With a handful of points separating the top five teams, both teams remained optimistic about their chances to qualify for the Eliminator/Play-off. For Diamonds, it was unthinkable that as defending champions, Hollie Armitage’s team would fail finish the competition’s group stage below third place. As their opponents, ’Sunrisers’ arrived on the crest of three back-to-back wins with all to play for, having won nothing more than a handful of wooden spoons in previous years. Inclement weather at Chester-le-Street reduced the match to 18 overs per innings, with a two o’clock start.  Once play got underway, Eva Gray took carbon-copy wickets, flattening Lauren Winfield-Hill’s ‘leg-stump,’ followed by Hollie Armitage’s ‘off-stump.’ Thereafter, at least an hour’s rain delayed play between 3-4.20pm. ‘Diamonds’’ wickets continued to fall at regular intervals with Bess Heath (England Senior debutante) making top-score. In reply, all-bar-one ‘Sunrisers’ batters made double-figures. Unbeaten match-winning partnership between Jo Gardner and Flo Miller added 49 runs. Video highlights courtesy of ECB (NV Play) & Yorks CricketTV (please see below.) Match was played under grey sky with floodlights switched-on.

Diamonds innings *Skipper Hollie Armitage [*Amara Carr keeping wicket for Sunrisers] *With international player Sterre Kalis (NL) *With Bess Heath (England) & Sophia Turner (on loan from Thunder) *During the first over, Lauren Winfield-Hill 1(3) was bowled, her leg-stump flattened by Eva Gray’s ’nip-back’ in-swing. *During the fifth over, Hollie Armitage 13(11) went for a carbon-copy dismissal; *By mid-way (9 overs) Diamonds were 42/2 *Sterre Kalis 28(39), was caught at ‘long-off,’ by Kelly Castle, said to be a stunning catch, ‘back-peddling’ from ‘mid-off’ and caught one-handed, from Jodi Grewcock (1/15); *Rebecca Duckworth 5(19) was caught ‘in the covers’ by Grace Scrivens from Kelly Castle (1/17); *Hitting ‘Diamonds’ only ‘six,’ Bess Heath 37(21), went aerial, caught at ‘square’ by Flo Miller from Mady Villiers (1/24); *Three balls later, Leah Dobson 16(12), ‘top-edged’ and was caught by Mady Villiers at ‘long-on,’ from Grace Scrivens (1/25); *Sophia Turner was 4*not out (3) & Phoebe Turner 0(0) ‘not out.’ *Best ‘Diamonds’ batter was Bess Heath 37(21); *Best ‘Sunrisers’ bowler was Eva Gray, taking 2/24.

Sunrisers Innings *Skipper Grace Scrivens – England u-19’s [*Lauren Winfield-Hill keeping wicket for for ‘Diamonds’] *Without international player Dane v.Niekerk (reported as injured.)*Also without Abtaha Maqsood (Scotland.) *Grace Scrivens 11(16) was bowled, top of ‘middle-and-leg’ stumps, from Sophia Turner; *By mid-way (9 overs) Sunrisers were 54/1 (vs 42/2); *Ariana Dowse 27(24) was caught ‘in-the-covers’ by Sterre Kalis, from Grace Hall’s ‘yorker;’* Mady Villiers 1(2) was caught aerial ‘at square’ by Leah Dobson from Phoebe Turner; *Amara Carr 29(26), played across-the-line, losing her off-side bail to Grace Hall (2/36); *Hitting ‘Sunrisers’ only ‘six,’ Jo Gardner was 30*not out (31), Flo Miller 20*not out(16) played a match-winning partnership of 49 runs. *Match ended in an anti-climax when Lizzie Scott conceded a ‘wide.’ *Best ‘Sunrisers’ batter was Jo Gardner 30*not out (31); *Best ‘Diamonds’ bowler was Grace Hall, taking 2/36.

Match summary: Match that will be remembered for putting an end to ‘Diamonds’ title defence. Reduced to a 18 overs-per-innings, the match was by no means played as a ‘dead rubber.’ ‘Diamonds’’ wickets fell at regular intervals. As mentioned above, ‘Sunrisers” match-winning partnership of 49 runs between Jo Gardner and Flo Miller was key to success. Match ended in an anti-climax when ‘Diamonds’ bowler Lizzie Scott  conceded a ‘wide’ when bowling to Flo Miller, handing victory to ‘Sunrisers.’ Chalking-up their fourth back-to-back win under the leadership of England-under 19’s skipper Grace Scrivens, ‘Sunrisers’ (32 points) finish group stage in the top-half of the table (4th place); 2 places ahead of ‘Diamonds’ (30 points.) First time in four years that ‘Diamonds’ (as defending champions) failed to qualify for finals day.

Match result: Sunrisers 126/4 (17.3/18 overs; target 126 from 18 overs) beat Northern Diamonds 114/6 (18/18 overs) by six wickets – DLS Method 

*‘Diamonds’’ batting 114/6 (18/18 overs @6.3 runs-per-over) Bess Heath 37(21), Sterre Kalis 28(39), Leah Dobson 16(12), Hollie Armitage 13(11); ‘Sunrisers’’ bowling: Eva Gray 2/24, Jodi Grewcock 1/15, Kelly Castle 1/17, Mady Villiers 1/24, Grace Scrivens 1/25; Fow: 1-4, 2-26, 3-51, 4-73, 5-106, 6-110.

*‘Sunrisers’’ batting 126/4 (17.3/18 overs @7.2 runs-per-over) Jo Gardner 30*not out (31), Amara Carr 29(26), Ariana Dowse 27(24), Flo Millier 20*not out(16), Grace Scrivens 11(16); ‘Diamonds’’ bowling: Grace Hall 2/36, Phoebe Turner 1/16 Sophia Turner 1/22; Fow: 1-20, 2-59, 3-60, 4-77.

*Scorecard courtesy of ECB @URL https://www.ecb.co.uk/rachael-heyhoe-flint-trophy/matches/35838#scorecard

*Video highlights, via  ECB (via NV Play) @URL https://www.ecb.co.uk/rachael-heyhoe-flint-trophy/matches/35838#videos

*Match free-to-air courtesy of Yorks Cricket TV (believed to be via NV Play) via ‘YouTube’ @URL https://yorkshireccc.com/match/ndiam-v-sunris-rachael-heyhoe-flint-trophy-16-sep/?tab=m_scorecard

Previously, ‘Diamonds’’ had optimism to ‘make something happen’ to reach the up-coming Eliminator to defend last year’s title. With one group-stage match remaining, neither ‘Roses’ team could make the top three teams, so the Roses match was a ‘dead rubber.’ On one hand that gave renowned players the opportunity to play a batting master-class such as Diamonds’ Lauren Winfield-Hill (pictured) who top-scored [with 89 runs (from 90 balls)] It also opened the door to players at every level of experience to step-up their performances. Scotland’s Olivia Bell took four wickets for ‘Thunder’ (4/32); also chalking-up 14 wickets from her last four matches played for ‘Thunder’ during September (50ov.) One notable absence from ‘Diamonds’ previous match (at Taunton) was Sophia Turner, ‘on loan’ from ‘Thunder.’ ‘Diamonds’ Head Coach Dani Hazell may just have considerately spared Sophia Turner the risk of damaging her (‘Thunder’) career! Video highlights and scorecards courtesy of ECB (NV Play) – please see below.

