‘Brave’ chalked-up their sixth back-to-back win, to qualify to play their third final. ‘Originals’ had just beaten ‘Superchargers’ (Roses rivals); the latter team expected to play the Eliminator match to qualify for the final. Before the match, commentators helpfully explained that ‘Brave’ could win, tie (or even lose with a score of 112 runs or more) to qualify for the final – without needing to play the Eliminator match at all. POTM Meerkat Match Hero was Danni Wyatt who top-scored with ‘fifty’ (60 runs from 32 balls); in a match-winning partnership of 93-runs (45 balls); with Maia Bouchier (47*not out.) Separately, Maia Bouchier (trophy tally 264 runs) leap-frogged Tammy Beaumont into 2nd place on the tournament’s batting-leader-board; now just 2 runs behind Australia’s Phoebe Litchfield. Introduced for SKY Sports by Charles Dagnall (who interviewed Smriti Mandhana); Eoin Morgan & Nasser Hussain (ex England); Natalie Germanos (ex South Africa); with guests Tammy Beaumont & Stuart Broad (Ashes series.) Also with Freya Kemp (‘Brave’) & Amanda-Jade Wellington (‘Originals’) as “miked-up” fielders who communicated with SKY Sports commentators via player’s microphones. Match highlights for ‘The Hundred,’ courtesy of Sky Sports (please see below.) Weather at Old Trafford was overcast ‘with not much breeze;’ evolving into a ‘light drizzle’ mid-way through the second innings. Floodlights were seen to be switched-on.

MO-W *Stand-in skipper Eleanor ‘Ellie’ Threlkeld [*Rhianna Southby keeping wicket for ‘Brave’] *International players Laura Wolvaardt (Rep. South Africa), Amanda-Jade Wellington (Australia ‘A’ & WBBL ‘5-fer’ bowler) & Deandre Dottin (ex-WIndies); with England ‘A’s’ Grace Scrivens & Emma Lamb. *Also with Scotland’s Kathryn Bryce plus Amara Carr. During her warming-up exercises, Sophie Ecclestone suffered shoulder injury and reappeared for cameras, at the end. Commentators added that it was ‘not the way the World’s No.1 bowler wanted to finish’ (the tournament.) *Emma Lamb 4(6) was caught by Kalea Moore from Georgia Adams (1/19) *Separately, Georgia Adams (16 wickets) was said to top the bowler’s-leader-board ahead of Shabnim Ismail & Marizanne Kapp (with 11 wickets each.) *After 25 balls ‘Power-play,’ ‘Originals’ were 32/1. *Making top-score with her ‘maiden’ tournament ‘fifty,’ Fi Morris 50(39) partnered by Laura Wolvaardt 46(39); adding 88 runs for Originals’ second-wicket stand. *3 wickets tumbled from the last 25 balls, augmented by remorseful ‘trainee’ commentator’s gaffs, when Fi Morris ‘who’d played absolutely fantastically toward a formidable total,’ feathered a ‘reverse-sweep’ to keeper Rhianna Southby, from Lauren Bell (1/15) *Also, when Deandre Dottin 4(8) hoisted high to ‘long-off,’ with ‘legs… for ‘six,’ the ball was caught comfortably by Smriti Mandhana, from Anya Shrubsole. *’Originals” eagerly awaited ‘formidable total’ fell some way short when 3 balls later, Laura Wolvaardt 36(39) was caught at ‘deep mid-wicket’ by Danni Wyatt from Anya Shrubsole (2/33.) *Katie George was 5*not out; *Kathryn Bryce 6*not out. *Best ‘Originals’ batter was Fi Morris 50(39); *Best ‘Brave’ bowler was Anya Shrubsole 2/33. Between innings, Fi Morris mentioned that the pitch was ‘quite slow,’ and that her success came from ‘hitting down the ground.’

