Match reduced to 42 overs per innings. Each team was docked eight overs when play got underway at noon after a late start following early rain. During Blaze’s innings, commentators received news from a keen statistician that upon taking her 3-fer, Mady Villiers had a clocked-up over fifty ‘class A’ career wicket at Sunrisers. The match reached its climax following a ‘magnificent’ skipper’s innings played by Grace Scrivens, closing undefeated just short of ‘fifty.’ With level-pegging scores, Mady Villiers struck the winning ‘four,’ before heavy rain arrived. Previously known by last season’s commentators as the team to beat, Blaze suffered an unprecedented third defeat in a row and are yet to score any points. In summary, ‘England A’ pairing Grace Scrivens (pictured) and Mady Villiers made certain of Sunrisers’ second place on equal points with Vipers, both teams 3 points behind undefeated Stars. Commentator Cameron ‘Cam’ Ponsonby with Danni Warren, Regional director of women’s cricket for Sunrisers, and guest Kelly Castle (Sunrisers player.) Weather was overcast with pre-match rain overnight, chilly conditions.

*Blaze’s Innings *Skipper Kirstie Gordon, Sophie Munro (England A), Sarah Glenn (England), Beth Harmer (England u-19s) Beth Gammon (Wales) *With Michaela Kirk & Nadine deKlerk (from Rep. South Africa) *Daisy Mullan (on loan) *Without Kathryn & Sarah Bryce (Scotland duties) Georgie Boyce (injured) [*Amara Carr keeping wicket for Sunrisers] *Marie Kelly was bowled top-of-middle by Nicola Hancock. *Commentators added that the ball ‘held its line and ‘nipped back.’ *Teresa Graves was bowled by Kate Coppack , also top-of-middle, just as Teresa Graves played across-the-line. *After 8 overs power-play Blaze were 30/2; *Nadine deKlerk went ‘leg-before’ attempting to ‘sweep’ Mady Villiers. *Daisy Mullan was bowled by Mady Villiers also missing a sweep. *Ella Claridge was bowled ‘middle-and-leg’ by Jodi Grewcock’s googly; *Sarah Glenn snicked an edge to keeper Amara Carr, collected ‘quite close to the ground.’ *’Bonus wicket’ when Beth Gammon took on Kate Coppack’s return-throw to the keeper and was ‘run out’ not making her ground. *Commentator’s curse struck just as Kirstie Gordon was ‘building a partnership’ with Lucy Higham just as floodlights were switched-on. *Lucy Higham was caught-on-cue at ‘deep backward square’ by Nicola Hancock. *Blaze’s  batting: Fell some way short of posting 100 with their run-rate below 3 per over. *Nadine deKlerk 15(22), Daisy Mullan 14(41), Kirstie Gordon 10(24); *Sunrisers’ bowling Of 4 bowlers used, two took 3-fers: Mady Villiers 3/18, Nicola Hancock 3/20,  Kate Coppack 2/33, Jodi Grewcock 1/7;

*Sunrisers’ Innings *Skipper Grace Scrivens with Mady Villiers (England A) Jodi Grewcock (England u19s) & Nicola Hancock (Australia Big-bash) Without Kelly Castle (injured) [Ella Claridge keeping wicket for Blaze] *Lauded by commentator, Grace Scrivens ‘succeeded where everyone else had failed’ (to get the right timing.) *Only three Sunrisers wickets fell. *Firstly when Ariana Dowse was bowled top of off-stump, with bails sent flying. *Secondly Cordelia Griffith was sent back during a batting mix-up where Grace Scrivens stood firm making it easy for Sarah Glenn to dislodge bails at the bowler’s end. *Thirdly, commentator’s curse struck when Grace Scrivens and Jodi Grewcock were ‘playing nicely.’ *Jodi Grewcock ‘holed-out’ to Lucy Higham when caught by Daisy Mullan at ‘mid-on.’ Sunrisers were ‘in safe hands’ when scores were level and Mady Villiers struck the winning ‘four.’ *Sunrisers’ batting Grace Scrivens 46*not out(50)  Ariana Dowse 13(23) Jodi Grewcock 13(35) *Blaze’s  bowling Lucy Higham 1/10; Grace Ballinger 1/25;

Match result: Sunrises 88 (@4.3 runs-per-over from 42/42 overs, target 88) beat The Blaze 87 (@2.7 rpo from 31.3/42 ov.) by seven wickets with 127 balls remaining

*Scorecard courtesy of ECB @URL https://www.ecb.co.uk/rachael-heyhoe-flint-trophy/match-centre/104429#scorecard

*Full match video free-to-air courtesy of Sunrisers Cricket https://www.youtube.com/@SunrisersCricket/streams

*Also via ‘YouTube’ <4h23m07s> @URL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tM2dvUgc0vs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tM2dvUgc0vs

Recently returned from ‘England A’ tour of New Zealand, Ryana MacDonald-Gay (pictured) chalked up a 5-fer and one catch that helped Stars to back-to-back victories against Blaze at fifty overs. Previously (on 10 September 2023) Alice Davidson-Richards scored a century against Blaze, on the same day as she’d been called-up by England to play Sri Lanka. Witnessing Blaze’s batting collapse including 3 ducks, skipper Kirstie Gordon faced a nightmare innings scoring shy of ‘fifty;’ with last-wicket support from bowler-turned-batter Grace Ballinger. Only three Blaze batters made it to double-figures. Stars batters hit their winning target by a comfortable margin before the customary mid-way pause for drinks was reached.

Blaze’s Innings *Skipper Kirstie Gordon, Sophie Munro (England A), Beth Harmer (England u-19s) *With Michaela Kirk & Nadine deKlerk ‘just flown-in’ (from Rep. South Africa) *Daisy Mullan (on 5-match loan from Thunder) *Without Kathryn & Sarah Bryce (Scotland call-up); *Fielded a ‘youthful’ team (explained by injuries & call-up.) [*Chloe Hill keeping wicket for Stars; Kira Chathli recovering] *During the first 5 overs of power-play, Ryana MacDonald-Gay took 3 wickets. *Marie Kelly (golden duck) was bowled from an inside-edge; *Sophie Munro was bowled middle-and-off; & Ella Claridge was bowled middle-stump. *During the 6th over Phoebe Franklin claimed two wickets; *Nadine deKlerk edged to the keeper (0); *Also Sarah Glenn (0) who was caught at 2nd slip by Alice Davidson-Richards. *Blaze lost their 6th wicket during the power-play when Daisy Mullan went ‘leg before’ to Ryana MacDonald-Gay. *After 10 overs power-play Blaze were 27/6; *Ryana MacDonald-Gay completed her 5-fer: after Teresa Graves was clean-bowled. *Ryana MacDonald-Gay also took a catch in the covers to dismiss Beth Harmer, from Alice Davidson-Richards. *Next over by Alice Davidson-Richards sent Cassidy McCarthy’s bails flying. *By mid-way 67/9; *Bowlers-turned-batters Grace Ballinger and Kirstie Gordon mounted a spirited last-wicket partnership; *Finally, Grace Ballinger went ‘leg-before’ to Bryony Smith. *Blaze’s batting 3 ducks & three batters made double figures: Kirstie Gordon 41*not out(86), Grace Ballinger 25(75), Teresa Graves 15(34); *Stars bowling Ryana MacDonald-Gay 5/31 was the only bowler to bowl her full quota (ten overs); *Alice Davidson-Richards 2/22 (7 overs); *Phoebe Franklin 2/27 (9 overs); *Bryony Smith 1/3 (2 overs) with best economy;