Diamonds innings Skipper Hollie Armitage [*Ellie Threlkeld keeping wicket for Thunder;] *International player Sterre Kalis (NL) *Without Chloe Tyron (Rep. South Africa call-up) *Without Bess Heath (England call-up) *Without Katherine Fraser (Scotland) *During the fourth over, Sterre Kalis 8(11) was bowled through-the-gate with flying bails, by Phoebe Graham; *Attempting a paddle during the ninth over, Hollie Armitage 9(11) was bowled by Hannah Jones; *After 10-overs ‘Power-play’ ‘Diamonds’ were 63/2. *During the fifteenth over, Emma Marlow 10(20) went plumb ‘leg before’ to Hannah Jones; *By mid-way, ‘Diamonds’ were 120/3. *Lauren Winfield-Hill  partnered by Rebecca Duckworth 27(54) added 46 runs for Diamonds’ fourth wicket until the latter was bowled with bails sent flying by Olivia Bell; *Lauren Winfield-Hill 89(90) who hit fourteen ‘fours,’ was bowled through-the-gate by Tara Norris; *Three balls later, Leah Dobson was spectacularly caught one-handed, by diving Libby Heap, from Olivia Bell; *Two wickets feel either side of the 40th over. *Firstly  Phoebe Turner 9(22) spooned to ‘mid-on,’ caught by Naomi Dattani from Olivia Bell; *Secondly, Katie Levick 2(6) was caught-and-bowled at shoulder-height, also from Olivia Bell; Diamonds final two wickets fell, firstly when Grace Hall 14(20) was  clean-bowled, by seamer Naomi Dattani. Finally, Jess Woolston 3(8) was clean-bowled, with her leg-stump knocked-back, also by Naomi Dattani (2/33.) *Lizzie Scott 11*(22) was ‘not out’ *Best ‘Diamonds batter was Lauren Winfield-Hill 83(92) *Best Thunder bowler was Olivia Bell taking 4/32.

Thunder’s innings *Skipper Ellie Threlkeld [*Lauren Winfield-Hill keeping wicket for for ‘Diamonds’] *With internationals Tara Norris (US) & Laura Delany (Republic of Ireland); *Without Deandre Dottin (WIndies Caribbean League.) *Olivia Bell (Scotland) *Without Emma Lamb, Kate Cross, or Mahika Gaur (England call-up) *During the ‘Power-play,’ Libby Heap’s 14(19) bails were sent flying by Jess Woolston. *Two wickets fell during the tenth over: firstly when Naomi Dattani 16(14) snicked-an-edge to Lauren Winfield-Hill, from Katie Levick. *Next ball, Fi Morris went 0(1) went plumb ‘leg-before’ for a ‘golden-duck.’ *Skipper Ellie Threlkeld faced Katie Levick’s ‘hat-trick’ ball. *After 10 overs ‘Power-play,’ ‘Thunder’ were 54/3 (vs 63/1.) *During the 20th over, Seren Smale 33(50) steepled a running & diving catch, collected by keeper Lauren Winfield-Hill, from Phoebe Turner. *Another two wickets fell during the twentieth over, firstly when Ellie Threlkeld 31(45) was caught by at ‘square’ by Emma Marlow falling backwards, from Phoebe Turner. *Two balls later, Daisy Mullan 0(2) had both bails sent flying by Phoebe Turner for a ‘2nd ball-duck.’ *One ball short of mid-way, Tara Norris 1(5) played ‘backward-defence,’ going plumb ‘leg-before’ to Katie Levick. *After 25 overs, ‘Thunder’ were 114/7 (vs 145/1) *Two overs later, Phoebe Graham 0(3) played across-the-line, going ‘leg-before’ to Katie Levick for a ‘3rd ball-duck.’ Laura Delany (Republic of Ireland) partnered by Olivia Bell (Scotland) batted together for six overs until Olivia Bell 8(21) was ‘run-out’ by Hollie Armitage’s throw to Lauren Winfield-Hill, receiving at the striker’s end. *Finally Hannah Jones 2(3) was  also ‘run-out,’ by Leah Dobson’s throw to LWH at the striker’s-end. *Thunder’s innings ended prematurely during thoier 34th over, leaving Laura Delany 23*not out (39) *Best ‘Thunder’ batter was Seren Smale 33(50) *Best ’Diamonds’ ‘stand-out’ bowler was Katie Levick, taking 4/28. Phoebe Turner took a season’s best 3/18.

Match summary: ‘Diamond’s’ batters made an emphatic start. Lauren Winfield-Hill played a batting master-class. Playing for ‘Thunder,’ Scotland’s Olivia Bell was stand-out bowler taking four wickets, averaging 3.5 wickets-per-match from four recent matches. ‘Diamonds’ bowlers twice threatened to take ‘hat-tricks’ during ‘Thunder’s’ 10th (Katie Levick) & 20th overs (Phoebe Turner.) ‘Thunder’s’ innings closed nearly fifty runs short behind the defending champions with 16 overs to spare. Final group stage matches are played on September 16, with 2nd & 3rd placed teams qualifying for the Eliminator (on September 21.) Winner plays the top team in the Final (on September 24.)

Match result: Northern Diamonds 196/10 beat North West Thunder 148/10 by 48 runs

* ‘Diamonds’’ batting 196/10 (46.4/50 overs @4.2 runs-per-over) Lauren Winfield-Hill 89(90), Rebecca Duckworth 27(54) ,Grace Hall 14(20), Lizzie Scott 11*not out(22), Emma Marlow 10(20); ‘Thunder’s’ bowling: Olivia Bell 4/32, Naomi Dattani 2/33, Hannah Jones 2/34,  Phoebe Graham 1/32, Tara Norris 1/35; Fow: 1-23, 2-51, 3-83, 4-129, 5-151, 6-151, 7-163, 8-169, 9-188, 10-196.

* ‘Thunder’s’ batting 148/10 (33.4/50 overs @ 4.3 runs-per-over) Seren Smale 33(50), Ellie Threlkeld 31(45), Laura Delany 23*not out (39), Naomi Dattani 16(14), Liberty ‘Libby’ Heap 14(19); ‘Diamonds’’ bowling: Katie Levick 4/28, Phoebe Turner 3/18, Jess Woolston 1/27 ;Fow: 1-27, 2-54, 3-54, 4-92, 5-110, 6-110, 7-114, 8-114, 9-140, 10-148.

* Scorecard  courtesy of ECB @URL https://www.ecb.co.uk/rachael-heyhoe-flint-trophy/matches/35824#scorecard

* Video highlights, via NV Play @URL https://www.ecb.co.uk/rachael-heyhoe-flint-trophy/matches/35824#videos

Before the match, ‘Diamonds’’ Head Coach Dani Hazell had optimism (via social media) to ‘make something happen’ to reach the up-coming Eliminator to enable ‘Diamonds’ to defend last year’s title. Star batter Hollie Armitage top-scored for ‘Diamonds’ with an undefeated run-a-ball 106 runs (from 107 balls) forming four batting partnerships. By comparison, ‘Vipers’’ Head Coach Charlotte Edwards has already bagged two out of three of this season’s trophies with ‘Southern Brave’ (Women’s The Hundred); and also with ‘Vipers’ (20 overs.) Both skippers made top-scores. Georgia Adams scored 82 runs (from 98 balls ); forming key partnerships, adding 109 runs with Ella McCaughan for ‘Vipers’’ 2nd wicket; and added 42 runs with Georgia Elwiss. In comparison, Hollie Armitage scored a ’ton,’ during which partnerships were formed with Sterre Kalis (adding 46 runs); Emma Marlow (61 runs); with Rebecca Duckworth (44 runs) and finally with Leigh Dobson (adding 51 runs.) Thereafter, the match went down to the final over, with ‘Diamonds’ needing 9 runs but scoring 6; making it harder for ‘Diamonds’’ aspiration to qualify. Video highlights courtesy of ECB (NV Play) & Southern Vipers (please see below.)