SB-W *Skipper/coach Anya Shrubsole with unchanged side. [*Ellie Threlkeld keeping wicket for ‘Originals’] *Internationals Smriti Mandhana (India), Maitlan Brown (Australia WBBL) & Chloe Tryon (Rep. South Africa.) *England’s Danni Wyatt, Maia Bouchier & Freya Kemp. *’Brave’ batters were tasked by scoring at least 112 runs, aiming to win to qualify straight through to the final. *During a ‘mix-up’ between batters, Smriti Mandhana 8(7) was ‘run-out’ from ‘mid-on’ by Amanda-Jade Wellington’s direct-hit (against her former side) from Kathryn Bryce (bowler.) *After 25 balls ‘Power-play,’ ‘Brave’ were 39/1 (vs 32/1) with 80 runs needed from 75 balls. *With light drizzle and ball-towelling some 15 balls later, ‘Strategic-time-out’ was called with ‘Brave’ needing to score 50 runs from 60 balls remaining. *Best ‘Brave’ batter Danni Wyatt 60(32) was bowled by Kathryn Bryce(1/20), said to be a ‘consolation wicket’ from a slower-ball. *Maia Bouchier 47*not out (25) & Chloe Tryon 4*not out(8); *Best ‘Originals’ bowler was their only wicket-taker, Kathryn Bryce (1/20.)

Match summary: Drama struck before a single ball was bowled, when Sophie Ecclestone injured her shoulder during ‘warm-ups’ and Ellie Threlkeld stepped-up as ‘Originals’ skipper at short notice. Commentators anticipated a low-scoring match with a longer-than-average boundary line and ‘little on offer’ for bowlers, on a well-used pitch. As mentioned above, the highlight of ‘Originals’ innings was a maiden ‘fifty’ by Fi Morris (from 39 balls) partnered by Laura Wolvaardt 46(39); adding 88 runs for Originals’ second-wicket stand. Two late ‘Originals’ wickets fell to ‘Brave’ skipper Anya Shrubsole (playing her penultimate professional match); just 3 balls apart. Just as inclement weather threatened to curtail the match, ‘Brave’ batters, Danni Wyatt bagged her ‘fifty,’ partnered by Maia Bouchier: their partnership adding 93 runs for Brave’s second wicket in 32 balls. During the match, Maia Bouchier (254 runs) ‘overtook’ Tammy Beaumont (253) on the batters-leaderboard; with Phoebe Litchfield top (266.) Receiving POTM Meerkat Match Hero ‘Brave’ opener Danni Wyatt told commentators she was looking forward to taking a day-off before the (final) ‘big show’; and that ‘lifting the trophy at third attempt’ would be a ‘dream come true.’ Anya Shrubsole (pictured, centre) added that she was ‘thrilled’ to play in the final after such a ‘brilliant performance;’ and ‘wanted to be successful this time:’ having previously finished the same tournament twice, as runners-up on the ‘losing side.’ Concluding, ‘Brave’ finished top of the tournament’s group stage and automatically qualify for the final.

Match result: Southern Brave Women 121/2 (target 119 from 100 balls) beat Manchester Originals Women 118/4 by eight wickets (with 28 balls remaining)

*’Originals’’ batting: 118/4 (from 100 balls @1.1 run-per-over) Fi Morris 50(39), Laura Wolvaardt 46(39) ‘Brave’s’ bowling: Anya Shrubsole 2/33, Lauren Bell 1/15, Georgia Adams 1/19; Fow 1-7, 2-95, 3-107, 4-108.

*’Brave’s’ batting: 121/2 (from 72/100 balls @1.6 run-per-over): Danni Wyatt 60(32), Maia Bouchier 47*not out (25); ‘Originals’’ bowling: Kathryn Bryce 1/20; Fow 1-15, 2-108.

*Scorecard courtesy of BBC Sport @URL https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/scorecard/ECKE1000747

*Match highlights courtesy of Sky Sports @URL https://www.skysports.com/cricket/news/20876/12945917/the-hundred-southern-brave-into-final-as-danni-wyatt-and-maia-bouchier-star-vs-manchester-originals

*Amanda-Jade Wellington’s ‘Secret Life of Wello’ The Hundred Episodes via YouTube @URL https://www.youtube.com/c/Secretlifeofwello