*Stars Innings skipper Bryony Smith, with Ryana MacDonald-Gay & Paige Scholfield (England ‘A’) *Also with Sophia Dunkley, Alice-Davidson-Richards & Tash Farrant (England returner) [Ella Claridge keeping wicket for Blaze in Sarah Bryce’s absence] *Stars power-play was without loss, scoring 48/0 (vs 27/6.) *Bryony Smith 34(33) was caught by Sarah Glenn from Nadine deKlerk. *Paige Scholfield 6(8) was bowled middle-and-leg by Kirstie Gordon. *Stars’ batting *As mentioned above, Stars hit their winning target within 25 overs. *Tash Farrant 68*not out(81), Bryony Smith 34(33), Sophia Dunkley 11*not out(20) *Blaze’s bowling Kirstie Gordon 1/29; Nadine deKlerk 1/31;

Match result: South East Stars 127/2 (23.3/50 overs, target 127 @5.4 runs-per-over) beat The Blaze 126 (42/50 overs 3 rpo) by eight wickets with 159 balls remaining

*Scorecard courtesy of ECB @URL https://www.ecb.co.uk/rachael-heyhoe-flint-trophy/match-centre/104426#scorecard & https://www.southeaststars.com/matches/the-blaze-rhft-24th-apr-2024/

*Video highlights <top-right highlights tab>x40 via ECB & courtesy of South East Stars (via NV Play) @URL https://www.southeaststars.com/matches/the-blaze-rhft-24th-apr-2024/

*Video highlights of Stars batting free-to-air courtesy of Trent Bridge TV via ‘YouTube’ <1h06m46s> @URL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zixDKaJNIXc

‘Vipers’ won their third RHFT crown (2020, 2021 & 2023); becoming the first team to become ‘double champions:’ holding both the 20 overs and 50 overs titles during the same season. Also, ‘Vipers’ bagged their fifth trophy in four seasons. Before the match, head coaches Charlotte Edwards (‘Vipers’) and Chris Guest (‘The Blaze’) were optimistic to win the ‘silverware,’ but neither coach was forthcoming about ‘last-minute-advice.’ Setting-the-scene, commentators mentioned that ‘Blaze’ were the ‘dominant team,’ starting the seasons with a string of back-to-back wins. South Africa’s Nadine deKlerk was said to have been a major contributor with bat-and-ball. On the day, ‘Blaze’s’ Tammy Beaumont made top-score [76 runs (from 104 balls)] from an ‘under-cooked’ total of 200. ‘Vipers’ replied with two batters scoring ‘fifty’ [Georgia Elwiss (50) & Emily Windsor (57*not out).] Commentators curse struck when Georgia Elwiss was said to “have scored back-to-back ‘fifties’ against ‘Blaze’;”and was promptly out, next ball. Two 90-run match-winning partnerships (the second between Emily Windsor and England’s Freya Kemp adding 94 runs) took Vipers to victory. Commentators for ECB TV were Michael McCann (Sports journalist) with Jamie Reid (unannounced, but from BBC Solent radio), with guests Charlotte Taylor (‘Vipers’), Fran Wilson (Ex-England & ‘Storm’) and Jo Gardner (‘Sunrisers.’) Also via BBC Sound [5 Live Sports-Xtra radio], with Kevan ’Kev’ James (BBC Solent radio), Melinda ‘Mel’ Farrell (former Australia women), Rita Green (Sports Journalist) & Jemma Green (Hursley Park women): the ‘Greens’ said to be ‘unrelated.’ Video highlights courtesy of ECB (NV Play) & Southern Vipers (please see below.)  Played in ‘windy’ weather, with floodlights switched-on from the start. Floodlights were later switched-off as weather improved toward the close. Toss was delayed at 10h00; 10:30h; taken at 11h20: when it was decided that the match was reduced to 48-overs per innings.

Blaze’s Innings Skipper Kirstie Gordon [Rhianna Southby keeping wicket for ‘Vipers’] *With Tammy Beaumont (‘replacing Ella Claridge’) & Kathryn & Sarah Bryce (Scotland) & Sophie Munro. *Also with International player Lizelle Lee but without Nadine deKlerk (Republic of South Africa); *Without Natalie Sciver-Brunt, Sarah Glenn, Teresa Graves or Michaela Kirk. *Lizelle Lee 3(5) went ‘leg-before’ to Linsey Smith; *Mis-timing straight to ‘extra cover,’ five balls later, Marie Kelly 0(1) was caught by Charlie Dean, from Linsey Smith for a ‘golden duck;’ *During the 12th over, Sarah Bryce 15(35) played-on from a ‘bottom-edge,’ from Charlie Dean; said to be ‘a big loss;’ *Before mid-way, Georgie Boyce 12(16) went  ‘leg-before’ to Georgia Adams; *By mid-way when drinks were taken, ‘Blaze’ were 96/4; *After mid-way, Kathryn Bryce 12(23) snicked an ‘outside edge’ to keeper Rhianna Southby, from Mary Taylor (1/39); *Said to have played for Blaze for this season only at 50 overs, Tammy Beaumont 76(104) was caught at ‘mid-off,’ by Georgia Adams, from Charlie Dean; *Lucy Higham 2(8) was short-lived, bowled by Linsey Smith; *Reportedly ’holding things together,’ Sophie Munro 33(66) went ‘leg-before’ to Georgia Adams; *Georgia Adams (2/43); separately Georgia Adams’ reportedly chalking-up 50 career wickets bagged with her ‘off-breaks’ at 50 overs (46.1-48.8mph.) *Hitting a defiant ‘six’ from ‘Blaze’s’ penultimate ball, followed by 2 to bring-up 200, Kirstie Gordon was 21*not out (from 26 balls); Josie Groves was 4*not out (from 5 balls.) Best ‘Blaze’ batter was Tammy Beaumont 76(104); Best ‘Vipers’’ bowler was Linsey Smith who took 3/27; (bowling speed 45.1-46.1 mph.)