‘Vipers” Innings *Skipper Georgia Adams [*Lauren Winfield-Hill keeping wicket for Diamonds] *With international player Nicole Faltum (Australia WBBL) *Also with Nancy Harman, Mary Taylor & Ava Lee *Depleted without England call-ups (Maia Bouchier, Charlie Dean, Freya Kemp & Danni Wyatt) Lauren Bell rested. *Abi Norgrove 6(16) was clean-bowled by Lizzie Scott. *After 10-overs ‘Power-play’ ‘Vipers’ were 49/1 & 114/1 by mid-way. Skipper Georgia Adams and Ella McCaughan batted for 24 overs adding 109 runs for ‘Vipers’’ 2nd wicket, before  Ella McCaughan 47(84) was caught & bowled by Grace Hall. *Georgia Adams 82(98) also formed a 3rd wicket partnership with Georgia Elwiss until skipper Adams was bowled by Phoebe Turner. *Georgia Elwiss and Emily Windsor batted for 5 overs until Georgia Elwiss 22(36) snicked-an-edge to Lauren Winfield-Hill, from Grace Hall. *Two wickets fell during the 46th over firstly when Nicole Faltum 7(10) was caught by a substitute fielder and Nancy Harman 1(2) went ‘leg before,’ both to Lizzie Scott. *Finally, another two wickets fell during the same over when Emily Windsor 39(38) was caught by Phoebe Turner; and Alice Monaghan 8(8) was caught by Lizzie Scott; both from Grace Hall. *Hitting Katie Levick for what turned out to be a retrospective match-winning ‘six,’ Rhianna Southby was 15*not out (6); and Mary Taylor was 3*not out (3.) *Best ‘Vipers’ batter was Georgia Adams 82(98); *Best ‘Diamonds’ bowler was Grace Hall (4/64.)

‘Diamonds” Innings *Skipper Hollie Armitage [*Rhianna Southby keeping wicket for Vipers] *With international player Sterre Kalis (NL) without Chloe Tryon (Rep. South Africa call-up). *After 10-overs power play ‘Diamonds’ were 53/1; moments after losing Lauren Winfield-Hill 29(29) who went ‘leg before’ to Georgia Adams. *(A) Skipper Hollie Armitage with Sterre Kalis, added 46 runs until Sterre Kalis 37(63) went ‘leg before’ to Georgia Adams. *By mid-way ‘Diamonds’ were level-pegging at 118/2 (vs 114/1): needing another 144 runs from 25 balls remaining. *(B) Skipper Armitage added 61 runs with Emma Marlow 20(43) until Emma Marlow was caught & bowled by Nancy Harman (1/31.) *(C) Skipper Armitage added 44 runs with Rebecca Duckworth until Rebecca Duckworth 23(33) was caught by Nancy Harman, from Alice Monaghan. *(D) Skipper Armitage added 51runs with Leah Dobson until Leah Dobson 20(23) was bowled by Georgia Elwiss. *Hollie Armitage was 106*not out (107): Phoebe Turner was 2*not out (2). *Best ‘Diamonds’ batter was Hollie Armitage 106*not out (107) *Best ‘Vipers’ bowler was Nancy Harman (1/31.)

Match summary: Batting first, ‘Vipers’’ skipper Georgia Adams played a pivotal role adding 109 for ‘Vipers’’ 2nd wicket with Ella McCaughan; also adding 42 with Georgia Elwiss. ‘Diamonds’’ Hollie Armitage scored a skipper’s ’ton,’ and staged a century opening-partnership firstly adding 46 with Sterre Kalis; followed secondly by 61 with Emma Marlow. Separately Hollie Armitage also added 44 runs with Rebecca Duckworth and 51 runs with Leah Dobson. As mentioned above, the match went down to the final over, with ‘Diamonds’ needing 9 runs but scoring 6; making it harder for ‘Diamonds’ aspiration to qualify. ‘Vipers’ were said to have a great chance to qualify in the play-off/Eliminator match, to decide which team meets ‘The Blaze’ in the final.

Match result: Southern Vipers 261/8 beat Northern Diamonds 258/5, by 3 runs

* ‘Vipers’ batting 261/8 (from 50 overs @5.2 runs-per-over ) Georgia Adams 82(98), Ella McCaughan 47(84) , Emily Windsor 39(38), Georgia Elwiss 22(36), Rhianna Southby 15*not out(6); ‘Diamonds’ bowling: Grace Hall 4/64, Lizzie Scott 3/33, Phoebe Turner 1/64; Fow 1-18, 2-127, 3-169, 4-207, 5-226, 6-228, 7-242, 8-245.

* ‘Diamonds’ batting 258/5 (from 50 overs @5.1 r-p-o) Hollie Armitage 106*not out (107), Sterre Kalis 37(63), Lauren Winfield-Hill 29(29), Rebecca Duckworth 23(33), Leah Dobson 20(23), Emma Marlow 20(43); ‘Vipers’ bowling: Nancy Harman 1/31, Ava Lee 1/32, Georgia Adams 1/34, Georgia Elwiss 1/46, Alice Monaghan 1/54; Fow 1-52, 2-98, 3-159, 4-203, 5-254.

* Scorecard  courtesy of ECB @URL https://www.ecb.co.uk/rachael-heyhoe-flint-trophy/matches/35809#scorecard

* Video highlights, via NV Play @URL https://www.ecb.co.uk/rachael-heyhoe-flint-trophy/matches/35809#videos

* Match free-to-air highlights without commentary, courtesy of ‘Southern Vipers’ on ‘YouTube’ Livestream [10m13s] @URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UqZLfVKHHrA

Before the match, Head Coach Dani Hazell had told reporters she had optimism to ‘make something happen’ for ‘Diamonds’ to reach the up-coming Eliminator match to defend last year’s title. Since then, ‘Diamonds’ lost three matches in-a-row, narrowing their title defence aspirations down to ‘wafer-thin.’ Star batter Lauren Winfield-Hill (pictured) top-scored for ‘Diamonds’ hitting 83 runs (from 92 balls) and staged a century opening-partnership with Dutch international Sterre Kalis 45(from 47.) By comparison, ’Storm’ look set to receive their inaugural ‘wooden spoon.’ One highlight was skipper Sophie Luff hitting her season’s best 87(from 105), with two key partnerships that gave confidence to batters Natasha Wraith and Fran Wilson who both made ‘fifty.’  Video highlights courtesy of ECB (NV Play) & Western Storm (please see below) Weather at Taunton improved, after early rain shortened the match to 43 overs per side.