A unique ‘Roses-allegiance’ match was supplemented by a big screen to broadcast live-coverage of the Women’s World Cup Final (football) from Sydney, Australia. Home-side’s victory was augmented by a ‘Spanish roar,’ at precisely the same moment when the World Cup was received (by Spain beating England’s ‘Lionesses 1-0.) ‘Superchargers’ had previously qualified in the top three teams, to play in the finals. Despite their narrow win, ‘Originals’ will finish with insufficient points to qualify for the tournament’s next stage. During the latter stage of the match, Kathryn Bryce partnered by Amanda-Jade Wellington played a match-winning partnership following their team’s earlier mid-order batting collapse. TV Statisticians must have known that Australia’s Amanda-Jade Wellington outperformed Kathryn Bryce with both Bat (A-JW batting 33*not out with 4 ‘fours’ from 26 balls; vs 32 runs from 27 balls with 3 ‘fours’); and Ball (A-JW bowling 2/17 vs 2/19); albeit by the narrowest of margins. Understandably, distracted commentators could have ‘gaffed’ by awarding POTM Meerkat Match Hero cap-and-medal to the wrong player? Introduced for SKY TV by Michael Atherton (ex England); Ollie Pope (England) & Liam Livingstone (England IT20 World Cup winner, 2022.) Match highlights courtesy of Sky Sports (please see below.) Weather was overcast with dense grey clouds and a ’nice cross-breeze.’

NSC-W *Skipper Hollie Armitage. [*Eleanor ‘Ellie’ Threlkeld keeping wicket for Originals] *International players Phoebe Litchfield & Georgia Wareham (Australia), Jemimah Rodrigues (India); with England’s Kate Cross, Alice Davidson-Richards & Bess Heath; England ‘A’’s Hollie Armitage, & Linsey Smith * U19’s Grace Ballinger. *Marie Kelly 2(2) was caught at ‘long-on’ by Katie George from Mahika Gaur; *‘In-form’ batter Phoebe Litchfield 1(6) was bowled cheaply by ‘the best delivery ever seen,’ from Mahika Gaur, said to be a ‘huge’ wicket; *Jemimah Rodrigues 19(14) played ‘across-the-line,’ ‘middle-and-off,’ going ‘leg-before’ to Amanda-Jade Wellington’s leg-spin; *After 25 balls ‘Power-play,’ ‘Superchargers’ reached 33/2; *Alice Davidson-Richards 27(26) was caught at ‘long-on’ by Katie George from Kathryn Bryce ‘making no mistake this time.’ *Bess Heath 0(1) was ‘run out’ for a ‘golden duck’ (by substitute fielder Ami Campbell); *Georgia Wareham 1(2) was ‘caught-and-bowled’ by Fi Morris; *After 50 balls ‘Superchargers’ were 52/5; *Kate Cross 1(3) was ‘stumped’ by keeper Ellie Threlkeld, from Amanda-Jade Wellington; *Hollie Armitage 46(43) played a skipper’s innings, until ‘stumped’ by keeper Ellie Threlkeld, from Kathryn Bryce; *Best ’Superchargers’’ batter was Hollie Armitage 46(43); *Best ‘Originals’ bowler was Amanda-Jade Wellington who took 2/17.

MO-W *Skipper Sophie Ecclestone [*Bess Heath keeping wicket for ‘Superchargers’] *International players Laura Wolvaardt (Rep. South Africa), Amanda-Jade Wellington (Australia ‘A’ & WBBL ‘5-fer’ bowler) & Deandre Dottin (ex-WIndies); with England’s Sophie Ecclestone (*substitute fielder Ami Campbell); England ‘A’s’ Emma Lamb & Grace Scrivens (& u-19s) *Also with Scotland’s Kathryn Bryce. *Emma Lamb 4(2) was caught behind by keeper Bess Heath from Kate Cross ‘on Cross’ return to Old Trafford.’ *After 25 balls ‘Power-play,’ ‘Originals’ were 30/2 (vs 33/2) *Fi Morris 12(11) lofted to ‘mid-off,’ caught by Alice Davidson-Richards from Linsey Smith (1/22) *Laura Wolvaardt 8(11) was bowled ‘leg-stump’ by Georgia Wareham *’Lacking a defensive stance,’ Ellie Threlkeld 10(10) was bowled by Georgia Wareham *4 balls later upon review, Deandre Dottin 3(10) missed ‘high-up,’ going ‘leg-before’ from Georgia Wareham.*At mid-way, ‘Originals’ were 47/5 (vs 52/5); needing 61 runs from 50 balls. *Commentators mentioned a ‘procession’ of batters going for single-figures. *Kathryn Bryce 32(37) hit 3 ‘fours’ before going plumb ‘leg-before’ in-line with ‘leg-stump,’ from Lucy Higham *Skipper Sophie Ecclestone 1(1) accompanied by her ‘runner’ was quickly ‘run out’ by Phoebe Litchfield. *Facing the penultimate ball, Katie George 2*not out(1) scored the winning two runs. *Best ‘Originals’ batter was Amanda-Jade Wellington 33*not out (26) who hit 4 ‘fours.’ *Best ’Superchargers’ bowler was Georgia Wareham who took a 3-fer (3/7.)

