The scores:

ND: 413-9 (Burns 113*, Marlow 97, Armitage 55)
NL: 224-9
Diamonds won by 189 runs (DLS at work)

This was a thoroughly enterprising arrangement, but goes to show the chasms set between the different strata of cricket.

The one centurion wasn’t even a home-grown player. The 36-year-old Erin Burns is guesting for the Leeds-based franchise. She scored her runs off a mere 73 deliveries, hit eighteen fours and one six. Back at home in Australia she has amassed a mere five T20s for her country and a single ODI. But she still outscored all her team-mates, and her opponents by an even larger margin.

For the Dutch, their captain Sterre Kalis, no doubt part-facilitator of the match, marshalled her troops as best she could.

Babette de Leede (36) and Phebe Molkenboer (31) started promisingly with a stand of 86; the experienced Iris Zwilling added 37 in the middle order. The final total of 224 would have been fine, had it not been for that daunting target they were facing.

As for the home team, Emma Marlow, nominated captain for the day, did herself a power of good in scoring 97 and partnering Lauren Winfield-Hill (42) in an opening stand of 98. It was comforting too to see LW-H taking part. This was a game she might well have stood down for, but the Dutch can be grateful for her presence, the one established England player they faced.

We can only hope that more games of this type can find a regular place in the calendar. It’s the quickest way to ensure progress for nations outside the tiny elite bracket.

The Dutch will have learned far more from this one day of play at Headingley than any number of contests against Associate Member countries like Thailand, UAE and Vanuatu.

Before the ‘spicy’ Roses derby, skipper Ellie Threlkeld (pictured) aimed for Thunder to finish in the top four teams to build on last year’s success. Newly rebranded as ‘Lancashire’ Thunder, a decisive third-wicket partnership between England’s Emma Lamb (44*not out) and England u-19’s Seren Smale (30*not out) chalked-up 55 runs in just 47 balls, winning their first game by a comfortable margin. Earlier, Diamonds losing three key wickets during their power-play, their total score falling short of commentators’ expectation for 130. Introduced pitch-side by presenter Fraser Danson & Paul Shaw (ex Thunder Coach.) Commentators were Mike McCann (Sports journalist) with Allyson Bryne (former Lancs & Cheshire women) and Paul Shaw. Perfect playing conditions: ‘spectacular’ pitch with ‘nice bounce’ and clear blue sky, 17C.

*Diamonds innings: *Skipper Hollie Armitage (England & England A), Abigail ‘Abi’ Glen, Lauren Winfield-Hill (England, Aus Big bash). Katherine Fraser (Scotland), Sterre Kalis (NL), Sophia Turner (Thunder loan) & Emma Marlow; *Without Bess Heath (England call-up); *With Grace Hall & Rachel Slater for Rebecca Duckworth & Jess Woolston; [*Ellie Threlkeld keeping wicket for Thunder]; *Leah Dobson was caught inside the circle at ‘mid-wicket’ from a ‘steepler’ by Fi Morris from Mahika Gaur’s 5th ball; *Five balls later Lauren Winfield-Hill was caught high at ‘extra cover’ by Ailsa Lister, from Kate Cross; *Commentators curse struck after partnership between Hollie Armitage and Sterre Kalis was thought to be ‘key;’ *’Expected to cause problems,’ Hollie Armitage went ‘leg-before’ to Phoebe Graham’s ‘short’ 2nd ball; *After 6 overs power-play 22/3; *Partnership between Sterre Kalis and Emma Marlow nudged Diamonds to 44/3 by mid-way; *Commentators curse struck again when ’needing a wicket,’  Sterre Kalis was caught at ‘long-on’ by Kate Cross from Fi Morris; *Going for a second run, Phoebe Turner was ‘run out’ by Fi Morris, Kate Cross removing the bails at the non-striker’s end; *Diamonds batting: Only 3 batters made double-figures: top-scorer Emma Marlow 47(53), Katherine Fraser 23(18), Sterre Kalis 16(23); *Thunder bowling: *Lauded for a ’decent start: Mahika Gaur 1/11, Fi Morris 1/15, Kate Cross 1/21, Phoebe Graham 1/31;

*Thunder innings: skipper Ellie Threlkeld; with Kate Cross, Mahika Gaur & Emma Lamb (released by England), Seren Smale (England u-19s) debutante Ailsa Lister (Scotland), debutante Georgia Voll (Australia big-bash, replacing Katie Mack); *Also with Danielle Collins, Phoebe Graham & Hannah Jones replacing Naomi Dattani, Daisy Mullan & Tara Norris; *Without Sophie Ecclestone (England call-up); [*Lauren Winfield-Hill keeping wicket for Diamonds]; *Fi Morris went plumb ‘leg-before’ to Katie Levick’s 2nd ball; *After 6 overs power-play 56/1 (vs 22/3); *’Break-through’ when Georgia Voll was ‘rightly sent back’ by Emma Lamb and ‘run out’ by Sterre Kalis; *By mid-way 80/2 (vs 44/3) *Emma Lamb partnered by Seren Smale added 55 runs without further loss; *Thunder batting: Emma Lamb 44*not out(43), Seren Smale 30*not out(30), Georgia Voll 19(13); *Diamonds bowling: Katie Levick 1/33;