Diamonds innings *Skipper Hollie Armitage [*Natasha Wraith keeping wicket for Storm;] *Debutante Sophia Turner, on-loan from North West Thunder *International player Sterre Kalis (NL) *Without Bess Heath (England call-up) *After 10-overs ‘Power-play’ ‘Diamonds’ were 50 without loss. *Century opening partnership between Sterre Kalis and Lauren Winfield-Hill banked 101 runs. *Sterre Kalis 45(47) was ‘run out’ at the non-striker’s end by Mollie Robbins *By mid-way, ‘Diamonds’ were 145/1. *After hitting Chloe Skelton for ‘six,’ Hollie Armitage 45(48) went aerial, caught ‘in the deep’ by Alex Griffiths, from Mollie Robbins. *Lauren Winfield-Hill 83(92) who hit ten ‘fours,’ was caught at ‘cover’ by Fran Wilson, from Mollie Robbins *93 runs were added by Leah Dobson (who hit Niamh Holland 1st ball for ’six’): 68 not out (50); partnered by *Emma Marlow who was 23*not out (21.) *Best ‘Diamonds batter was Lauren Winfield-Hill 83(92) *Only one Storm bowler was successful , Mollie Robbins (2/41.)

Storm innings *Skipper Sophie Luff [*Lauren Winfield-Hill keeping wicket for Diamonds] *With Mollie Robbins, who made her ’Storm’ debut in 2021, but played no matches last year. *Without Heather Knight or Danielle Gibson (England call-up) *Alex Griffiths went ‘leg-before’ to Lizzie Scott’s in-swing. *Emma Corney 10(17) caught Lauren Winfield-Hill bowled Sophia Turner (1/31) *After 10-overs ‘Power-play’ ‘Storm’ were 42/2 (vs 50/0) *Century 3rd wicket partnership between Sophie Luff and Fran Wilson added 107 runs *Fran Wilson 57(56) ‘reverse-swept’ to Rebecca Duckworth from Hollie Armitage (1/52) *By mid-way, ‘Storm’ were 129/3 (vs 145/1) *Niamh Holland 5(5) was bowled ‘through the gate’ by Katie Levick. *6th wicket stand of 69 runs between Sophie Luff & Natasha Wraith. *Sophie Luff 87(105) swung around and was stumped Lauren Winfield-Hill from Katie Levick (2/61) *Natasha Wraith 61 (44) was caught by Sterre Kalis, from Lizzie Scott (2/30) *Sophia Smale 5 was ‘run out’ by Lizzie Scott’s direct hit *Chloe Skelton was 9*not out (11); Nicole Harvey was 1*not out (3.) *Top scorer Sophie Luff 87(105.) Best ‘Diamonds’ bowler was Lizzie Scott (2/30.)

Match summary: Diamonds took to the field having lost one more match than Storm, but with two more wins placing them higher-up the group-stage table. With seven overs-per-side docked for ‘early morning’ rain, both sides scored around one-run-per-ball despite a drying outfield. As mentioned abive, Star batter Lauren Winfield-Hill top-scored for ‘Diamonds’ hitting 83 runs (from 92 balls); staged a century opening-partnership with Dutch international Sterre Kalis 45(from 47.) Further down the scorecard, Leah Dobson, hit an unbeaten ‘fifty,’ partnered by Emma Marlow. Together, the pair added another 93 for ‘Diamonds,’ chalking-up a record final score for 43 overs in the 50 overs competition. Storm’s skipper Sophie Luff eplied with two key partnerships with batters both scoring ‘fifty.’ Firstly, a century partnership with former England player Fran Wilson added 107 runs. Secondly, batting with keeper Natasha Wraith added another 63 runs. Although Sophie Luff hit top-score of the match with a season’s best 87(from 105) ‘Storm’ closed agonisingly 31 runs short of their run-chase. With two group-stage matches remaining (at time of writing) 5th-placed Diamonds’ (25 points) have an outside chance to qualify beyond the group stage. Without anyn such pressure, ‘Storm’ are playing for their own pride.

Match result: Northern Diamonds 281/3 (43 overs) beat Western Storm 250/7 (43 overs), by 31 runs

*Diamonds batting: 281/3 (@6.5 runs-per-over from 43/43 overs) Lauren Winfield-Hill 83(92), Leah Dobson 68*not out (50), Hollie Armitage 45(48), Sterre Kalis 45(47), Emma Marlow 23*not out (21); *Storm  bowling: Mollie Robbins 2/41; Fow 1-101, 2-177, 3-188.

*Storm batting: 250/7 (@5.8 r-p-o from 43/43 overs)Sophie Luff 87(105), Natasha Wraith 61(44), Fran Wilson 57(56), Emma Corney 10(17); *Diamonds bowling Lizzie Scott 2/30, Katie Levick 2/61 ,Sophia Turner 1/31, Hollie Armitage 1/52; Fow 1-8, 2-17, 3-124, 4-135, 5-204, 6-239, 7-241.

*Scorecard courtesy of ECB @URL https://www.ecb.co.uk/rachael-heyhoe-flint-trophy/matches/35819#scorecard

*Video highlights, courtesy of ECB (NV Play) & Western Storm @URL https://westernstorm.co.uk/fixtures-results/#vd09d4395-3bb6-4239-a212-9a1cd566d175

*No livestream video commentary was available at time of writing

No result. Diamonds chalked-up 105/4 just after mid-way (25 overs) before inclement weather became steadily worse. Match was called-off after three hours’ stoppage (at 15h20); with 2 points awarded to each team. Reporters added that Diamonds chance of defending their 50-overs title look slim, having taken three successive defeats prior to the match. Video highlights (x12) from ECB online (NV Play) from Southern Vipers on ‘YouTube’ (please see below.) Weather at Arundel was overcast, evolving into continuous rain, around 15C.

Vipers did not bat. *Skipper Georgia Adams *International player Maitlan Brown (Australia’s WBBL); *With England’s Maia Bouchier & Charlie Dean, but without Lauren Bell or Danni Wyatt.

Diamonds’ innings:  *Skipper Hollie Armitage [*Rhianna Southby keeping wicket for Vipers] *International players Chloe Tryon (Rep. South Africa) & Sterre Kalis (NL.) *With Jessica ‘Jess’ Woolston & Rebecca ‘Becky’ Duckworth. *Without Bess Heath or Grace Hall. *Diamonds batted through overcast conditions with grey clouds and the perpetual threat of rain. *Play was briefly interrupted for Vipers’ Linsey Smith to receive wrist bandaging. *Both Diamonds openers went in quick succession for single-figures during their ‘Power-play, faced by a combination of Vipers’ seam and spin bowling from either end. *Sterre Kalis 3 runs (from 9 balls) was caught perfectly at slip by Georgia Adams, from Maitlan Brown’s (1/14) fast-pace. *Lauren Winfield-Hill 8(16) was clean-bowled middle-stump by Mary Taylor’s (1/10) first ball, understood (off-field) to be a ‘champagne moment:’ given LWH’s recent good form. *After ten overs Power-play, Diamonds were 37/2 & 60/2 after 100 balls (16.4 overs.) *Making top-score, Hollie Armitage 48(64) played a skipper’s innings, closing two short of her ‘fifty;’ partnered by Emma Marlow 25*not out (46.) The pair added 58 runs for Diamonds’ third wicket. *During the 20th over, skipper Armitage snicked a thin-edge to keeper Rhianna Southby, who took an effortless catch. *Next ball, Becky Duckworth went for a ‘golden-duck,’ her off-stump knocked-back by Georgia Adams (2/23.) Skipper Adams was placed on a potential ‘hat-trick,’ when starting her next over. *That was carefully negotiated by Emma Marlow as a ‘dot’ ball. *At mid-way (25 overs) Diamonds were 97/4. *Spots of rain were detected as drinks were taken. *Next over, the pitch was covered, assisted by some of the players (see photo.) *Early lunch was announced in an hour’s time. *After three hours hiatus it was decided that no further play was possible.