Match summary: An evenly contested match played with ‘historic Roses rivalry,’ rather than a ‘dead rubber,’ with added entertainment provided not only by Spain winning the Women’s World Cup; but also Sophie Ecclestone (as the winning skipper) deciding to score a run in tandem to her runner despite her earlier injury. Earlier, ‘Originals’ newbie Mahika Gaur’s first set-of-ten balls took 2 ‘huge’ ‘Superchargers’ wickets (Marie Kelly & Phoebe Litchfield). POTM Meerkat Match Hero cap-and-medal winner Kathryn Bryce took the wickets of both ‘Superchargers’ top-scorers: Hollie Armitage 46(43), and Alice Davidson-Richards 27(26). Amanda-Jade Wellington also took two wickets. ‘Superchargers’ suffered a mid-order batting collapse, relying on POTM Meerkat Match Hero Kathryn Bryce partnered by Amanda-Jade Wellington together, hitting 7 ‘fours’ to take the match down to the last set-of-five balls. Their match-winning partnership was broken during the 4th-to-last ball when Kathryn Bryce went ‘leg-before’ to Lucy Higham. Added entertainment from victorious ‘Originals’ skipper Sophie Ecclestone who scored a single, in parallel with her ‘runner;’ but was ‘run out’ next ball with no batter seen arriving inside the Umpire’s review frame. Facing her first ball, Katie George hit the winning ‘two,’ with Amanda-Jade Wellington chalking-up the winning team’s top-score: 33*not out. After the match, commentators spoke of ‘triumph from disaster’ as ‘Originals’ triumphed over ‘Superchargers,’ bemoaning their insufficient points tally to qualify for the tournament’s next stage. From a different standpoint, the prospect of defeat by ‘Originals’ as their ‘Roses-rivals’ was inconsequential to ‘Superchargers’ who’d already qualified for the ‘Eliminator’ match to decide which teams will play in the tournament trophy final.

Match result: Manchester Originals Women 108/7 (target 108 from 100 balls) beat Northern Superchargers Women 107/8 by 3 wickets; (with 1 ball remaining)

*’Superchargers’’ batting: 107/8 (100 balls @1.0 runs-per-ball); Hollie Armitage 46(43), Alice Davidson-Richards 27(26), Jemimah Rodrigues 19(14); *‘Originals’s’ bowling: Amanda-Jade Wellington  2/17, Kathryn Bryce 2/19, Mahika Gaur 1/21, Fi Morris 1/16; Fow 1-2, 2-9, 3-45, 4-93, 5-93, 6-96, 7-99, 8-104.

*‘Originals’s batting: 108/7 (99/100 balls @1.0 runs-per-ball); Amanda-Jade Wellington 33*not out (26), Kathryn Bryce 32(37), Fi Morris 12(11), Ellie Threlkeld 10(10); *’Superchargers’ bowling: Georgia Wareham 3/7, Lucy Higham 1/17, Linsey Smith (1/22), Kate Cross 1/25; Fow 1-4, 2-22, 3-32, 4-39, 5-40, 6-105, 7-106.

*Scorecard courtesy of BBC Sport @URL https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/scorecard/ECKE1000743

*Match highlights courtesy of Sky Sports @URL https://www.skysports.com/transfer/news/12123/12943724/the-hundred-manchester-originals-edge-northern-superchargers-amid-running-chaos-welsh-fire-beat-london-spirit-to-get-play-off-place

*Secret life of Wello, Episode 17- ‘Game Day Against Northern SuperChargers!’ by Amanda-Jade Wellington via YouTube @URL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_hb4C3KAzU