*Match result: Lancashire Thunder 112/2 (7.5 runs-per-over, from 14.5/20overs, target 110 from 20ov) 5 points; beat Diamonds 109/5 (5.4 rpo from 20/20 overs) by eight wickets (with 31 balls remaining)

*Scorecard courtesy of ECB @URL https://www.ecb.co.uk/charlotte-edwards-cup/match-centre/104373#scorecard AppleMac users may need to scroll down on left margin

*Video highlights courtesy of NV Play @URL https://live.nvplay.com/ecb/#v3e0277e5-494a-4cd8-b807-0f26d1e9e149 & https://yorkshireccc.com/match/thunder-v-northern-diamonds-at-manchester-charlotte-edwards-cup-19-may-2024/?tab=m_scorecard

*Match free-to-air courtesy of Lancashire Cricket Club (via NV Play) on YouTube<03h00m51s> @URL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8UEccsCDec&t=13s

*Played between innings, ‘Bring the Thunder – The Thunder Story,’ April 2004; trailer on YouTube <01m07> @URL https://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/production/lancashire-ccc-produces-long-form-cricket-doc/5192167.article

Sparks (pictured) hosted a ‘remarkable’ match needing to score four runs from their final over. Bowling her death over, Diamonds’ skipper Hollie Armitage snatched victory from Sparks by one run: when Grace Potts attempted to level the scores by scrambling for a ‘bye.’ Instead, Grace Potts was ‘run-out’ by Bess Heath, resulting in a ‘sensational finish’ by Diamonds. Commentators Claire B Jenkins (women’s cricket commentator, senior lecturer, former player for Somerset women), with social media co-hosts Dr Raf Nicholson & Syd Egan (CRICKETher) Weather was bright with sunny spells.

*Diamonds’ innings skipper Hollie Armitage (England & England A), Abigail ‘Abi’ Glen (England u-19), Bess Heath, Lauren Winfield-Hill (England, Aus Big bash), Erin Burns (Australia Big bash), Sophia Turner (Thunder loan), Jess Woolston; *Without Sterre Kalis (NL call-up) Without Rebecca Duckworth or Lizzie Scott; [*Abbey Freeborn keeping wicket for Sparks]; *After 10 overs power-play, 35/0; Lauren Winfield-Hill made a slow departure, edged to fellow-keeper Abbey Freeborn, from Katie George; *Emma Marlow ‘swung’ and was bowled with bails flying by Katie George’s in-swinging yorker; *Hollie Armitage ‘miscued’ low-down to ‘mid-off,’ caught by Grace Potts, from Hannah Baker; *By mid-way 102/3 (25 overs); *Bess Heath was ‘brilliantly’ caught one-handed at ‘mid-off,’ by Eve Jones, from Grace Potts; *Phoebe Turner chipped to ‘mid-off’ ‘easily’ caught by Eve Jones, from Charis Pavely; *Leah Dobson was bowled by Charis Pavely’s in-swinging yorker; *Ria Fackrell took two wickets when Sophia Turner was caught aerial at ‘mid-wicket’ by Ami Campbell; *5 balls later, top-scorer (scampering 29 singles) Erin Burns was caught effortlessly at ‘mid-off’ by Grace Potts; *Abi Glen scored a ninth-wicket stand of 38 with Jess Woolston. *Jess Woolston (mis-spelt elsewhere) was caught-and-bowled aerial by Bethan Ellis ‘who called for it,’ running across to collect the catch; *Finally Katie Levick was caught behind by Abbey Freeborn for a golden duck. *Diamonds’ batting Erin Burns 49(63), Lauren Winfield-Hill 28(47); Abi Glen 31*not out (27) Leah Dobson 20(22), Emma Marlow 20(38), Bess Heath 17(27), Hollie Armitage 15(23); *Sparks’ bowling Ria Fackrell 2/19; Charis Pavely 2/26, Grace Potts 2/30, Katie George 2/37, Bethan Ellis 1/27, Hannah Baker 1/39;

