The Blaze Dominate Thunder with Gordon's Bowling Masterclass

The Blaze continued their dominance in the Charlotte Edwards Cup, securing a comfortable seven-wicket victory over Thunder at Emirates Old Trafford. Kirstie Gordon's exceptional bowling performance, coupled with Sarah Bryce's sharp wicketkeeping, restricted Thunder to a modest total of 111 for 9.

Gordon's slow left-arm bowling proved lethal, claiming five wickets for just 12 runs. Her accuracy and variations kept the Thunder batters in check, while Bryce's lightning-fast reflexes behind the stumps resulted in four stumpings.

Thunder's innings got off to a shaky start as Fi Morris and Seren Smale were dismissed cheaply. Emma Lamb provided some resistance with a 20-run knock, but Gordon's dismissal of her in the eighth over left Thunder struggling at 44 for 3.

Ellie Threlkeld and Danni Collins attempted to rebuild the innings with a 43-run partnership, but their efforts were cut short by Lucy Higham's intervention. Higham's off-spin accounted for Threlkeld and Ailsa Lister, while Collins fell victim to Sarah Bryce's stumping.

Kathryn Bryce's 19th over proved to be Thunder's most productive, yielding 17 runs. However, Gordon returned to the attack and wrapped up the innings by dismissing Sophie Ecclestone and Phoebe Graham.

In contrast to Thunder's struggles, The Blaze openers, Tammy Beaumont and Teresa Graves, made batting look effortless. They put on a 50-run partnership before Graves departed for 29. Kathryn Bryce joined Beaumont and added a further 36 runs, setting the stage for a comfortable victory.

Beaumont remained unbeaten on 34, guiding The Blaze home with 4.2 overs to spare. Sarah Bryce's dismissal in the final over did little to dampen the team's spirits as they maintained their 100% record in the tournament.

Tags: #CharlotteEdwardsCup, #KirstieGordon, #SarahBryce, #TheBlaze, #Thunder