‘Originals’ found themselves knocked-out of the competition by failing to post a defendable score. Before the match, commentators said that Originals needed points to qualify for the tournament’s next stage. For ‘Rockets,’ it was ‘more simple:’ if they lost, they were said to be ‘out.’ Commentators added that the top 3 qualifiers for the ‘finals’ could be decided as early as Friday, if ‘Superchargers’ booked their place by beating ‘Spirit’ at Lord’s. POTM Meerkat Match Hero ‘Rockets” Bryony Smith [28 runs from 19 balls & 1/27] (pictured) hit 6 ‘fours’ and was said to be ‘hugely impressive.’ Together with Lizelle Lee ‘who’d been world-class’ for some ‘considerable time,’ the pair of batters made an ‘emphatic’ start, banking 60 runs. Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt saw ‘Rockets’ safely home by a comfortable margin, partnered by Lizelle Lee, who hit the match-winning ‘six.’ Introduced for SKY TV by Simon Doull (NZ TV personality) with Charles Dagnall. Also with James ‘Jimmy’ Anderson & Stuart Broad (Ashes series.) Guest speaker between innings was Ian Martin, ECB’s Head of England Disability Cricket. Match highlights courtesy of SKY Sports (please see below.) Weather at Trent Bridge was warm and sunny, but below average temperature for August.

MO-W *Skipper Sophie Ecclestone [*Lizelle Lee keeping wicket for ‘Rockets’] *International players Laura Wolvaardt (Rep. South Africa), Amanda-Jade Wellington (Australia ‘A’ & WBBL ‘5-fer’ bowler), & Deandre Dottin (ex-WIndies); with England’s Sophie Ecclestone, & England ‘A’s’ Grace Scrivens & Emma Lamb. *Also with Scotland’s Kathryn Bryce. *Emma Lamb 2(6) was caught at ‘short-fine’ by Joanne ‘Jo’ Gardner from Katherine Sciver-Brunt. *Fi Morris 1(4) was caught at ‘mid-off’ by Harmanpreet Kaur rolling backwards, from Alexa Stonehouse *After 25 balls ‘Power-play,’ ‘Originals’ were 19/2. *Laura Wolvaardt partnered by Deandre Dottin staged a recovery, their partnership adding 40. *Laura Wolvaardt 23(31) was stumped by Lizelle Lee from Kirstie Gordon. *Deandre Dottin 30(26) was earlier dropped (by Jo Gardner) on the boundary edge, but 2 runs later later caught at ‘deep-square’ by Alana King from Bryony Smith. *Sophie Ecclestone 5(3) was ‘run-out’ by Kirstie Gordon’s return throw from ‘point,’ immediately following Amanda-Jade Wellington mis-timed sweep – taking a ‘run that wasn’t there’ – from Alana King. *Amanda-Jade Wellington was 22*(not out) (19) added 35 runs with Katie George 14*(not out)13. The pair of ‘All-Rounders’ took ‘Originals’ score past the 100-mark. *‘Originals’ best batter and the only ‘Originals’ batter to score ’six’ was Deandre Dottin 30(26) *’Rockets’ best bowler was Kirstie Gordon 1/18.

TR-W *Skipper Natalie ‘Nat’ Sciver-Brunt [*Ellie Threlkeld keeping wicket for ‘Originals’] *International players Harmanpreet Kaur (India), Alana King (Australia) & Lizelle Lee (ex Rep. South Africa), with Natalie Sciver-Brunt (England); Bryony Smith & Kirstie Gordon (England ‘A’); Fran Wilson (ex England) & Alexa Stonehouse (England u-19’s) *Rockets made an ‘emphatic’ start with ‘Strategic-time-out’ called after 25 balls ‘Power-play’ on 49/0 (vs 19/2.) *Just one wicket fell when Bryony Smith 28(19) top-edged a ‘slog-sweep’ and was caught at ‘short-fine’ by Mahika Gaur, from Sophie Ecclestone. *After 50 balls, ‘Rockets’ were 80/1. *Hitting 5 ‘fours,’ skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt 33*(not out) 18 joined best batter Lizelle Lee 44*(not out)27 who hit 2 ‘sixes’ and 6 ‘fours:’ hitting her second ‘six’ to win the match. *Originals’ best bowler was Sophie Ecclestone (1/34.)