*Sparks’ innings *skipper Evelyn ‘Eve’ Jones with Issy Wong (England & England A) Grace Potts & Hannah Baker (England A) Davina Perrin & Charis Pavely (England u-19s) *Courtney Webb (Australia Big bash) *Without Amy Jones (England) [*Bess Heath keeping wicket for Diamonds] *Charis Pavely was caught-and-bowled by Erin Burns;  *After 10 overs power-play, 33/1 (vs 35/0) & level-pegging by mid-way 102/1 (vs 102/3 );*Eve Jones 2nd wicket partnership with Abbey Freeborn added 105 runs;*Eve Jones was caught by Erin Burns from Sophia Turner; *Abbey Freeborn was ‘run-out’ by Sophia Turner, responding to the call from Courtney Webb for a quick single; *Ami Campbell was caught-and-bowled by Katie Levick; *Courtney Webb 15(18) went ‘leg-before,’ attempting to sweep Katie Levick; *Bethan Ellis 23(40); was caught at ‘cover’ by Sophia Turner, from Phoebe Turner; *Issy Wong was caught-and-bowled by Hollie Armitage; *Katie George 35(55) was caught at ‘backward point’ by Phoebe Turner from Hollie Armitage; *Ria Fackrell went ‘leg-before’ to Hollie Armitage; *With one ball remaining and as mentioned above, Grace Potts was ‘run-out’ by Bess Heath, off the last ball; *Sparks’ batting Eve Jones 65(98), Abbey Freeborn 49(70), Katie George 35(55), Bethan Ellis 23(40); Courtney Webb 15(18); *Diamonds’ bowling Hollie Armitage 3/40, Katie Levick 2/35, Erin Burns 1/31, Phoebe Turner 1/39, Sophia Turner 1/50;

Match result:  Northern Diamonds 216 (@4.3 runs-per-over; 49.2/50 overs) beat Central Sparks 215 (@4.3 rpo target 217 from 50/50 ov) by one run

*Scorecard courtesy of ECB @URL https://www.ecb.co.uk/rachael-heyhoe-flint-trophy/match-centre/104434#scorecard

*Match free-to-air courtesy of Central Sparks (NV Play) via ‘YouTube’ <07h30m50s> @URL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWLHxj3Fmg4&t=3s

Diamonds were disappointed to face their ‘second straight defeat,’ this time at the hands of Blaze; last year’s finalists. Although no Blaze batters scored ‘fifty,’ seven batters made double-figures. Blaze’s winning 7th wicket batting partnership was between Bethan Gammon (Wales international who made top score) and Ella Claridge. Together, scoring at one-run-per-ball through the last eight overs took the match down to the final over. Commentators who agreed that both teams put on ‘a great show’added that Blaze were ‘overdue’ their first win of the new season, whereas their opponents missed opportunities that ‘cost Diamonds dear.’ After the match, Australian Erin Burns who took a 3-fer, described Diamonds defeat by Blaze as ‘bittersweet.’ Commentators: Jonathan Doidge (BBC radio Leeds, referred to endearingly as ‘Doidgy’), Graham Hardcastle (Sports journalist); with guest Dr Jane Powell (President, Yorks CCC; former England & Yorks women.) Conditions were damp: with ball towelling, ‘a ‘slow outfield’ amd ‘a lack of pace in the pitch.’ Initially grey with ‘thick cloud cover’ until around 3pm. Once cloud lifted away, there was bright sunshine.

*Diamonds innings skipper Hollie Armitage (England & England A), Abigail ‘Abi’ Glen (England u-19), Lauren Winfield-Hill (England, Aus Big bash), Erin Burns (Australia Big bash), Sophia Turner (Thunder loan), Rebecca Duckworth & Jess Woolston; *Without Bess Heath (rested), Sterre Kalis (NL call-up) or Lizzie Scott; [*Ella Claridge keeping wicket for Blaze ]; *Elected to bat; *Lauren Winfield-Hill was caught over Kirstie Gordon’s shoulder while running, from Grace Ballinger; *After 10 overs power-play, Diamonds were 43/1; *Three wickets fell within 16 balls: *Hollie Armitage was bowled top of ‘’off-stump’ from an outside-edge’ by Kirstie Gordon; *Emma Marlow ‘wandered out’ and was stumped by Ella Claridge (also from Gordon) *Erin Burns was bowled with her ‘off-stump flattened’ by Sophie Munro; *During the 25th over, Rebecca Duckworth was caught by Kirstie Gordon at ‘mid-off’ from Lucy Higham’s 3rd ball; *By mid-way, 82/5 paused for drinks; *Phoebe Turner was bowled off her pads, bails sent flying by Lucy Higham; *Sophia Turner was caught at ‘backward point’ by Daisy Mullan rolling backwards from Nadine deKlerk; *Abi Glen was bowled by Sophie Munro’s ‘terrific delivery’ (briefly gaffed as from Nadine deKlerk) *Next ball, Leah Dobson ‘who had stepped-up,’ went ‘leg-before’ to Teresa Graves; *Finally, Jess Woolston was bowled ‘middle-and-leg’ by Sophie Munro; *Diamonds batting Four batters made double-figures: Leah Dobson 54(85), Abi Glen 38(31), Emma Marlow 29(50), Rebecca Duckworth 19(35), *Blaze bowling Sophie Munro 3/28, Lucy Higham 2/11, Kirstie Gordon 2/33, Teresa Graves 1/14, Nadine deKlerk 1/41, Grace Ballinger 1/44;

