Rachael Heyhoe Flint trophy 2023 – 4 The Love Of Sport http://4theloveofsport.co.uk Champions Of Women's Sport Wed, 27 Nov 2024 17:53:02 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.1.16 http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/cropped-4tlos-iconw-32x32.png Rachael Heyhoe Flint trophy 2023 – 4 The Love Of Sport http://4theloveofsport.co.uk 32 32 Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy 2023 – Remaining matches, Play-off & Final [3 of 3] http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/2023/09/27/rachael-heyhoe-flint-trophy-2023-remaining-matches-play-off-final-3-of-3/ Wed, 27 Sep 2023 12:19:22 +0000 http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/?p=49053 Continue Reading →

]]> Women’s ‘Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy’ 2023 (for 50 overs) Group stage matches, Play-off & Final  [3 of 3]

Match results by venue from remaining matches played between September 5th – 24th;

*Arundel, at the Castle Cricket Ground (Arundel Castle, Sussex)

*Beckenham, at The County Ground (Kent CCC)

*Birmingham (West) at Edgbaston Stadium

*Chelmsford, at The Cloud County Ground (Essex)

*Chester-le-Street, The Seat Unique Riverside (Co. Durham)

*Gosforth, at Roseworth Terrace (South Northumberland CC)

*Guildford, at Woodbridge Road (Surrey)

*Loughborough, Haslegrave Ground (Rutland Way)

*Manchester, at Emirates Old Trafford

*Northampton, at The County Ground (Wantage Road)

*Radlett Cricket Club at Cobden Hill (Herts)

*Sale Cricket Club at Rookwood (Lancs)

*Southampton (East) at the Ageas Bowl

*Taunton, at The Cooper Associates County Ground (Somerset)

Footnotes

*58 matches. *First five rounds played between 22nd April-2nd May; *Second five rounds played between 2nd-22nd July; *Four rounds played between 2nd – 16th September; Finals 21st & 24th September.

*Southern Vipers are now the defending champions (2023); 3rd trophy win (Vipers also won trophies in 2020 & 2021); Previously, Northern Diamonds won (2022);

*Trophy named in honour of The Baroness Heyhoe Flint OBE (1939-2017) who skippered  England’s Women between 1966 and 1978.

Tags: cricket, Rachael Heyhoe Flint trophy 2023

]]> Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy 2023 – match 57- Play-off http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/2023/09/22/rachael-heyhoe-flint-trophy-2023-match-57-play-off/ Fri, 22 Sep 2023 14:32:07 +0000 http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/?p=49018 Continue Reading →

]]> The Blaze vs South East Stars at Beckenham, at The County Ground (Kent CCC) on September 21 

Match that will be remembered for ‘Blaze’ qualifying to play ‘Vipers’ in the Northampton final, at the expense of ’Stars’ who are eliminated from the competition. Despite adverse batting conditions, Sarah Bryce (pictured) was lauded by commentators as ‘magnificent.’ Firstly, as ‘Blaze’s’ keeper, Sarah Bryce’s stumping took ’Stars’’ final tenth wicket. Secondly, when batting, Sarah Bryce not only made top-score of the day [scoring 34 runs from 26 balls.] Thirdly, Sarah Bryce also hit the match-winning ’six.’ Commentators who came armed full of stats, expecting at least one batter to score ‘fifty:’ were Michael McCann and Jamie Reid (BBC Sound – Kent Radio.) Summarising the match, commentators emphasised that rain was a ’significant factor.’ Additional threat of lightning causing a lengthy three hours hiatus during ‘Blaze’ innings, to safeguard the players well-being. When play eventually resumed, Sarah Bryce excelled in ‘difficult’ batting conditions, making top-score and hitting the match-winning ’six.’ Weather: started in perfect conditions 18C with inclement weather arriving at noon that kept ground-staff busy with the ‘covers.’ Video highlights courtesy of ECB (NV Play) & South East Stars (please see below.)