Match summary: The visitors made a slow start, losing two wickets during the PowerPlay to seam-bowling. WIndies legend Deandre Dottin top-scored with 30 runs from 26 balls; until caught by Alana King from Bryony Smith’s ‘off-breaks’. All-rounders Amanda-Jade Wellington partnered by Katie George added 35 runs, toward a defendable total. POTM  Meerkat Match Hero Bryony Smith making an ‘emphatic’ start to ‘Rockets’ run-chase, partnered by Lizelle Lee. Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt together with Lizelle Lee saw ‘Rockets’ safely home by a wide margin, the result knocking ‘Originals’ out of the competition. ‘Rockets’ 4th (5 points); ‘Originals’ 7th (4 points.)

Match result: Trent Rockets Women 110/1 beat Manchester Originals Women 107/5 by nine wickets (with 36 balls remaining)

*’Originals’’ batting: 107/5 (from 100 balls @1.0 run-per-over): Laura Wolvaardt 23(31), Deandre Dottin 30(26), Amanda-Jade Wellington 22*(not out) (19) *‘Rockets’’ bowling: Kirstie Gordon 1/18, Katherine Sciver-Brunt 1/20, Bryony Smith 1/27, Alexa Stonehouse 1/27; Fow 1-14, 2-15, 3-55, 4-67, 5-72.

*’Rockets’’ batting: 110/1 (from 64/100 balls @1.7 r-p-o): Lizelle Lee 44*(not out)27, Natalie ‘Nat’ Sciver-Brunt 33*(not out)18, Bryony Smith 28(19); *’Originals’’ bowling: Sophie Ecclestone (1/34); Fow 1-60.

*Scorecard courtesy of BBC Sport @URL https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/scorecard/ECKE10007399

*Match highlights (7m40s) courtesy of SKY Sports @URL https://www.skysports.com/the-hundred/video/36891/12941890/highlights-trent-rockets-produce-dominant-display-against-manchester-originals

*Amanda-Jade Wellington’s ‘Secret Life of Wello’ Travel To Nottingham & Training At Trent Bridge; The Hundred Episode 14 via YouTube @URL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZ8UcM974jc

Damp outfield conditions frequently slowed balls short of scoring ‘four.’  Unlike Phoenix, Originals lacked match-practice with two matches washed-out. ‘The Hundred’ history was made when Originals debutante spinner Fi Morris took 5 Phoenix wickets for 7 runs, scoring the competition’s first 5-fer. Fi Morris was also awarded POTM Meerkat Match Hero. Previously, commentators reported that Marizanne Kapp took 4/9 (Invincibles vs Brave, 2021); and third place was shared between Lauren Bell and Tash Farrant who’d both taken 4/10. Introduced by Nick Knight, with Natalie Germanos (Rep. South Africa), Simon Doull (NZ TV personality) & Dominic Cork (ex England); with guest players Tammy Beaumont (Welsh Fire), Jimmy Anderson & Stuart Broad (England Ashes series.) Match highlights courtesy of Sky Sports (please see below.) Weather at Old Trafford had improved after several day’s rain. ‘Sunny’ with blue sky surrounded by white clouds, cool for August.

BP-W *Skipper Evelyn ‘Eve’ Jones [Originals keeper Ellie Threlkeld] *International players Sophie Devine (NZ), Erin Burns & Tess Flintoff (Australia, WBBL) with Amy Jones, Issy Wong (England) & u-19’s World Cup players Charis Pavely and Hannah Baker. *After 25 balls ‘Power-play,’ Phoenix were 25/0: the second time Phoenix had ‘not lost a wicket’ during their Power-play. *Eve Jones 18(20) found an inside-edge, but was ‘stumped’ by Ellie Threlkeld, from Sophie Ecclestone. *Sophie Devine 27(25) hit ‘slog-sweep’ leg side and was caught at ‘deep-square’ by Fi Morris (on review) from Sophie Ecclestone. *Erin Burns 0(2) was caught behind by Ellie Threlkeld (on review) for a send-ball ‘duck’ from Sophie Ecclestone. *Amy Jones 7(7) went ‘leg before’ to Fi Morris and made a slow departure. *Tess Flintoff 2(6) was caught at ‘long-on’ by Katie George, from Amanda-Jade Wellington (1/16); the ball ’turning away’ from the right-hander. *Emily Arlott 5(7) went plumb ‘leg before,’ ‘middle-and-leg’ to Sophie Ecclestone (4/11.) *Abbey Freeborn 12(11) went ‘leg before,’ ‘cannon-to-middle’ to Fi Morris, *Issy Wong 4(5) was caught ‘in-the-deep’ by Kathryn Bryce from Fi Morris. *Facing a ‘quicker’ ball Hannah Baker 2(3) was bowled by Fi Morris. *At that point, two ‘Originals’ bowlers had taken 4-fers. *Charis Pavely 4(7) went ‘leg before’ to Fi Morris (5/7) chalking-up Fi Morris’ 5-fer and making history. *Katie Levick was 2*not out (3.) *Best Phoenix batter was Sophie Devine 27(25) *Best Original bowler was Fi Morris 5/7.