*Blaze innings skipper Kirstie Gordon with Lucy Higham (England A) *With Nadine deKlerk (Rep. South Africa), Bethan Gammon (Wales), *Daisy Mullan on loan from Thunder, *Without Kathryn & Sarah Bryce (Scotland call-up); without Sarah Glenn (rested); *Fielded a ‘youthful’ team (because of missing players.) [*Lauren Winfield-Hill keeping wicket for Diamonds] *After 10 overs power-play, Blaze were 43/0 (vs 43/1); *Kirstie Gordon was caught leg-side by Lauren Winfield-Hill from Katie Levick’s 2nd ball; *During the 20th over, Teresa Graves was bowled bails flying, by Erin Burns; *Approaching mid-way, Daisy Mullan ballooned a catch, caught-and-bowled by Erin Burns; *Match was ‘evenly poised’ by mid-way: 89/3 (vs 82/5); *Marie Kelly was caught behind by Lauren Winfield-Hill, from Phoebe Turner; Sophie Munro was ‘run-out’ by Hollie Armitage, with a direct hit to the keeper’s end, from Phoebe Turner; *Nadine deKlerk was caught from a ‘top edge’ looped to Katie Levick, from Jess Woolston; *Beth Gammon was caught aerial by Hollie Armitage, from Sophia Turner – said to be a ‘massive blow;’ *Cassidy McCarthy came down-the-wicket, but was stumped by Lauren Winfield-Hill, from Erin Burns; *Ella Claridge played a cameo, bring the match down to the last over; *Finally, Lucy Higham scored 2 ‘twos’ and the winning single from Sophia Turner, with two balls to spare;  *Blaze batting Bethan Gammon 39(52), Teresa Graves 33(60), Ella Claridge 29*not out(41), Marie Kelly 20(23), Kirstie Gordon 19(32), Daisy Mullan 12(31), Nadine deKlerk 10(45); *Diamonds bowling Erin Burns 4/30, Katie Levick 1/13, Sophia Turner 1/22, Phoebe Turner 1/30, Jess Woolston 1/45;

*Match result: The Blaze 189/8 (49.4/50 overs @3.8 runs-per-over) beat Northern Diamonds 188 (47.4/50 ov @3.9 rpo) by two wickets with 2 balls remaining

*Scorecard courtesy of ECB @URL https://www.ecb.co.uk/rachael-heyhoe-flint-trophy/match-centre/104430#scorecard AppleMac users may need to scroll down left-hand margin

*Youtube video free-to-air  courtesy of ECB & Yorkshire cricket (via NV Play) <7h15m02s> @URL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N75SXEAczqY

During the north-south derby, Ella McCaughan made top-score of 83, more than contributing toward Vipers’ 66 runs winning margin for back-to-back wins. Awarded her professional contract exactly a year ago, Ella McCaughan also chalked-up 1,000 runs for Vipers as defending champions, collectively at both 20 and 50 overs. Separately, Charlie Dean scored a 4-fer with best bowling figures in difficult conditions with floodlights switched-on before rain curtailed the match. After Diamonds batted for 30 overs, Umpires had no appetite to continue as adverse weather precipitated a premature end. Outcome was decided by the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method.

*Vipers innings *Skipper Georgia Adams, with Maia Bouchier, Charlie Dean, Freya Kemp (England), Georgia Adams & Linsey Smith (England A), Mary Taylor (England u19s), Georgia Elwiss (ex-England) & Charli Knott (Australia big bash) *Without Danni Wyatt [*Lauren Winfield-Hill keeping wicket for Diamonds] *After 10 overs power-play 67/0; *Next over, Maia Bouchier snicked to Lauren Winfield-Hill from Phoebe Turner; *Drinks at mid-way, 145/1; *Ella McCaughan partnered by Charli Knott added 93 runs over 16 overs; *Charli Knott  was caught by Emma Marlow from Sophia Turner; *Next over Ella McCaughan went ‘leg before’ to Phoebe Turner; *Freya Kemp and Emily Windsor added 47 runs over 10 overs; *Emily Windsor went  plumb ‘leg-before’ to Erin Burns; *Freya Kemp was stumped by Lauren Winfield-Hill, also from Erin Burns; *Batting down the order, Georgia Adams snicked to Lauren Winfield-Hill, from Phoebe Turner; *Last three wickets fell during the final two overs; *Charlie Dean was ‘run out’ by Hollie Armitage; *Linsey Smith was caught by Phoebe Turner from Sophia Turner; and *Rhianna Southby was caught by Emma Marlow from Katie Levick’s death over; *Vipers batting Ella McCaughan 83(97), Charli Knott 40(40) Charlie Dean29(26), Emily Windsor 28(39), Freya Kemp 27(30), Maia Bouchier 26(29), Georgia Adams 13(18); *Diamonds bowling electing to bowl, Vipers openers faced rotation for 9 overs power-play between Lizzie Scott, Abi Glen and Phoebe Turner. *Phoebe Turner 3/48, Sophia Turner 2/26, Erin Burns 2/52, Katie Levick 1/44; *Misreported elsewhere as 25, Vipers were gifted 16 ‘wides.’