Stars innings: *Skipper Bryony Smith [*Sarah Bryce keeping wicket for Blaze] *With Alice Capsey & Alice Davidson-Richards returned from England duties. (*Without Sophia Dunkley.) *Also with academy player Bethan Miles (*Without Maddie Blinkhorn-Jones, Kalea Moore, or Jemima Spence);  *Chloe Hill loaned from Sparks. Freya Davies & Tash Farrant seen casually spectating. *Facing her second ball, Kira Chathli 0(2) was bowled, middle-stump skittled out-of-the-ground by Grace Ballinger (1/41) for a 2nd ball ‘duck.’ *Grace Ballinger said to have ‘added a yard’ to her pace, as the 6th highest wicket-taker. *During the tenth over, Bryony Smith 21(27) was bowled with her off-stump knocked back and bails sent flying, by Kirstie Gordon; *After ten overs ‘Power-play’ ‘Stars’ were 42/2. *Next over, Alice Capsey 5(6) chopped across-the-line and either ‘played-on’ or was bowled ‘top-of-middle’ by Josie Groves (1/26); *After scoring ‘six:’ Alice Davidson-Richards 8(8) was bowled top-of-middle by Kirstie Gordon (2/14); *Brief recovery followed collapsed until Alexa Stonehouse 20(40) was caught ‘in the deep’ by Marie Kelly, from Lucy Higham (1/17); *Commentator’s curse struck next over, when Paige Scholfield 3(7) who’d ‘doubled her batting average’ since moving from ‘Vipers’ to ‘Stars’ was caught-and-bowled by Marie Kelly diving leg-side to take the return catch; *Commentator’s curse struck again when Aylish Cranstone 13(26) ‘looked comfortable as middle-order anchor, but missed a ‘square-cut,’ and went ‘leg-before’ to Marie Kelly (2/7);  *By mid-way (25 overs) ‘Stars’ were 87/7; *Bethan Miles 17(34) went plumb ‘leg-before’ to Kathryn Bryce; *Facing a proper ‘truly defined’ batting collapse, drinks were taken beneath a towering weather-front of dark clouds, on 104/8. Ninth wicket partnership between Ryana Macdonald-Gay and Chloe Hill added 33 runs; *Chloe Hill 21(55) top-edged to Sophie Munro ‘in the deep,’ from Kathryn Bryce (2/36) *Ryana Macdonald-Gay 26(48) came down-the-wicket to Lucy Higham 2/20, and was stumped by keeper Sarah Bryce, closing Stars innings 66 balls prematurely. *Danielle Gregory 3*(10) was ’not-out’ *Best ‘Stars’ batter was Ryana Macdonald-Gay 26(48.)

Blaze’s Innings *Skipper Kirstie Gordon [*Kira Chathli keeping wicket for ‘Stars’] *With Kathryn & Sarah Bryce (Scotland) *Also with International player Lizelle Lee but without Nadine deKlerk (Republic of South Africa.) *Also with Sophie Munro for Teresa Graves. (*Without Tammy Beaumont, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Michaela Kirk or Ella Claridge.) *As mentioned above, thunder-and-lightning interrupted the match with Blaze on 15/1. *When play resumed some three hours and eight minutes later, ‘Blaze’ needed 37 runs to win from 40 balls. *Lizelle Lee 2(5) was ’run-out’ by Alice Davidson-Richards throw to Kira Chathli at the striker’s-end. *Commentator’s curse struck once again when Marie Kelly 4(7) ‘had plenty of work to do,’ and had disclosed that she wanted ‘to bat for some time,’ snicked an edge to keeper Kira Chathli from Alexa Stonehouse (1/22); *Scoring faster than one-run-per-ball, best ‘Blaze’ batter Sarah Bryce hit the winning ‘six’ from Bryony Smith and carried her bat on 34* not-out (from 26 balls); *Georgie Boyce 9*(14) was ’not-out.’ *Only ’Stars’ bowler to take a wicket was Alexa Stonehouse 1/22.

Match summary: Summarising the match, commentators emphasised that rain was a ’significant factor.’ When innings-anchor Aylish Cranstone fell ‘leg-before’ to Marie Kelly during the 20th over, ‘Stars’ were 77/7; with inclement weather fast approaching as forecast. ‘Covers’ came on-and-off with a fifteen minute hiatus for a heavy shower of rain as ‘Stars’ innings added 33 runs for the 9th wicket before stopping short of the 150-mark. ‘Blaze’ innings was adjourned abruptly as heavy rain evolved into a thunder storm by the time a full set of covers was rushed on, causing another three hour’s delay. When play restarted, 40 overs were docked from ‘Blaze’s’ innings, resulting in a reduced Duckworth-Lewis-Stern target of 52 runs, with the minumum number of ten overs needed to guarantee a result. As mentioned above, Sarah Bryce made top score, hitting a final ‘six’ to propel ‘Blaze’ into finals day. Previously, ‘Blaze’ had started the contest with six back-to-back wins. After the match, Sarah Bryce told reporters she was optimistic, to continue the team’s feeling of momentum into the ‘final,’ following ‘Blaze’s’ win. Trophy final between ‘Blaze’ and ‘Vipers’ will be played at The County Ground Northampton on September 24.  @URL https://www.ecb.co.uk/rachael-heyhoe-flint-trophy/matches/35842#overview

Match result: The Blaze 52/2 (target 52 from 8.4/10 overs) beat South East Stars 148/10 (43.5/50 overs) by eight wickets; DLS Method