MO-W *Skipper Sophie Ecclestone *[Phoenix keeper Amy Jones] *International players Laura Wolvaardt (Rep. South Africa), Amanda-Jade Wellington (Australia ‘A’ & WBBL) & Deandre Dottin (ex-WIndies); with Sophie Ecclestone and Emma Lamb (England) & Kathryn Bryce (Scotland.) *Debutante Fi Morris. *Emma Lamb 0(1) went for a ‘golden duck,’ caught behind by Amy Jones from Tess Flintoff.  *After 25 balls ‘Power-play,’ Originals remained level-pegging on 23/1 [vs 25/0] & 51/1 [vs 52/1] by  mid-way. *’Strategic-time-out’ was called after 55 balls, with Originals 61/1 needing 27 runs to win. *Laura Wolvaardt 38(34) went ‘leg before’ to Hannah Baker. *Ami Campbell 28(34) was caught at ‘mid-wicket’ by Abbey Freeborn from Katie Levick. *Deandre Dottin 6(12) was ‘run out’ accidentally by Hannah Baker flicking the return-ball onto the non-striker’s stumps and finding Deandre Dottin out of her crease. *Fi Morris 0(2) went ‘leg before’ (with no reviews left) for a 2nd ball duck, from Katie Levick. *Tension mounted until *Kathryn Bryce 4*not out (8) struck the winning ‘four’ through ‘backward point,’ with one ball remaining. *Skipper Sophie Ecclestone 6*not out (9.) *Best batter Laura Wolvaardt 38(34); *Best Phoenix bowler Katie Levick 2/12.

Match summary: Phoenix got off to a slow start, pinned down by Mahika Gaur, who conceded 5 runs from her first ten deliveries. After the match, Originals’ skipper Sophie Ecclestone added that the ‘Thunder Girls’ hadn’t played since early July, and lauded 17yo Mahika Gaur who’d demonstrated ‘perfect ball movement.’ Excitement mounted inside the commentary box when wo Phoenix bowlers had taken four wickets, and Fi Morris made history by taking five wickets. Awarding Fi Morris POTM Meerkat Match Hero cap-and-medal, Fi Morris told Dominic Cork she was very happy with her performance but was unaware she’d made history. Previously, when Phoenix bowled, commentators became frustrated not to see more use made of ’strike bowlers’ (especially Issy Wong) who could potentially ‘win the match.’ The match reached its climax with Originals losing 2 wickets with 3 balls. With reassurance from her skipper at the non-striker’s end, Kathryn Bryce hit the winning ‘four’ with one ball remaining.

Match result: Manchester Originals Women 91/5 beat Birmingham Phoenix Women 87/10 by five wickets with 1 ball remaining

*Phoenix’s batting 87/10 (from 96/100 balls@0.9 runs-per-ball) Sophie Devine 27(25) Evelyn Jones 18(20), Abbey Freeborn 12(11); *Originals’ bowling: Fi Morris 5/7, Sophie Ecclestone 4/11, Amanda-Jade Wellington 1/16. Fow 1-39, 2-52, 3-52, 4-57, 5-62, 6-74, 7-75, 8-81, 9-83, 10-87.

*Originals’ batting  91/5 (from 99/100 balls@0.9 runs-per-ball) Laura Wolvaardt 38(34), Ami Campbell 28(34); *Phoenix’s bowling: Katie Levick 2/12, Tess Flintoff 1/10, Hannah Baker 1/15; Fow 1-1, 2-69, 3-75, 4-75, 5-85.

*Scorecard courtesy of BBC Sport @URL: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/scorecard/ECKE1000726

*Match highlights (6m22s) courtesy of Sky Sports @URL https://www.skysports.com/watch/video/sports/12935655/highlights-fi-morris-records-five-fer-on-debut-to-help-edge-out-birmingham-phoenix