*Diamonds innings *Skipper Hollie Armitage (England & England A), Bess Heath (England & Aus Big bash), Abigail ‘Abi’ Glen, Lauren Winfield-Hill (England, Aus Big bash) Erin Burns (Australia Big bash) Sophia Turner (Thunder loan) & Emma Marlow; *Without Sterre Kalis (NL call-up) & Jess Woolston [*Rhianna Southby keeping wicket for Vipers] *Diamonds openers faced alternating seam (from Freya Davies) and spin (from Linsey Smith); *Emma Marlow was bowled by Linsey Smith; *Hollie Armitage went ‘leg before’ to Charlie Dean’s second ball; *After ten overs power-play, 36/2 (vs 67/0); *Coming down-the-wicket to Charlie Dean, Bess Heath was stumped by Rhianna Southby; *Lauren Winfield-Hill partnered by Erin Burns added 82 runs, until Erin Burns was caught at ‘short-third’ by Mary Taylor, from Charli Knott; *Mid-way 134/4 (vs 145/1); *Two overs later scoring her second ‘fifty’ to date, Lauren Winfield-Hill was caught at ‘deep-midwicket’ by Freya Kemp, from Charlie Dean; *At which point Diamonds needed 138 from 23 overs remaining; *Approaching 30 overs, Leah Dobson was bowled by Charlie Dean’s straight ball and Phoebe Turner was skittled middle-and-off stump, by Linsey Smith. *Rain interruption after 30 overs for adverse weather – as mentioned above. *Diamonds batting Only three batters made double-figures ; Lauren Winfield-Hill 63(62), Erin Burns 45(45), Leah Dobson 13(16); *Vipers bowling gifted 6 ‘wides’ (mentioned elsewhere as 8) Charlie Dean 4/34, Linsey Smith 2/56, Charli Knott 1/24;

Match result: Southern Vipers 287/9 (@5.7 runs per over from 50/50 overs; target 191 from 30ov) beat Northern Diamonds 162/7 (@5.4 rpo target 233 from 30/30 ov) by 70 runs DLS method

*Scorecard courtesy of ECB @URL https://www.ecb.co.uk/rachael-heyhoe-flint-trophy/match-centre/104428#scorecard AppleMac users may need to scroll down left-hand margin

*Video highlights via ECB & courtesy of Yorkshire cricket (via NV Play) @https://yorkshireccc.com/match/southern-vipers-v-northern-diamonds-at-southampton-rachael-heyhoe-flint-trophy-27-apr-2024/?tab=m_scorecard

*Match (no commentary) free-to-air courtesy of Southern Vipers TV via ‘YouTube’ <6h26m25s> @URL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKKkrWtWsQE & https://www.utilitabowl.com/cricket/news/live-stream-southern-vipers-v-northern-diamonds,-rhft-2024/

*Post match interview courtesy of BBC Radio Solent with Ella McCaughan via ‘YouTube’: ‘Pleased’ (with) 70 run win against Diamonds <1:58> @URL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GxXJHI3PdVc

Diamonds chalked-up back-to-back wins, with some of the ‘most experienced’ players in the competition. Hollie Armitage scored a skipper’s ton (103) to go top of the batting leader board. Commentators lauded Abi Glen who played ’shots all round the ground’ scoring (what turned out to be) a match-winning ‘fifty’ from the very last ball of Diamonds’ innings. Three Storm bowlers each took 3-fers. Abi Glen and Phoebe Turner each took 3-fers for Diamonds. Commentators: Jonathan Doidge (BBC radio Leeds), Graham Hardcastle (Sports journalist, referred to endearingly by Doidge as ‘Cally’); with guest Dr Jane Powell (President, Yorks CCC; former England & Yorks women.)

Separately, there was some controversy concerning a news story said to have been ‘leaked’ insensitively by the Press. Commentators added that Yorkshire Cricket’s scaled-back plans to support women’s cricket from next year had been ‘upsetting’ for Diamonds’ players to discover, in the light of Durham’s successful bid. Weather: dry, breezy, with the threat of intermittent light drizzle forecast, around 10-12C.

