's captain's knock and the Diamonds' resilience in the face of adversity proved decisive in securing the victory. The result sees them close the gap on leaders Southern Vipers in the standings.