Match summary: Diamonds batted through just over half their quota of overs before inclement weather arrived and became steadily worse. Vipers weren’t afforded the opportinity to bat. After 10 rounds of the group-stage played-to-date, both teams need to close a 5 point gap that (at time of writing) separates them from the qualifying top-three teams. Diamonds (4th, 21 points) & Vipers (5th, 19 points.)

* Match result: No result (rain): Diamonds 105/4 (25.4 overs/50overs)

*Diamonds’ batting: Hollie Armitage 48(64), Emma Marlow 25*not out (46), Chloe Tryon 11*not out (18); *Vipers’ bowling: Georgia Adams 2/23, Mary Taylor 1/10, Maitlan Brown 1/14; Fow: 1-5, 2-24, 3-82, 4-82.

*Scorecard & Statistics with video highlights, courtesy of ECB via NV Play @URL: https://live.nvplay.com/ecb/?tab=m_summary#m85b4c9c0-b5d8-4347-b3d5-f795fe7e7aa8 Also BBC Sport@URL: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/scorecard/ECKE1000563

*Match free-to-air, courtesy of Hampshire Cricket (for Southern Vipers) via NV Play on ‘YouTube’ Livestream without commentary [starting from 13m00/04h37m06s] @URL:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DEDPnpmUZQQ

Commentators lauded Sparks’ Katie George (pictured) who made a ‘tremendous knock’ with her match-winning ‘fifty, scoring 56 from just 35 balls. As stand-out performer, Katie George also took two wickets (2/46) out of Diamonds’ four, during a rain-affected match. Commentators were Jonathan Doidge (for BBC radio Leeds) with Graham Hardcastle (Sports journalist) with guest Dr Jane Powell (President, Yorks CCC.) Video highlights from ECB online (via NV Play) with full match video courtesy of Yorks CCC for Northern Diamonds & commentary from BBC Sounds. As mentioned below, the match started late and was rescheduled a number of times following each interruption for rain.

Diamonds ’ Innings *Skipper Hollie Armitage.*[Abbey Freeborn keeping wicket for Sparks] *Unchanged team. *International players Chloe Tryon (Republic of South Africa) & Sterre Kalis (NL.) *After a rain-delayed start, announced that play was reduced to 43 overs per side; due to start around noon (12h40.) *Between showers, Lauren Winfield-Hill and Sterre Kalis made a 60-run first-wicket stand. *Having travelled long-distance Sterre Kalis was reportedly playing with her treasured bat and borrowed kit. *Lauren Winfield-Hill 28(35) lost her leg-side bail to Georgia Davis. *Sterre Kalis 36(44) snicked a ball passing off-stump to Abbey Freeborn, from Katie George. *Emma Marlow ‘impressed’ commentators, when ‘nearly run out’ on 8 (after ‘good running.’) *Commentators’ curse struck again when Emma Marlow 22(38) steepled a short ‘bouncer’ delivery. *Ballooned to ‘deep-extra-cover,’ caught by Bethan Ellis, from Katie George (2/46.) *Hollie Armitage 66(56) played a skipper’s ‘fifty,’ until steepled to ’short-third’ and caught by Erin Burns, from Georgia Davis (2/40.) *Diamonds innings 223/4 (34 overs) ended prematurely, when another 3 overs was docked from either side’s quota when once again, rain interrupted play. *Bess Heath 49*not out(31) ‘who struck the ball so well,’ closed one run short of her ‘fifty.’ *Best Diamonds batters both hit 2 ’sixes:’ Hollie Armitage 66(56) & Bess Heath 49*not out(31) *Commentators gaffed with Bess Heath hitting one ‘six’ more than she actually did. *Two Sparks bowlers took 2 wickets: Georgia Davis 2/40 & Katie George 2/46. *Diamonds were gifted 14 ‘wides.’

Sparks’ Innings Skipper Eve Jones. *[Lauren Winfield-Hill keeping wicket for Diamonds] *International player Erin Burns (Australia Women’s Big-Bash League) *Erin Burns ballooned a catch to Emma Marlow at ‘deep-mid-wicket,’ from Jess Woolston (1/24.) *Abbey Freeborn 10(10), missed a ‘square-cut’ and was bowled by Katie Levick (noted as misreported elsewhere as caught behind the bowler, ‘wide at long-on.’) *Skipper Eve Jones 26(38), reverse-scooped to her off-side and was caught at ‘short-fine’ by Jess Woolston, from Grace Hall *Katie George 56(35) bowled by Katie Levick, with her off-stump clipped and bails sent flying leg-side. *Two balls later, Ami Campbell 27(23) was bowled by Katie Levick, playing across-the-line. *Issy Wong & Charis Pavely scored the winning runs under pressure, with two balls remaining. *Best Sparks batter was Katie George 56(35) *Best Diamonds bowler was Katie Levick 3/31. *Sparks were gifted 16 ‘wides.’

Match summary Commentators said that ‘Diamonds worked hard’ with the bat and were ‘in a fantastic position.’ By comparison, Sparks ‘played well’ and consistently ‘came out (after each interruption for rain) and went for it’ (intending to win.) Commentators became dissonant when fielders were mis-directed and ‘not entirely certain where they needed to be.’ To clarify for reporting purposes, two Sparks batters were ‘caught,’ three were ‘bowled,’ leaving two batters ’not out.’ Drama struck late in the match, when Diamonds’ Katie Levick took 2 Sparks’ wickets with three balls. Stand-out performer was Sparks’ Katie George who took two wickets (2/46) and top-scoreds with a match-winning ‘fifty.’  After playing 9th round matches, Sparks (25 points) are second only to Blaze, who have a match-in-hand. Defending champions Diamonds (19 points) stay joint-third with Stars (Stars with a match-in-hand.)

Match result: Central Sparks Women 164/5 from 18.4 overs (DLS target 164 from 19 overs) beat Northern Diamonds Women 223/4 from 34 overs; by 5 wickets (Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method): with 2 balls remaining

*Diamonds’ batting: 223/4: (@ 6.5 runs-per-over from 34/34 overs); Hollie Armitage 66(56), Bess Heath 49*not out(31), Sterre Kalis 36(44), Lauren Winfield-Hill 28(35), Emma Marlow 22(38); Sparks’ bowling: Georgia Davis 2/40, Katie George 2/46; Fow 1-60, 2-83, 3-131, 4-197.

*Sparks’  batting: 169/5: (@ 8.7 r-p-o from 18.4/19 overs); Katie George 56(35), Ami Campbell 27(23), Eve Jones 26(28), Abbey Freeborn 10(10), Erin Burns 10(14); Diamonds’ bowling: Katie Levick 3/31, Grace Hall 1/17, Jess Woolston 1/24; Fow 1-41, 2-60, 3-89, 4-161, 5-162.