*Diamonds‘ innings *Skipper Hollie Armitage (England & England A), Bess Heath (England & Aus Big bash), Abigail ‘Abi’ Glen, Lauren Winfield-Hill (England, Aus Big bash) *Sterre Kalis (NL) & Erin Burns (Australia Big bash) Sophia Turner (Thunder loan) *Without Jess Woolston [*Natasha Wraith keeping wicket for Storm, who elected to bowl] *Seamer Danni Gibson took two wickets during the power-play, where low deliveries both ‘nipped back.’ *Firstly, Sterre Kalis was bowled ‘off-and-middle.’ *Secondly, Lauren Winfield-Hill ‘stepped back,’ off-stump skittled.*After 10 overs power-play 50/2. *Amanda-Jade Wellington took three wickets in a row. *Firstly, Bess Heath was caught by Mollie Robbins.*Secondly, fellow Australian Erin Burns was bowled ‘through-the-gate.’ *Thirdly, Leah Dobson was caught low-down at mid-wicket by Niamh Holland. *By mid-way (25 overs) Diamonds were 115/5. *Second-half batting heroics saw Hollie Artmitage ‘find the (fielding) gaps,’ to score her first century of the season *Also Abi Glen who played shots ‘all round the ground,’ bagged her match-winning ‘fifty’ by scoring 14 runs from Lauren Filer’s final over. *Diamonds’ batting *Diamonds showed resiliance beyond mid-way *Hollie Armitage 103 (114), Abi Glen 53*not out (46), Lauren Winfield-Hill 32(33), Phoebe Turner 32(42), Bess Heath 13(14); *Storm’s bowling: After Danni Gibson took two power-play wickets, Amanda-Jade Wellington took a 3-fer. *Sophia Smale was on a hat-trick once Hollie Armitage was caught by Fran Wilson. *Next ball, Lizzie Scott received a golden duck. *Three bowlers took 3-fers: Amanda-Jade Wellington 3/30, Danielle Gibson 3/44, Sophia Smale 3/63;

*Storm’s innings skipper Sophie Luff with Danielle ‘Danni’ Gibson (England), Sophia Smale (England u-19s), Fran Wilson (ex England), &  Amanda-Jade Wellington (Australia World Cup winner & Big bash) *Also with Lauren Filer (England.) After 10 overs power-play 53/0(vs 50/2.) Level-pegging by mid-way (25 overs) 145/5 (vs 115/5.) *Sophia Smale 35 was bowled leg-stump by Phoebe Turner. *Fran Wilson 32 was also bowled leg-stump, by a ‘well-pitched’ ball from Erin Burns.*Danni Gibson 5 was also bowled by Erin Burns. *Natasha Wraith 27 was bowled middle-stump by Phoebe Turner. *With 84 still needed, Amanda-Jade Wellington was bowled ‘through-the-gate’ by Abi Glen.*Three balls later, Niamh Holland was bowled between middle-and-off by Sophia Turner. *Next over, Mollie Robbins 4 was bowled by Abi Glen, at which point Storm needed 30 runs from their last two overs.*Commentators were right to say that Diamonds had ‘closed-out’ the match (beyond Storm’s reach.). *Storm’s batting Seven batters were clean-bowled. No ’fifties,’ with 30 runs needed from last two overs.*Sophia Smale 35(49), Fran Wilson 32(36), Niamh Holland 29(53), Amanda-Jade Wellington 28(26), Natasha Wraith 27(36), Alex Griffiths 26(31), Sophie Luff 25(37), Chloe Skelton 11*not out(7); *Diamonds’ bowling: Two bowlers took 3-fers Abi Glen 3/42, Phoebe Turner 3/46, Erin Burns 2/41, Sophia Turner 1/43, Katie Levick 1/54;

Match result: Northern Diamonds 275/9 (50/50 overs@5.5 runs-per-over) beat Western Storm 265 (49.2/50 ov target 276 @5.3 rpo) by 10 runs with 4 balls remaining.

*Scorecard courtesy of ECB @URL https://www.ecb.co.uk/rachael-heyhoe-flint-trophy/match-centre/104422#scorecard

*Video highlights free-to-air via Yorkshire Cricket TV (via NV Play) <10:19> edited from <7h24m40s> @URL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGryMRZQ8Lk&list=PLwSayea3yDF_s3v6N79zINUdJsFjFm8yX

*Youtube video free-to-air via Yorkshire Cricket TV (via NV Play) <7h24m40s> @URL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3CcasAHRMLM

Katie Levick (pictured) chalked-up her first 4-fer of the season, that included 2 ‘leg-before’ decisions. Katie Levick’s previous 4-fer (in last year’s contest) included 3 ‘leg-before’ against the same team (13/9/23.) Playing against some of the ‘most experienced’ players in the competition in their Roses derby, Thunder batters lost their wickets at regular intervals, losing five to ‘leg-before’ decisions. By contrast, Diamonds most experenced batters – skipper Hollie Armitage (61*not out) partnered by Lauren Winfield-Hill (69*not out) – together built a winning partnership that added 107 runs for Diamonds’ 2nd wicket. Diamonds bonus point victory sees them sharing joint first-place after the first round; situated between Sparks and Sunrisers once net-run-rate is taken into account. Weather was dry, overcast but chilly 8-10C.