Vipers’ innings *Skipper Georgia Adams [*Sarah Bryce keeping wicket for Blaze] *’Unchanged’ with Maia Bouchier, Charlie Dean, Mary Taylor, Ava Lee & Freya Kemp ‘batting, but not bowling.’ *Without international player Nicole Faltum (Australia); or England’s Danni Wyatt & Lauren Bell. *Ella McCaughan 0(8) was caught by Kirstie Gordon from Kathryn Bryce for an eighth-ball ‘duck’; *Hit on her ‘back-leg,’ Maia Bouchier went ‘leg-before’ to Kathryn Bryce (2/48) (bowling speed 56.4-57.1 mph);*Skipper Georgia Adams partnered by Georgia Elwiss added 96 runs. *Mini-collapse when three wickets tumbled and ‘100/2 became 109/5.’ *Firstly, Georgia Elwiss 50(69) snicked-an-edge to keeper Sarah Bryce from Josie Groves; the very next ball after scoring ‘back-to-back fifties’ against the same opponents. *Three balls later, Georgia Adams 39(52), was bowled by Josie Groves (3/39); *Josie Groves said to have ‘removed’ both Georgias ‘in the space of 4 balls.’ *Ten balls later (the interval misreported elsewhere), Charlie Dean 7(7) was short-lived, when bowled by Josie Groves (3/39.) *Drinks were taken just before mid-way (after 23.3 overs.) *Second match-winning partnership worth 94 runs followed, between Emily Windsor 57*not out (53), and Freya Kemp who was 32*not out (35); *Best ‘Vipers’’ batter was Emily Windsor 57*not out (53) *Best ‘Blaze’ bowler was Josie Groves who took 3/39 (bowling speed 42.2-47.1 mph.)

Match summary: ‘Vipers’ won their third 50-overs crown, also becoming the first women’s team to become ‘double champions’ during the same season. Commentators lauded the quality of play, when reporting women’s cricket data that 37,000 balls had been bowled this season (up from 25,000 for ’22; & 14,000 for ’21.) During ‘Blaze’s’ ‘Power-play,’ Lizelle Lee, Marie Kelly & Sarah Bryce all departed for low-scores. Tammy Beaumont made top-score as innings anchor, staging recovery with Sophie Munro who scored a season’s-best 33. ‘Blaze’s’ total was said to be ‘undercooked,’ but defendable. Commentators described two ‘high pressure situations’ when two early Vipers wickets fell to Scots skipper Kathryn Bryce. A similar situation occurred when three consecutive ‘Vipers’ wickets fell to Josie Groves, said to be playing her ‘dream match,’ coming locally from Northampton. As mentioned above, two 90-run batting partnerships (between Georgia Elwiss and Georgia Adams; followed by Emily Windsor and Freya Kemp) took ‘Vipers’ to victory. Separately as Head Coach, Charlotte Edwards holds all three domestic women’s trophies, two with ‘Vipers’ including the one named in her honour for 20 overs.’ Charlotte Edwards is also Head Coach with ‘Southern Brave,’ winners of The Hundred (Women) trophy (2023.) Separately, commentators mentioned that ‘Vipers’ had won back their 50-overs title for a third year, previously lost to ‘Diamonds’; only last year.

Match result: Southern Vipers 203/5 (target 201 from 40.2/48 overs) beat The Blaze 200/8 (48/48 overs) by five wickets; with 46 balls remaining.

*‘Blaze’s’ batting: 200/8 (48/48 overs @4.1 runs-per-over); Tammy Beaumont 76(104), Sophie Munro 33(66), Kirstie Gordon 21*(26); ‘Vipers’’ bowling: Linsey Smith 3/30, Charlie Dean 2/27, Georgia Adams 2/43, Mary Taylor 1/39; Fow: 1-3, 2-6, 3-45, 4-66, 5-106, 6-154, 7-163, 8-183.

*’Vipers’’ batting: 203/5 (40.2/48 overs @5.0 r-p-o); Emily Windsor 57*not out (53), Georgia Elwiss 50(69), Georgia Adams 39(52), Freya Kemp 32(35); ‘Blaze’s’ bowling: Josie Groves 3/39, Kathryn Bryce 2/48; Fow: 1-1, 2-4, 3-100, 4-101, 5-109.

*Scorecard courtesy of ECB @URL https://www.ecb.co.uk/rachael-heyhoe-flint-trophy/matches/35842#scorecard

*Video highlights, via  ECB (via NV Play) @URL https://www.ecb.co.uk/rachael-heyhoe-flint-trophy/matches/35842#videos

*Match highlights free-to-air courtesy of England and Wales Cricket Board (believed to be via NV Play) on ‘YouTube’ Livestream [9h47m] @URL https://www.ecb.co.uk/video/3699435/rachael-heyhoe-flint-trophy-final-highlights–southern-vipers-vs-the-blaze

Beefed-up by two England internationals (Maia Bouchier and Charlie Dean): three ‘Vipers’ batters (Maia Bouchier, Georgia Elwiss & Emily Windsor) scored ‘fifties’; to boost their net-run-rate. By comparison, only one ‘Blaze’ batter (Marie Kelly) scored ‘fifty,’ as Blaze went down to their third successive defeat. ‘Vipers’ bag a bonus point, winning the match by a wide margin to book their place in the Northampton final. ‘Blaze’ will play ‘South East Stars’ in the Eliminator/Play-off. Commentator Mike Perkins (Sports journalist) with guest Regina Suddahazai-Khan (Italian International player.) Video highlights courtesy of ECB (NV Play) & Southern Vipers TV (please see below.) Weather at Haslegrave was mainly overcast with grey clouds.

Vipers Innings *Skipper Georgia Adams [*Sarah Bryce keeping wicket for Blaze] *With Maia Bouchier, Charlie Dean & Freya Kemp; Without Danni Wyatt or International player Nicole Faltum (Aus.) *Ella McCaughan 0(9) went plumb ‘leg-before’ to left-arm seamer Grace Ballinger, for a 9th ball ‘duck.’ After 10 overs ‘Power-play,’ ‘Vipers’ were 35/1. Maia Bouchier and Georgia Adams 2nd wicket century partnership added 102 runs. *During the 20th over, Georgia Adams 40(45) was caught at ‘square’ by Grace Ballinger, from Josie Groves; *Just before mid-way, Maia Bouchier 64(68) who’d hit two ‘sixes,’ was caught at ‘mid-wicket’ by Ella Claridge, from Josie Groves; *By mid-way ‘Vipers’ were 129/3. Emily Windsor and Georgia Elwiss 4th wicket partnership added 94 runs. *Emily Windsor 52(53) was bowled ‘through-the-gate’ by Josie Groves (3/64.) *Hitting one ‘six,’ Freya Kemp 25(18) was ’run-out’ by Kathryn Bryce; *Georgia Elwiss 64(68) was caught ‘in-the-deep’ by Josie Groves from Kathryn Bryce *Linsey Smith 8(12) was caught ‘in-the-covers’ by Kathryn Bryce, from Grace Ballinger *Two balls later, *Rhianna Southby 0(2) was bowled ‘off-stump’ by left-armer Grace Ballinger coming over-the-wicket *Mary Taylor 2(7) was ’run-out’ by Marie Kelly with Kirstie Gordon receiving at the non-striker’s end; *Three balls later, Charlie Dean 21(18) top-edged to Ella Claridge around ‘mid-wicket,’ from Grace Ballinger (4/58); leaving *Ava Lee 0* ‘not-out’ *Best ‘Vipers’ batters were Maia Bouchier 64(68) & Georgia Elwiss 64(68.) *Best ‘Blaze’ bowler was Grace Ballinger 4/58.