*Scorecard & match highlights, courtesy of ECB via NV-Play on YouTube at URL: https://live.nvplay.com/ecb/?tab=m_scorecard#cfe6ae2eb-42c0-419f-8c45-68f7f498cd51_mee98161c-4a44-4041-8e88-6571b8d7eddd & BBC Sound (for Sport-Cricket) @URL: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/live/cricket/66101468

*Match free-to-air (starting from 02h12m36s/07h51m26s) courtesy of Yorks CCC (for Northern Diamonds) on YouTube at URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvGMwcS1QWU

Billed as women’s cricket’s ‘war of the roses,’ the wicket was said to favour Diamonds, whose Katie Levick was said to be ‘rubbing her hands,’ long before Diamonds took to the field. Debut home-team commentators’ optimism faded when no Diamonds batter scored ‘fifty’ before lunch and Thunder chased-down their target with more than ten-overs-to-spare. Thunder’s ‘All-rounder’ Naomi Dattani (pictured) was stand-out performer for the winning team, taking a 4-fer (4 wickets for 16 runs)  Naomi Dattani also scored 46 runs during a match-winning batting partnership of 98 runs; together with West Indies legend Deandre Dottin who made an unbeaten ‘fifty.’ Diamonds’ commentators were Jack Harris (Yorks CCC) and Rebecca ‘Becky’ Garrard (Marketing); with Dr Jane Powell (President.) Match video highlights from ECB online (NV-play) courtesy of Yorkshire CCC (Northern Diamonds TV – please see below.) Weather at York was described as ‘mainly cloudy.’

Diamonds’ Innings *Skipper Hollie Armitage. *[Ellie Threlkeld keeping wicket for Thunder] *Diamonds unchanged. *International players Chloe Tryon (Republic of South Africa) Sterre Kalis (NL) plus Hollie Armitage & Bess Heath (England ‘A’.) *After ten overs power play, Diamonds were 37/0. *Naomi Dattani’s ‘short ball,’ delivered ‘wide of off-stump’ brushed the ‘toe-end’ of Lauren-Winfield-Hill’s bat 33(38); and was caught behind by Ellie Threlkeld (stood back to receive faster balls. *Next over, Laura Jackson, said to be Thunder’s first ‘right-armed’ bowler (following left-armers), clean-bowled Sterre Kalis 21(42.) *After 100 balls (16.4 overs) Diamonds were 70/2. *Commentators curse struck when skipper Hollie Armitage 6(18) was ‘looking to get a big score,’ then clean-bowled by Naomi Dattani for single figures. *Tight-bowling by Emma Lamb paired with Fi Morris made it difficult for Diamonds batters to penetrate the field. *Diamonds twice suffered ‘run outs,’ both staged by keeper Threlkeld, receiving at the striker’s end. *Firstly, Libby Heap’s throw ‘ran out’ Emma Marlow 9(19.) *By mid-way (25 overs) Diamonds were 102/4. *Secondly, Deandre Dottin ‘ran out’ Bess Heath. *Chloe Tryon 14(24) was clean-bowled by Fi Morris (1/27.) *Change-of-bowling paired Deandre Dottin with Libby Heap, the latter taking two tail-enders’ wickets, four balls apart. *Leah Dobson 13(24) was caught by Seren Smale. *4 balls later Lizzy Scott 6(20) was caught ‘in-the-covers’ by Deandre Dottin. *Naomi Dattani returned, her fifth ball caught by Fi Morris to dismiss Katie Levick 11(14.) *Finally, Grace Hall snicked a thin-edge to Ellie Threlkeld from Naomi Dattani: that became Diamond’s final ball. * Top-scorer was Lauren Winfield-Hill 33. *Best Thunder bowler was Naomi Dattani (4/16.) *Thunder bowlers gifted 17 ‘wides.’

Thunder’s Innings *Skipper Ellie Threlkeld. *[Lauren Winfield-Hill keeping wicket for Diamonds] *International player Tara Norris (US); Deandra Dottin (exWIndies) & Emma Lamb (England.) *Without Kate Cross & Sophie Ecclestone (on England ‘Ashes’ duty.) *During Power-play, Diamonds bowler Lizzy Scott was paired with Jess Woolston. *Seren Smale 15(16) was clean bowled by Lizzy Scott (5th over.) *After ten overs power play, Thunder were 52/1 (vs 37/0.) *Bowling change brought on Katie Levick, paired with Grace Hall (lauded by commentator as ‘impressive.’) *Diamonds got themselves back in the game when Katie Levick (2/43) took two wickets during the same over. *Firstly, opener Emma Lamb 21(31) went plumb ‘leg before.’ *Three balls later Fi Morris was bowled, with bails sent flying for a third-ball duck. *After 100 balls (16.4 overs) Thunder were 71/3 (vs 70/2) & 93/3 (vs 102/4) by mid-way (25 overs.) *Deandra Dottin *54 not out(86) and Naomi Dattani’s 46(89) batting partnership added 98-runs for Thunder’s 4th wicket. *12 runs short of victory, Naomi Dattani missed a ‘square-cut’ and went ‘leg before to Chloe Tryon (1/29): leaving Deandre Dottin and skipper Threlkeld to see Thunder home. *Top-scorer was Deandre Dottin 54*not out. *Best Diamonds bowler was Katie Levick (2/43.) *Diamonds bowlers gifted 13 ‘wides.’

Match summary As mentioned above, Naomi Dattani put in a match-winning performance with bat-and-ball. Lauren Winfield-Hill top-scored (33) but no other Diamonds batter scored ‘fifty.’ Naomi Dattani (4/16) started the match as Thunder’s stand-out bowler. Naomi Dattani also scored 46 runs during a match-winning batting partnership of 98 runs, together with West Indies legend Deandre Dottin; who made top-score with an unbeaten ‘fifty.’ Thunder won by a comfortable margin of 6 wickets with ten overs to spare. At the time of writing, Thunder chalk-up their first 50-overs win this season, to share 6th place with Vipers on 13 points. Defending champions Diamonds share joint 3rd place with Stars with 19 points after 8 rounds (both teams with 4 wins and 4 losses.)

Match result:  North West Thunder Women 168/4 (target 168 from 50 overs) beat Northern Diamonds Women 167/10 by 6 wickets (with 68 balls remaining)

*Diamonds’ batting: 167/10 (@3.8 runs-per-over from 43.5/50 overs); *Lauren Winfield-Hill 33(38), Sterre Kalis 21(42), Bess Heath 17(28), Chloe Tryon 14(24), Leah Dobson 13(24), Grace Hall 13(29), Katie Levick 11(16); Thunder’s bowling: Naomi Dattani 4/16, Liberty ‘Libby’ Heap 2/11, Laura Jackson 1/21, Fi Morris 1/27; Fow 1-58, 2-58, 3-73, 4-88, 5-110, 6-117; 7-135, 8-136, 9-160, 10-167. *Thunder’s batting: 168/4 (@4.3 runs-per-over, from 38.4/50 overs); Deandre Dottin 54*not out(86), Naomi Dattani 46(89), Emma Lamb 21(31), Seren Smale 15(16), Eleanor ‘Ellie’ Threlkeld 10*not out(8); Diamonds’ bowling: Katie Levick 2/43, Chloe Tryon 1/29, Lizzy Scott 1/42; Fow 1-32, 2-58, 3-58, 4-156.