Thunder’s innings *Skipper Ellie Threlkeld *With Seren Smale (England A) Mahika Gaur (England & England A) Katie Mack (Australia Big bash) Tara Norris (US); [*Lauren Winfield-Hill (England 2013-2022 & Australia Big bash) keeping wicket for ‘Diamonds’] *Only two (Seren Smale & Katie Mack) of Thunder’s top 4 batters made it to double figures – before both batters went ‘leg before.’ *Astonishingly two other top order batters received ‘ducks.’ *Disaster struck during the 10th over (on 47/3) when Katie Mack and Fi Morris were both dismissed, placing bowler Abi Glen on a hat-trick. *Beyond Thunder’s power-play Katie Levick’s 4-fer helped to bowl-out Thunder for a relatively low score of 165. *Thunder’s batting *Seren Smale 32 (49), Katie Mack 19(23), Tara Norris 19(35), Naomi Dattani 17(29), Danielle Collins 16(44); Diamonds’ bowling: Diamonds had elected to bowl. Katie Levick 4/38, Abi Glen 2/31, Sophia Turner 1/16, Erin Burns 1/18 & best economy (1.8), Phoebe Turner 1/24, Jess Woolston 1/28;

Diamonds’ innings *Skipper Hollie Armitage (England A) *With Sterre Kalis (NL) & Erin Burns (Australia Big bash) [*Ellie Threlkeld keeping wicket for Thunder] *Diamonds cautious reply and batters restraint was rewarded by gaining 3 wicket’s advantage after 10 overs power-play 35/0 (vs 47/3). *Thereafter, Sterre Kalis was caught at mid-wicket by by Naomi Dattani after mis-hitting a ‘full toss’ from spinner Hannah Jones. *Scoring opportunities added fifty runs during the second set of ten overs:- Diamonds reached 87/1 @20 overs. *By mid-way (25 overs) Diamonds were 108/1 (vs 97/5); requiring just 58 runs to win @2.3 runs-per-over, with nine wickets in-hand. *There followed a century partnership milestone, celebrated between Lauren Winfield-Hill and Hollie Armitage, during which both batters crafted ‘fifties,’ and ‘cruised’ to claim a bonus point for a convincing win.*Diamonds’ batting Lauren Winfield-Hill 69*not out (92), Hollie Armitage 61*not out(71), Sterre Kalis 28(44); Thunder’s bowling: Hannah Jones 1/34; Mahika Gaur with best economy (3.0)

Match result: Northern Diamonds 166/1 (34.3/50 overs; target 166 @4.8 runs-per-over from 50 overs)beat North West Thunder 165 (43.1/50 overs @3.8 rpo) by nine wickets with 93 balls remaining

*Scorecard courtesy of ECB @URL https://www.ecb.co.uk/rachael-heyhoe-flint-trophy/match-centre/104419#scorecard Note: AppleMac users may need to click on left-hand margin to select 2nd match

*Video highlights x55 via right-margin via ECB & Yorkshire Cricket TV (via NV Play) @URL https://yorkshireccc.com/match/northern-diamonds-v-thunder-at-chester-le-street-rachael-heyhoe-flint-trophy-20-apr-2024/

*Match without sound commentary, accessible free-to-air courtesy of Yorkshire Cricket TV via ‘YouTube’ <4h25m22s> @URL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9vdxIe7K9U&t=13s

Katie Levick (pictured) took her third career ‘5-fer;’ her 2nd ‘5-fer,’ for Diamonds: that included taking 3 wickets taken during one single over. Post-match, Katie Levick told reporters it was one of her ‘better days’ (wearing) a Diamonds shirt; when everything went-to-plan. Previously, the first female Yorkshire CCC president Dr Jane Powell told viewers that Diamonds’ T20 shirts were etched with names of 152 women’s and girl’s affiliated clubs across Yorkshire Durham and Northumberland. Video highlights from ECB online (NV Play) from Yorkshire Cricket TV & BBC Radio Leeds. Weather was cool and grey.

Diamonds Innings *Skipper Hollie Armitage *[Amara Carr keeping wicket for Sunrisers] *International players Sterre Kalis (NL) & Chloe Tryon (Republic of South Africa); *Scotland international Katherine Fraser *Lauren Winfield-Hill 19(14) was caught ‘in the covers’ by Abtaha Maqsood from Kelly Castle’s 2nd ball. *After 6 overs’ PowerPlay, Diamonds were 48/1. *Next over, Hollie Armitage 8(8) was caught ‘deep of mid-off’ by Kelly Castle from Grace Scrivens. *During the 8th over, Abtaha Moqsood’s delivery spun leg-side of Sterre Kalis for 2 leg-byes. *Also Sunrisers conceding 5 penalty points for the ball hitting the keeper’s helmet, sat on the grass. *After 10 overs Diamonds were 79/2. *During the 15th over, top-scorer Leah Dobson 47(40) was caught from a ‘steepler’ landing at ‘deep mid-wicket,’ taken by Flo Miller from Grace Scrivens’ bowling. *Next over, Bess Heath launched Abtaha Maqsood for Diamonds’ 1st ’six.’ *There followed two stumpings. *Sterre Kalis 29(28) was stumped by Amara Carr missing a ball signalled ‘wide’ of her off-stump, from Mady Villiers’ spin. *After 16.4 overs, Diamonds were 132/4. *Bess Heath 31(14) was also stumped after plundering two more ’sixes’ from Kelly Castle, before missing wide of off-stump. *Katherine Fraser 4(3) was short-lived. *Finally, Abi Glen was ‘run out’ by Cordelia Griffith’s throw to Grace Scrivens at the bowler’s end. *Chloe Tryon 12*not out (from 7 balls.) *Sunrisers best bowler was Grace Scrivens (2/24.)