Blaze’s Innings Skipper Kirstie Gordon [Rhianna Southby keeping wicket for ‘Vipers’] *Without Tammy Beaumont & Nat Sciver-Brunt *With Kathryn & Sarah Bryce (Scotland) *Also with International player Lizelle Lee but without Nadine deKlerk (both players from Republic of South Africa.) *Lizelle Lee 2(5) was caught at ‘point’ from a thick-edge by Ella McCaughan, from Mary Taylor; *After 10 overs ‘Power-play,’ ‘Blaze’ were level-pegging on 36/1 (vs 35/1) *Sarah Bryce 23(29) was caught by Rhianna Southby from Charlie Dean; *Marie Kelly 56(62) steepled a top-edge caught ’in-the-covers’ by Linsey Smith, from Georgia Adams; *Georgie Boyce 6(11) was ’run-out’ by Charlie Dean’s throw to Rhianna Southby, collecting with an athletic roll at the striker’s end; *By mid-way ‘Blaze’ were 108/4 (vs 129/3); *Ella Claridge 23(27) was ’run-out’ by Mary Taylor with Rhianna Southby receiving at the striker’s end; *Teresa Graves 4(15) was caught by Linsey Smith, from Charlie Dean; *Lucy Higham 2(4) was caught behind by Rhianna Southby, from Mary Taylor; *Kathryn Bryce 36(44) was caught by Rhianna Southby from Mary Taylor (3/15); *Josie Groves 0(2) was also caught by Rhianna Southby, from Linsey Smith (1/31); *Kirstie Gordon 4*(13) was caught by Georgia Adams from Ava Lee (1/21); *Grace Ballinger 2*(12) was ‘not out’ *Best ‘Blaze’ batter was Marie Kelly 56(62.) *Best ‘Vipers’ bowler was Mary Taylor 3/15 *’Vipers” keeper Rhianna Southby took four catches.

Match summary: Three Vipers batters scored ‘fifty’ (Maia Bouchier, Georgia Elwiss & Emily Windsor.) Vipers 2nd wicket partnership (between Maia Bouchier and  Gerogia Adams) posted 100 runs. Another 94 runs were added (by Georgia Elwiss & Emily Windsor.) ‘Blaze’ bowlers persevered and bowled Vipers out for 288. Although ‘Blaze’ also formed two batting partnerships (between Marie Kelly & Sarah Bryce and Kathryn Bryce & Ella Claridge); only one ‘Blaze’ batter scored ‘fifty (Marie Kelly.) ‘Blaze’ were bowled-out unexpectedly by a comfortable margin-of-safety for a bonus point with both teams ending the group stage on equal points (38pts.) With inferior ‘net-run-rate,’ ‘Blaze’ now need to play in the Eliminator match, versus ‘South East Stars’ at Beckenham on September 21.

Match result: Southern Vipers 288/10 beat The Blaze 162/10 by 126 runs, with 65 balls remaining

*‘Vipers’’ batting: 288/10 (49.5/50 overs@5.7 runs-per-over) Maia Bouchier, 64(68), Georgia Elwiss 64(68), Emily Windsor 52(53), Georgia Adams 40(45), Freya Kemp 25(18), Charlie Dean 21;‘Blaze’s’ bowling: Grace Ballinger 4/58, Josie Groves 3/64, Kathryn Bryce 1/36; Fow: 1-1, 2-103, 3-126, 4-220, 5-250, 6-265, 7-277, 8-277, 9-285, 10-288.

*‘Blaze’s’ batting: 162/10 (39.1/50 overs@4.1 r-p-o) Marie Kelly 56(62), Kathryn Bryce 36(44), Ella Claridge 23(27), Sarah Bryce 23(29); ‘Vipers’’ bowling: Mary Taylor 3/15, Charlie Dean 2/51, Ava Lee 1/21,  Linsey Smith 1/31, Georgia Adams 1/41; Fow: 1-2, 2-69, 3-88, 4-89, 5-138, 6-152, 7-155, 8-156, 9-157, 10-162.

*Scorecard courtesy of ECB @URL https://www.ecb.co.uk/rachael-heyhoe-flint-trophy/matches/35835#scorecard

*Video highlights, via NV Play @URL https://www.ecb.co.uk/rachael-heyhoe-flint-trophy/matches/35835#videos

*Match free-to-air courtesy of ‘The Blaze’ Livestream (believed to be via NV Play) on ‘YouTube’ Livestream [starting from 21m55s/4h40m04s] @URL https://www.ageasbowl.com/cricket/news/live-stream-the-blaze-v-southern-vipers,-rhft/

Both teams were equally ‘missing a few players’ from England’s ‘Ashes’ call-up. Speaking post-match, Vipers’ skipper Georgia Adams (who skippered Vipers to win this season’s 20 overs’ cup): conceded that unbeaten Blaze were the ‘best team in the league’ (RHF 50 overs); having just seen the match ‘go down to the wire.’ Two Blaze’s batters scored ‘fifties.’ Top-scorer Marie Kelly (pictured, seen raising her bat upon scoring ‘fifty‘) hit 61 runs (from 81 balls.) Fellow-opener Scotland’s Sarah Bryce 52(62) made her second ‘fifty,’ scored during the same week (previously, scored versus Diamonds.) Together the opening-pair banked 115 runs for Blaze’s first wicket. Although weather was forecast to play a significant role, organisers reported to the writer that ground-staff did their best ‘to ensure a complete day’s play.’ Weather at Newclose was overcast, light breeze and damp with occasional spots of rain during early-afternoon; 15C.

Vipers innings *Skipper Georgia Adams *[Sarah Bryce keeping wicket for Blaze] *With England’s Maia Bouchier *[Without Lauren Bell, Charlie Dean, Danni Wyatt; or Nicole Faltum (Aus)] *International player Maitlan Brown (Australia WBBL) *With the possibility of overs being lost to inclement weather expected mid-afternoon, seamers Grace Ballinger paired with Nadine deKlerk restricted Vipers’ Power-play score to 28/0. *Bowling changes rotated spinners Kirstie Gordon & Lucy Higham (off-break) paired with medium-pace seamers Kathryn Bryce & Sophie Munro. *Vipers’ opening pair both fell to Kirstie Gordon. *Ella McCaughan 20(33) went plumb ‘leg before;’ followed by Maia Bouchier 40(52) who was caught ‘in the deep’ by Sophie Munro, some 4 overs later. *At mid-way, Vipers were 106/2. *During the 30th over, Emily Windsor 26(43) was caught by Grace Ballinger from Kirstie Gordon. *10 overs later, seamer Nadine deKlerk (medium pace) returned to take 2 wickets with 4 balls. *Firstly, Georgia Elwiss 23(33) was caught by Marie Kelly. *Secondly, Freya Kemp 1(2) was caught by Michaela Kirk. *3 overs later, Maitlan Brown 9(15) was caught by Sarah Bryce from Kathryn Bryce (1/33.) *During Vipers’ penultimate over, Linsey Smith 15(17) was caught by Kathryn Bryce from Nadine deKlerk.*Georgia Adams 94*not out (104) made (an overdue) top-score, having played a ‘skipper’s innings.’ *Best Blaze bowlers were Kirstie Gordon 3/48 and Nadine de Klerk 3/54. *Speaking afterwards on-screen, skipper Georgia Adams had earlier expected that 260 was a ‘winning total.’@URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-YC8g50SBL8