*Scorecard & Statistics with video highlights, courtesy of ECB via NV Play @URL:https://live.nvplay.com/ecb/?tab=m_scorecard#cfe6ae2eb-42c0-419f-8c45-68f7f498cd51_mb8672eb2-f369-4c39-a463-efb8fff2e0b7 & BBC Sport @URL: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/scorecard/ECKE1000558

*Match free-to-air, courtesy of Yorkshire Cricket (for Northern Diamonds) via NV Play on ‘YouTube’ Livestream [starting from 4m20s/05h29m28s] @URL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sKSwOJt0-kM&t=6s

Defending champions Diamonds leap-frogged Stars into second place, beating Stars home-and-away in both fifth and sixth rounds. With both sides depleted by England ‘call-up,’ acting skipper Lauren Winfield-Hill (pictured) had told reporters that she was making a ‘conscious effort’ to play with Diamonds missing ‘both captains (Hollie Armitage) and keepers’ (Bess Heath.) Scoring more than half of Diamond’s winning total, she chalked-up this season’s second highest score-to-date at 50-overs (with 116*not out runs.) Separately as keeper, Lauren Winfield-Hill took three catches. As noted below, latest statistics also reveal that Winfield-Hill now tops the batting leader board with 336 runs. Stats also reveal that two Diamonds bowlers Katie Levick (12 wickets) and Jess Woolston (11 wickets) hold 2nd & 3rd places for taking most wickets from matches played-to-date. Video highlights via ECB online (NV-Play): please see below. Weather at Beckenham was equally cloudy, with bright sunny spells and a blustery westerly breeze 20C.

Stars Innings *Acting skipper Danielle Gregory with Bryony Smith called-up by England ‘A’. *[Lauren Winfield-Hill kept wicket for Diamonds.] *Scotland debutantes Priya Chatterji & Darcey Carter (Scots u-19s); plus debutante Tazmin Brits (Republic of South Africa.) *Separately, Stars were missing Alice Capsey, Freya Davies, Alice Davidson-Richards & Sophia Dunkley from England call-up. *Stars lost both their openers to carbon-copy dismissals during the power play; both from Jess Woolston (2/29); who was partnered by Lizzy Scott bowling from the opposite end. *Kira Chathli 11 runs (from 13 balls) snicked an edge; and Alexa Stonehouse 9(25) and was caught one-handed bykeeper Lauren Winfield-Hill. *After ten overs power play, Stars were 30/2. *Next over, spinner Katie Levick, paired with Grace Hall bowled the next 11 overs. *South Africa’s Tazmin Brits 17(25) went ‘leg before’ when playing to Katie Levick’s (2/37) 5th delivery. *Breakthrough came when Stars lost two wickets with five balls: Jemima Spence 13(27) was caught by Chloe Tryon from Katie Levick; & Kalea Moore was caught for a 3rd ball duck by Lauren Winfield-Hill (third keeper’s catch) from Grace Hall. *South Africa’s Chloe Tryon paired with Emma Marlow took another wicket when Maddie Blinkhorn-Jones 10(15) lobbed a return-catch to Emma Marlow (1/31.) *Stars reached 97/6 by mid-way and got ‘back into the game’ when Chloe Hill and Bethan Miles’ built a seventh-wicket partnership that added 81 runs. *Pivotal moment during an extended 39th over during which Grace Hall took 2 wickets but gifted 11 ‘wides.’ *Firstly, Bethan Miles 28(45) lobbed a leg-side dolly, caught at ‘square’ by Phoebe Turner. *Six balls later, Scotland’s Darcey Carter’s 2(4) stumps were skittled by Grace Hall. *By contrast, Grace Hall’s next over conceded no ‘wides,’ bagging her ‘4-fer’ (4/33.) *Stars’ top-scorer Chloe Hill 63(80) lobbed a ‘leg-side’ dolly, caught at ‘mid-on’ by Chloe Tryon. *Scotland’s Priya Chatterji 15*not out(22) nudged Stars’ total past 200, partnered by stand-in skipper Danielle Gregory 4(18.) *Stars innings closed four overs prematurely when skipper Gregory was sent back by Priya Chatterji, and was ‘run out’ by keeper Lauren Winfield-Hill receiving at the striker’s end, from Jess Woolston’s final delivery.

Diamonds Innings *Acting skipper Lauren Winfield-Hill. *Without Hollie Armitage & Bess Heath, from England ‘A’ call-up. *[Kira Chathli keeping wicket for Stars.] *International players Chloe Tryon (Republic of South Africa), Sterre Kalis (NL) & Katherine Fraser (Scotland.) *50 overs debutante Grace Hall. *Opener Sterre Kalis 6 runs (from 9 balls) set-off for a run ‘that wasn’t there’ and was ‘run out,’ unable to recover her ground with both batters standing at the non-striker’s end; from Bethan Miles’ spin. *After ten overs Diamonds were 56/1 (vs 30/2); and 83/2 (vs 59/3) after 16.4 overs (100 balls.) *Diamonds 2nd wicket partnership added 49 runs before Emma Marlow 20(39) missed a ‘square-cut,’ going ‘leg-before’ to Scotland’s Darcey Carter’s spin. *Two overs later, Phoebe Turner 2(10) was caught (leg side) from Scotland’s Darcey Carter’s spin (2/31.) *By mid-way Diamonds had scored more runs at a faster rate and lost half as many wickets: 137/3 (vs 97/6.) *Finally, as mentioned above, Lauren Winfield-Hill scored her first century of this year’s 50-over contest and ‘carried her bat’ undefeated (with 116* runs not out.) *South Africa’s Chloe Tryon made ‘fifty’ (57*not out.) *Both Lauren Winfield-Hill and Chloe Tryon scored faster than one-run-per-ball. *Diamonds won by a comfortable margin with 17 overs to spare.

Summary Batting first, Stars staged a 7th wicket recovery (between top-scorer Chloe Hill & Bethan Miles) that posted 83 runs toward a defendable score: 205, closing four overs prematurely. Diamonds won with a faster run-rate, losing fewer wickets with a comfortable margin of 17 overs to spare. Acting skipper Lauren Winfield-Hill (former England player) carried her bat, scoring a match-winning ‘ton,’ partnered by South Africa’s Chloe Tryon who made ‘fifty. Defending champions Diamonds (4 wins, 2 losses, 19 points) gained a bonus point and leapfrog into second-place ahead of third-placed Stars (3 wins, 3 losses, 15 points); after six rounds played-to-date.

Result: Northern Diamonds Women 209/3 (target 206) beat South East Stars Women 205/10 by 7 wickets (with 102 balls remaining)

*Stars’ batting: 205/10 (@4.4 runs-per-over from 46/50 overs); Chloe Hill 63(80), Bethan Miles 28(45), Tazmin Brits 17(25), Priyanaz ‘Priya’ Chatterji 15*not out(22), Jemima Spence 13(27), Kira Chathli 11(13), Maddie Blinkhorn-Jones 10(15); *Diamonds bowling: Grace Hall 4/33, Jess Woolston 2/29, Katie Levick 2/37, Emma Marlow 1/31; Fow 1-13, 2-24, 3-49, 4-66, 5-67, 6-91, 7-172, 8-180, 9-185, 10-205.

*Diamonds’ batting: 209/3 (@6.3 r-p-o from 33/50 overs); Lauren Winfield-Hill 116*not out(100), Chloe Tryon 57*not out(44), Emma Marlow 20(39); *Stars bowling: Darcey Carter 2/31; Fow 1-33, 2-82, 3-86.