Sunrisers Innings *Skipper Kelly Castle *[Bess Heath keeping wicket for Diamonds] *International player Dane van Niekerk (ex Republic of South Africa); England u19’s skipper Grace Scrivens. *Scotland international Abtaha Maqsood. *Dane v.Niekerk’s hit Katherine Fraser’s 1st over for 14 runs, including one ’six.’ *Next over, vanNiekerk 14(6) was shocked by an early departure when edging Lizzie Scott to keeper Bess Heath. *Mady Villiers 6(6) was short-lived, going ‘leg before’ to Chloe Tryon. *3rd wicket fell during Sunrisers’ PowerPlay when Alice ‘Lissy’ Macleod 21(17) was clean-bowled by Katie Levick. *After 6 overs’ PowerPlay following a ‘maiden’ over from Lizzie Scott, Sunrisers were 41/3 (vs48/1) & 70/3 (vs79/2) after 10 overs (mid-way.) *Next over, Katie Levick took a second wicket when Cordelia Griffith 18(22) was caught by Chloe Tryon. *Grace Scrivens and Jo Gardner added 28 runs before Jo Gardner 13(13) was caught by Lauren Winfield-Hill from Grace Hall. *Disaster struck Sunrisers when Katie Levick took another three wickets during the 17th over to complete her ‘5-fer.’ *Firstly, Eva Gray 3(3) was stumped by Bess Heath. *After 16.4ov, Sunrisers were still in the game: 127/6 (132/4.) *Next ball, Katie Levick made a carbon-copy dismissal when Flo Miller 2(2) was stumped by Bess Heath. *A third wicket fell during the same over when Amara Carr was caught by Abi Glen for a first-ball ‘duck.’ *Having scored ‘fifty,’ Grace Scrivens 50(35), was stumped by Bess Heath from Chloe Tryon. *Finally, Abtaha Maqsood 2(2) was caught at ‘deep-mid-wicket’ by Lauren Winfield-Hill from Grace Hall; leaving skipper Castle ‘not out.’

Match summary Diamonds posted a defendable score. Sunrisers bowlers made a good start bowling 20 ‘dot’ balls during Diamonds’ PowerPlay and taking Lauren Winfield-Hill’s wicket. After 100 balls, Sunrisers had 2 wickets disadvantage but were still in the game. Thereafter, Diamonds batters scored 40 from their last 20 balls, whereas Sunrisers lost their last 6 wickets for 34 runs. Back behind the wicket, coached by Lauren Winfield-Hill, Bess Heath took one catch and made 3 stumpings. Stand-out bowler Katie Levick took a total of 5 Sunrisers’ wickets, conceding 19 runs (‘5-fer.’) Hopeful to qualify for the finals, Diamonds have a clean-sheet to date, with 4 wins from 4 matches at the competition’s mid-way point. Yorkshire CCC match report at URL: https://yorkshireccc.com/news/report-diamonds-v-sunrisers-ce-cup/

Match result:  Northern Diamonds Women 172/7 beat Sunrisers Women 137/10 (target 173 from 20 overs) by 35 runs with 8 balls remaining.

*Diamonds batting 172/7: (from 20 overs @ 8.6 runs-per-over): Leah Dobson 47(40), Bess Heath 31(14), Sterre Kalis 29(28), Lauren Winfield-Hill 19(14), Chloe Tryon 12(7); Sunrisers bowling: Grace Scrivens 2/24, Kelly Castle 2/37, Mady Villiers 1/24, Jo Gardner 1/25; Fow: 1-23, 2-48, 3-111, 4-130, 5-152, 6-157, 7-172.

*Sunrisers batting 137/10: (from 18.4/20 overs @ 7.3 runs-per-over Grace Scrivens 50(35), Alice Macleod 21(17), Cordelia Griffith 18(22), Dane v.Niekerk 14(6), Jo Gardner 13(13); Diamonds bowling: Katie Levick 5/19, Chloe Tryon 2/22, Grace Hall 2/27, Lizzy Scott 1/18; Fow: 1-20, 2-30, 3-41, 4-73, 5-103, 6-125, 7-127, 8-127, 9-131, 10-137.

*Scorecard with video highlights, courtesy of ECB via NV Play on YouTube at URL: https://live.nvplay.com/ecb/#cdc38bf13-4f50-4dde-b543-741109226324_maed02bad-4ddf-4ae9-b08e-50582793d1b9_~scorecard & https://yorkshireccc.com/match/ndiam-v-sunris-charlotte-edwards-cup-28-may/

‘Listen Again’ to BBC Leeds commentary https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/live/cricket/65617244

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