Blaze innings *Skipper Kirstie Gordon *[Rhianna Southby keeping wicket for Vipers] *International players Nadine deKlerk & Michaela Smith (Republic of South Africa.)*[Without Tammy Beaumont, Sarah Glenn or Natalie ‘Nat’ Sciver-Brunt]  *Covers were removed after an extended lunch, play resuming with spots of rain expected a little later (around 3pm.) *Seamers Mary Taylor (medium) & Maitlan Brown (fast); paired with slow-bowlers Linsey Smith and Ava Lee. *After 10 overs Power-play Blaze were 62/0 (vs 28/0.) *Openers Marie Kelly (61) and Sarah Bryce (52) both hit half-centuries, and made a 115-run first-wicket stand.*Bowling-change saw Sarah Bryce 52(62) snick-an-edge to keeper Rhianna Southby, from Georgia Adams’ 8th ball. *By mid-way, Blaze’s were 132/1 (vs 106/2.) *By comparison, Vipers’ bowlers took more wickets beyond mid-way. *Next over, Marie Kelly 61(81) was caught by Maitlan Brown between ‘mid-on’ and ‘deep-mid-wicket’, from Ava Lee (1/64.) *Kathryn Bryce 25(21) was caught by Ella McCaughan from Mary Taylor (1/54). *4th wicket fell when Georgie Boyce 36(49) was caught by at ‘square’ by Linsey Smith from Maitlan Brown. *Sophie Munro survived Linsey Smith’s (2/37) ‘hat-trick’ ball when two wickets fell with 2 balls to keep Vipers in the game. *Firstly Teresa Graves went ‘leg before’ for a ‘golden duck.’ *Next ball, Michaela Kirk 34(39) missed her ‘square cut’ as Linsey Smith changed angles, coming around-the-wicket to the right-hander. *Match went ‘down-to-the-wire,’ leaving Sophie Munro 22*not out(24) & Nadine deKlerk 11*not out(13.) *Best Vipers bowler was Linsey Smith (2/37.) *Blaze’ Marie Kelly made top score 60(81.) *Separately, Viper newbie Ava Lee’s first 3 matches have bagged her a total of 5 wickets.

Match summary With the possibility of overs being lost to inclement weather expected mid-afternoon, Blaze bowlers restricted Vipers’ to a slow start. Batters staged two 50-run partnerships: firstly (between Ella McCaughan and Maia Bouchier) banking 51 runs for Vipers’ 1st wicket. Secondly, (Georgia Adams with Emily Windsor) added 58 runs for the 3rd wicket. Thirdly, (Georgia Adams with Georgia Elwiss) added 52 runs for Vipers’ 4th wicket. Play resumed after an extended lunch, without any overs lost to weather. During their Power-play, Blaze scored at a faster-rate, their 1st-wicket century partnership (between Marie Kelly and Sarah Bryce) added 115 runs. That made light work of Blaze’s reply. Vipers’ bowlers did well to stay in-the-game as the match progressed ‘down-to-the-wire.’ Any result seemed quite remarkable, considering the constant ball-towelling and damp weather conditions that signalled the possibility of heavy-rain. After after 8 rounds played-to-date, Blaze (32 points) stay top-of-table. Vipers (18 points) placed joint-5th.

Match result: The Blaze Women 260/6 beat Southern Vipers 259/7, by 4 wickets (with 10 balls remaining)

*Vipers batting: 259/7 (50/50 overs @5.1 runs-per-over); Georgia Adams 94*not out(104), Maia Bouchier 40(52), Emily Windsor 26(43), Georgia Elwiss 23(33), Ella McCaughan 20(33), Linsey Smith 15(17); *Blaze bowling: Nadine deKlerk 3/48, Kirstie Gordon 3/54, Kathryn Bryce 1/33; Fow 1-51, 2-77, 3-135, 4-187, 5-191, 6-215, 7-247.

*Blaze batting: 260/6 (from 48.2/50 overs@5.3 runs-per-over – target 260 from 50 overs); Marie Kelly 60(81), Sarah Bryce 52(62), Michaela Kirk 34(39), Georgie Boyce 36(49), Kathryn Bryce 25(21), Sophie Munro 22*not out(24), Nadine deKlerk 11*not out(13); *Vipers bowling: Linsey Smith 2/37, Georgia Adams 1/21, Mary Taylor 1/54, Maitlan Brown 1/61, Ava Lee 1/64; Fow 1-115, 2-132, 3-171, 4-213, 5-229, 6-229.

*Scorecard with video highlights, courtesy of ECB (via NV Play) @URL: https://live.nvplay.com/ecb/?tab=m_scorecard#m594e53bb-6e22-47e6-8c4b-35ce2735f3b3 & BBC Sport @URL: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/scorecard/ECKE1000552

*Edited highlights, courtesy of Hampshire Cricket (for Southern Vipers) via NV-Play on YouTube (39m54s) @URL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuTPrNW_1DQ

With both sides depleted by England Ashes call-up, acting skipper Marie Kelly stepped-up by scoring ‘fifty;’ staged a ‘run-out;’ and clean-bowled Storm skipper Luff’. Marie Kelly also took a vital ‘death over’ catch. Tight field-settings took the match down to wire, Blaze winning by 6 runs, for their sixth-win-in-a-row at 50 overs. Commentators: Charlie Taylor (for BBC radio Somerset) with Dr Jane Powell (President Yorks CCC) and Kath Wilkins (former player, Somerset Women.) Before the match, commentators pointed out that ‘3 quality players’ were missing from each side: and that might ‘balance things out.’ Match video via ECB online (NV-Play); BBC Sound (radio Somerset) and ‘YouTube’ (Livestream & highlights) courtesy of Glos cricket (for Western Storm) –  please see below. Weather at Bristol was sunny turning overcast, with an intermittent light westerly breeze 18C.