*Scorecard with video highlights, courtesy of ECB & Yorkshire CCC via NV-Play on YouTube at URL: https://yorkshireccc.com/match/sestar-v-ndiam-rachael-heyhoe-flint-trophy-2-jul/?tab=m_scorecard

*Match free-to-air (Full coverage starts from Stars’ score 69/5; 04h10m03s) with fixed cameras and without commentary via YouTube at URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KD1A2SI2jTE

*Latest stats at URL: https://live.nvplay.com/ecb/?tab=c_stats#cfe6ae2eb-42c0-419f-8c45-68f7f498cd51

Diamonds’ Red Rose rivals Thunder (gaffed by Lancs TV interviewer as Lancs ‘Lightning’) are on a winning streak. 3rd-placed Diamonds confidence in their ‘unchanged team’s’ qualification for ‘Finals Day’ seemed reasonable, with 3 England players missing from their opponents team. By contrast, interviewed pre-match, West Indies Superstar Deandre Dottin had seen tremendous improvement ‘over the last 9 months’ within Thunder’s team. ‘Diamonds’ suffered a nightmare innings, once play started, failing to chalk-up anywhere near to a defendable score. Mounting Thunder’s successful run-chase, opener Naomi Dattani made 20 and Fi Morris closed 42 ’not out.’ Ellie Threlkeld scored the winning ’single.’ Separately, Fi Morris took 2/16 with the ball. After the match, skipper Ellie Threlkeld told reporters she was ‘really proud’ how Thunder had ‘turned the competition around,’ (to qualify 3rd, for their first ever Finals Day.) Lead commentator was Scott Read (Sports journalist, BBC radio Lancashire); with Paige Caunce (HerGameToo.) Video highlights via ECB online (via NV Play) edited from Lancs TV. Blackpool weather started ‘overcast and chilly’ with ‘white clouds clearing,’ giving way to ‘warm’ sunshine.

Diamonds innings: *Skipper Hollie Armitage *[Ellie Threlkeld keeping wicket for Thunder] *With Katherine Fraser (Scotland) *Internationals Sterre Kalis (NL) & Chloe Tryon (Republic of South Africa.) *Commentators mentioned ‘impressive bowling’ by Tara Norris paired with Mahika Gaur. *Only 5 Diamonds batters made double-figures – their total falling short of a defendable score.*Losing 4 wickets during their PowerPlay, Leah Dobson ballooned-a-catch to Olivia Bell at ‘mid-on,’ from Tara Norris; *Skipper Armitage edged to Deandre Dottin (gaffed as Naomi Dattani) at ‘backward-point’ for a 3rd ball ‘duck;’ from Tara Norris. *Next over Lauren-Winfield-Hill launched a ‘gorgeous shot,’ caught at ‘deep-midwicket’ by Naomi Dattani, from Mahika Gaur. *4th wicket fell when Mahika Gaur ‘made-an-almighty-mess’ of Bess Heath’s 1(4) stumps. *After 6 overs PowerPlay, Diamonds were 29/4. *2 more wickets fell before mid-way: Chloe Tryon 22(16) fell backwards and was ‘struck’ by Fi Morris, with all 3 stumps knocked back. *Beth Langston was clean-bowled by Olivia Bell for a 2nd-ball ‘duck.’ *After 10 overs (mid-way) Diamonds were 54/6. *During the 14th over, Sterre Kalis swept high, caught by Naomi Dattani at ‘deep-midwicket’ from Fi Morris (2/16.) On 74/7, commentators said that Diamonds were yet to get ‘anything going.’ *4 overs later, Katherine Fraser also swept high, caught ‘in-the-deep’ by Naomi Dattani, fromn Olivia Bell. *Katie Levick steepled to Libby Heap running short of ‘mid-wicket,’ – also from Olivia Bell (3/9.) *Finally Grace Hall was ‘run out’ by Libby Heap’s pinpoint throw to Naomi Dattani (bowler) skittling bails at the non-striker’s end.

Thunder’s innings: *Skipper Ellie Threlkeld *[Bess Heath keeping wicket for Diamonds] *Debutante Sophie Morris. *Thunder players needed to step-up without three headline players: England’s Kate Cross, Emma Lamb, or Sophie Ecclestone. *Internationals Tara Norris (USA) & Deandre Dottin ex-WIndies. *Libby Heap 12(14) was caught by Sterre Kalis’ rolling catch from Katherine Fraser’s spin. *After 6 overs PowerPlay, Thunder were 40/1 (vs 29/4.) Second wicket partnership between Fi Morris and Naomi Dattani added match-winning 64 runs. *During the 10th over, Naomi Dattani ballooned a thick-edge to Katie Levick at ‘square’ from Beth Langston. *After 10 overs, Thunder were 77/2 (vs 54/6.) *Another wicket fell when Deandre Dottin was stumped by keeper Bess Heath, attempting to ’square-cut’ Katie Levick. *Skipper Threlkeld and Fi Morris 42 took Thunder across-the-line, for a ‘shock’ win.

Match Summary: Failing to post a defendable score, Diamonds suffered a nightmare innings, losing half its batters to single-figures. Thunder seized an early advantage scoring 14 runs from their 1st over during their PowerPlay (40/1 vs 29/4); staying well ahead by mid-way (77/2 vs 54/6.) Opener Naomi Dattani made 20; and Fi Morris closed 42 ’not out.’ Skipper Ellie Threlkeld scored the winning ’single.’ After two losses, Thunder have won their latest 4-out-of-5 matches: their ‘shock win’ qualifying them 3rd place, for their first ever Charlotte Edwards Cup Finals Day. Post-match interview with Thunder’s Ellie Threlkeld & Fi Morris at URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LaQbWv_SJGM

Match Result: North West Thunder Women 97/3 beat Northern Diamonds Women 96/10 by 7 wickets (with 30 balls remaining)

*Diamonds batting: 96/10 (18.4/20 overs 5.1@runs-per-over): Sterre Kalis 24(28), Chloe Tryon 22(16), Katherine Fraser 17(27), Lauren-Winfield-Hill 12(9), Lizzie Scott 11(14); Thunder bowling: Olivia Bell 3/9, Tara Norris 2/19, Fi Morris 2/16, Mahika Gaur 2/27; Fow: 1-11, 2-11, 3-15, 4-19, 5-46, 6-49, 7-74, 7-93, 9-93, 10-96.

*Thunder batting: 97/3 (15/20 overs @6.4 r-p-o): Fi Morris 42*not out (34), Naomi Dattani 20(29), Liberty ‘Libby’ Heap 12(14); Diamonds bowling: Katherine Fraser 1/14, Katie Levick 1/19,  Beth Langston 1/22; Fow 1-30, 2-64, 3-90.

*Scorecard with video highlights, courtesy of ECB via NV Play at URL: https://live.nvplay.com/ecb/?tab=m_scorecard#m68a7bd8b-f07c-4f47-bfe3-c10cab27d5db & BBC Sport @URL: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/scorecard/ECKE1000523

*Full match video courtesy of Lancs TV for NW Thunder (starting from 16m40s/2h45m10s) via YouTube at URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0Qyf2mJaLo

*Thunder qualify for Finals Day. Final England and Wales Cricket Board tables at URL: https://www.ecb.co.uk/matches/womens-t20/table