Blaze Innings *Acting skipper Marie Kelly [Storm keeper Natasha Wraith] with Internationals Nadine deKlerk & debutante Michaela Kirk (both Republic of South Africa); Kathryn & Sarah Bryce (both Scotland); without Tammy Beaumont, Natalie Sciver-Brunt, Sarah Glenn & Kirstie Gordon (All England Ashes duty.) *Just as Blaze were ‘looking to build a platform,’ opener Sarah Bryce 11(15) sliced to Fran Wilson (gaffed as Sophie Luff) and was caught ‘in the covers,’ bowled by Mollie Robbins. *With host commentors ‘calling for another wicket,’ Georgie Boyce 13(17) was obligingly caught at ‘silly-mid-off’ by Sophia Smale, from new recruit Piepa Cleary’s seam-bowling. *After 10 overs Power-play, Blaze 47/2. *Now facing ‘spin from each direction,’ Kathryn Bryce 20(24) ‘feather-edged’ a catch to keeper, from bowler Chloe Skelton (1/56.) *Blaze were 81/2 after 16.4 overs (100 balls); reaching 123/3 by mid-way (25 overs.) *’Big moment’ after Blaze lost 3 wickets over 6 overs, (when 130/3 became 149/6.) *Acting skipper Marie Kelly 54(74) top-edged skyward, caught by Mollie Robbins diving-forward ‘short of fine-leg,’ from Nicole Harvey’s ‘full toss’ (‘bump-ball’ ruled-out.) *Nadine de Klerk 1(7) played ‘forward-defensive,’ but lost her off-stump to Nicole Harvey, who ‘got one to turn.’ *Gaffed as ‘very important’ (batter), Michaela Kirk 40(49) promptly went ‘leg before’ to Nicole Harvey. *Michaela Kirk missing a sweeping ’square-cut:’ said to mark ‘a major moment’ of the game. *Teresa Graves & Sophie Munro scampered eight overs of ‘1’s & ‘2’s’ with no ‘fours.’ *Teresa Graves 41(50) sliced an ‘easy’ catch to Fran Wilson collecting ‘in-the-covers,’ bowled by Piepa Cleary. *Sophie Munro 41(50) launched a vertical ‘steepler,’ caught by Niamh Holland at ‘mid-on,’ also from bowler Piepa Cleary (3/43.) *Alex Griffiths’ (2/25) ‘death’ over bagged 2 wickets. *Ella Claridge 2(3) was caught at ‘extra cover’ by Piepa Cleary; *Finally, Lucy Higham 7(8) ramped into her wicket with great panache, leaving Grace Ballinger 2*‘not out’(3) *Blaze ‘all-out,’ with one ball remaining. *Storm’s Nicole Harvey was stand-out bowler (bagging Kelly, deKlerk & Kirk); with new recruit Piepa Clearly keeping Storm in contention (bagging Boyce, Graves & Munro.) *Relatively few ‘fours’ were scored beyond Blaze’s 20th over. *Sophie Munro and Teresa Graves’ 7th wicket partnership added 74: ‘spirited resistance’ that lifted Blaze’s total to 245. In summary, Blaze’s aspirations for six-wins-in-a-row were dented when Nicole Harvey took 3 ‘big name’ wickets, sending both South African Internationals back to the ‘dug-out.’ *Piepa Cleary (WBBL) also took three Blaze wickets.

Storm’s Innings *Skipper Sophie Luff *[Blaze keeper Sarah Bryce] *International player & same-day debutante Piepa Cleary (W.Australian Womens’ Big Bash League) said to have ‘just signed today.’ *Without Lauren Filer, Dani Gibson & England skipper Heather Knight (Ashes duty.) Orla Prendergast returned to ROI. *Amusing moment between overs when Nadine deKlerk lobbed the ball into Umpire’s hat (32/0.) *After 10 overs Power-play, Storm were trailing 34/0 (vs 47/2) but with 2 wickets advantage: 63/0 (vs 81/2) after 16.4 overs (100 balls.) *Emma Corney 29(40) was ‘run out’ at the non-striker’s end when bowler Marie Kelly deflected a dropped return-catch from Alex Griffiths onto non-striker’s stumps. *Sophie Luff*8(19) was clean-bowled, hitting across the line of a dead-straight ball from Marie Kelly. *By mid-way (25 overs) Storm were 99/2 (vs 123/3.) *Griffiths & Wilson 3rd wicket partnership added 59 runs.*Fran Wilson plundered 18 runs from Marie Kelly; and Alex Griffiths plundered 10 runs from Lucy Higham. *Top-scorer Alex Griffiths 67(118) sliced a catch to Michaela Kirk at mid-wicket, bowled by Teresa Graves *Niamh Holland 8(9) sacrificed herself (for Fran Wilson) as ‘run out,’ when keeper Sarah Bryce raced the ball to the non-striker’s end, leaving both batters stranded. *Fran Wilson 43(36) top-edged, caught one-handed by keeper Sarah Bryce, bowled by Sophie Munro *Natasha Wraith and Sophia Smale scampered 7 overs scoring ‘1’s & ‘2’s.’ *No ‘fours’ were scored by batters (excluding ‘extras’) during the final 8 overs. *During the 46th over, Natasha Wraith 20(31) sliced to Ella Claridge at ‘mid-on,’ bowled by Teresa Graves. *Finally during Nadine deKlerk’s ‘death’ over, Sophia Smale 24(30) aerial shot was caught at ‘extra cover’ by Marie Kelly. *Piepa Cleary closed 14*not out (16) when Storm’s 50 overs quota expired, (handing Blaze their win.)

Summary Marie Kelly top-scored with an acting-skipper’s ‘fifty.’ Storm’s Nicole Harvey was stand-out bowler with new recruit Piepa Clearly keeping Storm in contention also taking a 3-fer. As mentioned above, relatively few ‘fours’ were scored after Blaze’s 20th over, it would be misleading to say (as reported elsewhere) there was a ’sudden’ middle-order collapse when 3 wickets fell for 19 runs. Thereafter, Blaze’s 7th wicket recovery added 74 to what became a winning score. Between innings, weather became cloudy, with attention focused upon the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method, in case of rain. Turning to Storm, opener Alex Griffiths made ‘fifty,’ with two key partnerships (Emma Corney & Fran Wilson.) As mentioned above, acting skipper Marie Kelly stepped-up by scoring ‘fifty;’ staged a ‘run-out;’ and clean-bowled her opposite number, Storm skipper Luff.’ For an encore, Marie Kelly took a vital ‘death over’ catch. Tight field-settings took the match down to wire. Storm batters were unable to find fielder’s gaps needed to secure a wafer-thin win. Unbeaten Blaze remain top-of-table in their first season, bagging their sixth win-in-a-row.

Result: The Blaze Women 245/10 beat Western Storm Women 239/7 (target 246); by 6 runs

*Blaze batting: 245/10 (@4.9 runs-per-over from 49.5 overs/50 overs); Marie Kelly 54(74), Sophie Munro 41(50), Teresa Graves 41(50), Michaela Kirk 40(49), Kathryn Bryce 20(24), Georgie Boyce 13(17), Sarah Bryce 11(15);  Storm bowling: Nicole Harvey 3/32, Piepa Cleary 3/43, Alex Griffiths 2/25, Michaela Robbins 1/42, Chloe Skelton 1/56; Fow 1-17, 2-42, 3-88, 4-130, 5-140, 6-149, 7-223, 8-226, 9-238, 10-245.

*Storm batting: 239/7 (@4.7 runs-per-over from 50/50 overs – target 246 from 50 overs); Alex Griffiths 67(118), Fran Wilson 43(36), Emma Corney 29(40), Sophia Smale 24(30), Natasha Wraith 20(31), Piepa Cleary 14*not out (16); Blaze bowling: Teresa Graves 2/28, Nadine de Klerk 1/29, Marie Kelly 1/38, Sophie Munro 1/39; Fow 1-69, 2-91, 3-150, 4-160, 5-176, 6-212, 7-236.

*Scorecard & statistics courtesy of ECB (via NV Play) at URL https://live.nvplay.com/ecb/?tab=m_scorecard#cfe6ae2eb-42c0-419f-8c45-68f7f498cd51_mb9fa1e1f-35e0-436c-ae59-da76815b8d50 & BBC Sport (radio Somerset) @URL: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/scorecard/ECKE1000551

*Match free-to-air (from 08h22/06h55m15s) courtesy of Gloscricket for Western Storm on YouTube at URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIUT7v2riO4

Blaze made best use of match-practice beating Storm by a convincingly wide margin, preparing to play either Thunder or Vipers in the Competition’s Final. Storm fell short of posting a match-winning score, missing key players. Blaze made a slower start but overtook Storm mid-way. Blaze’s Kathryn Bryce 54*not out(37) made top-score as Blaze cruised to their 7th back-to-back win. Topping the group stage, undefeated Blaze go straight through to the final: playing the winning semi-finalists: either Thunder or Vipers (defending champions.) Commentators were Nick Webb (BBC Wales) & Ffion Wynne (Wales Women.) Video highlights from ECB online (NV Play) with full match video from Glamorgan CCC for Western Storm – please see below.

Storm innings *Skipper Sophie Luff *[Sarah Bryce keeping wicket for Blaze] *Returner Mollie Robbins; International player Orla Prendergast (Republic of Ireland) *Without England’s Heather Knight, Danielle Gibson & Lauren Filer *Natasha Wraith 4(2) played-on from an inside-edge, after hitting Grace Ballinger for ’four.’ *Missing a sweep, Orla Prendergast 19(14) went ‘leg-before’ to Grace Ballinger (2/24) *After six overs PowerPlay, Storm were 44/2 *Niamh Holland 21 (23) was ‘run out’ by Nadine deKlerk’s direct shy to the striker’s-end, from Kathryn Bryce. *Fran Wilson 4(6) ballooned a catch to Kathryn Bryce at ’extra cover,’ from Sophie Munro (1/21) *Storm reached 60/4 by mid-way. *Sophie Luff 19(18), went ‘leg-before’ to  Kathryn Bryce, missing a ’square-cut.’ *After 100 balls (16.4 overs) Storm were 108/5 *Emma Corney 23(32) played across-the-line,  bowled by Kathryn Bryce (2/17) *Sophia Smale 10(6) missed a ‘paddle,’ bowled by Nadine deKlerk 1/26 *Alex Griffiths 19*not out (19); & Mollie Robbins 1*not out. *Best Blaze bowler was Kathryn Bryce (2/17)

Blaze innings *Skipper Marie Kelly *[Natasha Wraith keeping wicket for Storm] *Without England’s Kirstie Gordon, Tammy Beaumont, Nat Sciver-Brunt or Sarah Glenn. *Bethany ‘Beth’ Harmer 12(17) edged a steepler to Sophie Luff (collecting short of ‘long-leg’); bowled by Clare Nicholas *Sarah Bryce 15(14) was caught by Chloe Skelton (collecting short of ‘long-leg’)  bowled by Sophia Smale (1/30) *After six overs PowerPlay, Blaze were 32/2 (vs 44/2) edging slightly ahead by mid-way without further loss: 69/2 (vs 60/4) *Georgie Boyce 26(27) was caught deep of ‘mid-off’ by Sophia Smale, bowled by Clare Nicholas( 2/24) *After 100 balls (16.4 overs) Blaze were 119/3 (vs 108/5.) *Marie Kelly was 20*not out(18) *Top-scorer Kathryn Bryce 54*not out(37) hit 1 ’six’& 6 ‘fours’ *Winning ball went for 4 ‘byes.’ *Best Storm bowler was spinner Claire Nicholas (2/24)

Match summary Storm made 44/2 from their PowerPlay, then lost 2 quick wickets. Skipper Luff and Emma Corney banked 42, but Storm fell short of posting a match-winning score, without key players called-up for England’s ‘Ashes’ training. Blaze made a slower start but gathered momentum overtaking Storm by mid-way, with 2 wickets’ lead. Blaze’s Kathryn Bryce  54*not out(37) made top score as Blaze cruised to their 7th back-to-back win. Storm finish their group stage sixth, with 3 wins and 4 losses. As mentioned above, undefeated Blaze go straight through to play the winning semi-finalists: Thunder or Vipers (defending champions) in the Competition’s Final (at Worcester.)

Match Result: The Blaze Women 137/3 beat Western Storm Women 134/7 by 7 wickets with 8 balls remaining

*Storm batting: 134/7 (20/20 overs 6.7 runs-per-over); Emma Corney 23(32)  Niamh Holland 21 (23) Alex Griffiths 19*not out (19), Sophie Luff 19(18), Orla Prendergast 19 (14), Sophia Smale 10(6); Blaze bowling: Kathryn Bryce 2/17, Grace Ballinger 2/24, Sophie Munro 1/21, Nadine deKlerk 1/26; Fow 1-4, 2-35, 3-48, 4-49, 5-91, 6-110, 7-123.

*Blaze batting: 137/3 (18.4/20 overs 7.3 r-p-o); Kathryn Bryce 54*not out(37), Georgie Boyce 26(27), Marie Kelly 20*not out (18), Sarah Bryce 15(14), Bethany ’Beth’ Harmer 12(17); Storm bowling: Claire Nicholas 2/24, Sophia Smale 1/30; Fow 1-28, 2-30, 3-96.

*Scorecard with video highlights, courtesy of ECB via NV Play at URL: https://live.nvplay.com/ecb/?tab=m_summary#m96860cf2-db34-4dea-9860-32c0a2ff0293 & BBC Sport at URL: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/scorecard/ECKO56588

*Full match video courtesy of Glamorgan Cricket TV (starting from 07m30s/2h49m36s) via YouTube at URL:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yo09dzjef9c

*Latest England and Wales Cricket Board tables at URL: https://www.ecb.co.uk/matches/womens-t20/table

Unbeaten Blaze put in another ‘professional performance’ to secure ‘top spot,’ chalk-up their 6th successive win, and book their place on finals day as group-stage winners. England pair Nat Sciver-Brunt [58 runs (from 30 balls)] and Tammy Beaumont [41 runs (from 30 balls)] made a century 2nd wicket partnership (102 runs.) England’s bowler-turned-batter Sarah Glenn closed 43*not out (from 29 balls.) Although 7 Sunrisers batters made double-figures, commentators said they were ‘never in the (run) chase.’ Commentators were Jamie Ramage (sports journalist) & Hannah Thompson-Radford (L’boro Univ, & HerGameToo.) Video highlights from ECB online (NV Play) with full match video from The Blaze – please see below. Weather was described as ‘perfect sunny morning,’ with clear blue sky.

Blaze innings *Skipper Kirstie Gordon* [Amara Carr keeping wicket for Sunrisers] *England’s Tammy Beaumont, Nat Sciver-Brunt & Sarah Glenn. *Scotland’s Kathryn & Sarah Bryce. *International player Nadine deKlerk (Republic of South Africa) *Following 3 ‘wides’ from Eva Gray, Sarah Bryce ‘chopped-on’ from an inside edge to pads & stumps and dislodged her bales; for a 1st ball ‘duck.’ *After 6 overs PowerPlay, Blaze were 77/1. *England pair Nat Sciver-Brunt and Tammy Beaumont made a century 2nd wicket partnership (102 runs.) *Commentator’s curse struck anticipating that ‘records could soon start tumbling.’ *Next ball, having hit ‘six’ (plus 9 ‘fours’) Nat Sciver-Brunt 58(30), was caught at ‘backward-square’ by Jo Gardner from Abtaha Maqsood. *By mid-way, Blaze were 112/2. *2 wickets fell during 12th over. *Firstly, Tammy Beaumont 41(30) ‘made the charge,’ but was ruled ‘leg before’ to Kate Coppack. *2 balls later, Marie Kelly (batting lower down the order) went ‘leg before’ for a 2nd ball ‘duck,’ also to Kate Coppack. *150 runs came from 15.1 overs. *2 balls later, Georgie Boyce 21(16) was stumped by Amara Carr from Abtaha Maqsood (2/33.) After 100 balls (16.4 overs) Blaze were 159/5. *Sarah Glenn was dropped -always a difficult chance- for Jo Gardner, whilst running, from Mady Villiers’ bowling. *Next over, Nadine deKlerk 13(8) steepled a top-edge, caught by Kelly Castle, from Eva Gray (2/29.) *Sarah Glenn made second-best score 43 *not out (from 29 balls) & Sophie Munro made 9*not out from 4 balls. Blaze chalked-up the third-highest t-20 score this season: 198/6. *Best Sunrisers bowler was Eva Gray (2/29)

Sunrisers innings Skipper Kelly Castle [Sarah Bryce keeping wicket for Sunrisers] ‘Unchanged’ with England U-19 skipper Grace Scrivens; Scotland’s Abtaha Maqsood & International player Dane vanNiekerk (Republic of South Africa) *Mady Villiers 5(7) was caught by Kirstie Gordon at ‘mid-off’ from Sarah Glenn. *Lissy MacLeod 16(10) went ‘leg-before’ to Nat Sciver-Brunt. *Dane v.Niekerk 13(14) top-edged, caught by Sarah Glenn from Nat Sciver-Brunt. *After 6 overs PowerPlay, Sunrisers were 46/3 (vs 77/1.) *Amara Carr was caught (running catch from ‘mid-wicket’) by Kirstie Gordon from Sarah Glenn. *By mid-way, Sunrisers were 64/4 (vs. 112/2) *Mini collapse when 4 wickets fell for 3 runs. *Flo Miller was ‘run out’ by Kirstie Gordon, at the non-striker’s (bowler’s) end. *Jo Gardner went ‘leg before’ to Nadine deKlerk. *2 balls later, Sunrisers’ top scorer Grace Scrivens 20(26) was caught at ‘mid-wicket’ by Sophie Munro from Nadine deKlerk. *Next over, Eva Gray was caught short of ‘fine leg’ by Georgie Boyce from Grace Ballinger. *After 100 balls (16.4 overs) Sunrisers were 95/8 (vs 159/5.) *Two wickets fell during Sophie Munro’s final ‘death’ over when both Kate Coppack 19(18) and Kelly Castle 10(15) were clean-bowled; leaving Abtaha Maqsood ’not out.’

Match summaries Blaze’s England trio posted 142 runs out of their total (198.) Nat Sciver-Brunt and Tammy Beaumont made a century 2nd wicket partnership (102 runs.) England’s bowler-turned-batter Sarah Glenn closed 43*not out (from 29 balls.) Set a mammoth target around the 200-mark, Jamie Ramage anticipated at least one big score. 7 Sunrisers batters made double-figures, showing spirited resistance. Once 4 wickets fell for 3 runs, and with escalating required-run-rate, the balance tilted irrevocably in Blaze’s favour. Blaze chalked-up their 6th successive win, and booked their place on finals day as group-stage winners. As reported below, Nadine deKlerk is the competition’s top wicket-taker, with 13 wickets-to-date. Jamie Ramage’s report from URL: https://deepextracover.com/2023/06/sunrisers-vs-blaze-match-report/ Sunrisers match report from URL https://www.sunriserscricket.com/post/match-report-the-blaze-v-sunrisers

Match result: The Blaze Women 198/6 beat Sunrisers Women 114/10 (target 199 from 20 overs) by 84 runs

*Blaze’s batting: 198/6 (20/20 overs @9.9 runs-per-over); Natalie ‘Nat’ Sciver-Brunt 58(30), Sarah Glenn 43 *not out (29), Tammy Beaumont 41(30), Georgie Boyce  21(16), Nadine deKlerk 13(8); Sunrisers’ bowling: Eva Gray 2/29,  Abtaha Maqsood 2/33, Kate Coppack 2/41; Fow: 1-4, 2-106, 3-122, 4-122, 5-153, 6-188.

*Sunrisers’ batting: 114/10 (20/20 overs @5.7 r-p-o); Grace Scrivens 20(26), Kate Coppack 19(18), Alice ‘Lissy’ MacLeod 16(10), Dane v.Niekerk 13(14), Flo Miller 12(13), Amara Carr 10(11), Kelly Castle 10(15); Blaze’s bowling: Sarah Glenn 2/9, Nadine deKlerk 2/10, Natalie ‘Nat’ Sciver-Brunt  2/16, Sophie Munro 2/18, Grace Ballinger 1/29; Fow: 1-15, 2-33, 3-38, 4-56 ,5-81, 6-81, 7-82, 8-84, 9-112, 10-114.

*Scorecard with video highlights, courtesy of ECB via NV Play at URL: https://live.nvplay.com/ecb/#cdc38bf13-4f50-4dde-b543-741109226324_m8cb3dea8-8367-41b7-8006-39dbc487b4d9_~scorecard & Also BBC Sport at URL https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/scorecard/ECKE1000521

*Full match video courtesy of The Blaze (starting from 10m43s/3h10m12s) via YouTube at URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8AaqTI6Xvk&t=6s

*Latest England and Wales Cricket Board tables at URL: https://www.ecb.co.uk/matches/womens-t20/table