*‘Stars’’ batting: 148/10 (43.5/50 overs @3.37 runs-per-over) Ryana Macdonald-Gay 26(48), Bryony Smith 21(27), Chloe Hill 21(55), Alexa Stonehouse 20(40), Bethan Miles 17(34), Aylish Cranstone 13(26); ‘Blaze’s’ bowling: Marie Kelly 2/7, Kirstie Gordon 2/14, Lucy Higham 2/20, Kathryn Bryce 2/36, Josie Groves 1/26, Grace Ballinger 1/41; Fow: 1-0, 2-41, 3-46, 4-57, 5-65, 6-68, 7-77, 8-104, 9-137, 10-148.

*‘Blaze’s’ batting: 52/2 (8.4/10 overs @6.0 r-p-o); Sarah Bryce 34*not out (26); ‘Stars’’ bowling: Alexa Stonehouse 1/22; Fow: 1-1, 2-17.

*Scorecard courtesy of ECB @URL https://www.ecb.co.uk/rachael-heyhoe-flint-trophy/matches/35840#scorecard

*Video highlights, via  ECB (via NV Play) @URL https://www.ecb.co.uk/rachael-heyhoe-flint-trophy/matches/35840#videos

*Match free-to-air courtesy of South East Stars (believed to be via NV Play) on ‘YouTube’ Livestream [starting from 13m57/7h11m05s/rain3h30m-6h38m] @URL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hChSUBOIpnw&t=5s

]]> Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy – match 56 – Diamonds vs Sunrisers http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/2023/09/20/rachael-heyhoe-flint-trophy-match-56-diamonds-vs-sunrisers/ Wed, 20 Sep 2023 15:43:14 +0000 http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/?p=48983 Continue Reading →

]]> Northern Diamonds vs Sunrisers at the Seat Unique Riverside; Chester-le-Street, Co. Durham on September 16

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

]]> Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy 2023 – match 53 – Sparks vs Stars http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/2023/09/20/rachael-heyhoe-flint-trophy-2023-match-53-sparks-vs-stars/ Wed, 20 Sep 2023 15:19:55 +0000 http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/?p=48981 Continue Reading →

]]> Central Sparks vs South East Stars at Edgbaston Stadium Birmingham, on September 16

Beefed-up by England returners Alice Davidson-Richards (for ‘Stars’) and Issy Wong (for ’Sparks), commentators introduced the match as a ‘virtual quarter-final’ or ’shootout’ for third place, to decide who plays in the Play-off/Eliminator. Losing team plays their final match of the competition with insufficient number of points to qualify beyond the group stage. ‘Sparks’ commentators said that ‘Stars’ skipper Bryony Smith (pictured) [(97runs (from 81 balls)] ’deserved a century’ having provided entertainment by scoring three ’sixes,’ one of which humourously ‘left the ground’ through an open gate where ‘ground-staff tractors’ were kept. ’Stars’ keeper Kira Chathli 61(92) chalked-up ‘fifty,’ both batters scores accentuating the difference between the two teams. Commentator was Claire B Jenkins (for Central Sparks, former Somerset & Derbys women); with Raf Nicholson (introduced as ‘Dr cricket’) & Syd Egan (The CRICKETher, social media ‘podcast.’) Video highlights courtesy of ECB (NV Play) & Edgbaston Cricket TV (please see below.) Weather at Egdbaston was described as ‘misty and overcast, evolving into an ‘autumnal’ morning surrounded by ’white sky.’

Stars’ innings: *Skipper Bryony Smith (*Abbey Freeborn keeping wicket for Sparks) *With Alice Davidson-Richards returned from England duties. *Also Maddie Blinkhorn-Jones (*Without Kalea Moore, & Jemima Spence); *Chloe Hill loaned from Sparks. *Promoted to ‘play aggressively,’ Alexa Stonehouse 6(12) steepled a catch to ‘mid-on,’ by Katie George arriving from ‘long-on;’ bowled by Emily Arlott (1/47.) *After 10 overs ‘Power-play,’ ‘Stars’ were 41/1; reaching 138/1 by mid-way (25 overs); *Century partnership between Kira Chathli and Bryony Smith ended when Kira Chathli 61(92) was caught at ‘short-third,’ (‘behind the square on the off-side’) by Grace Potts, from Hannah Baker. *Commentators curse struck when ‘Sparks’ ‘needed a wicket’ and Bryony Smith 97(81) who ‘deserved’ a century, prodded’ a catch to Grace Potts, from Georgia Davis. *Said by commentators to gesture ‘cartoonishly’ after each shot, Alice Davidson-Richards ’AD-R’ 26(40) snicked-an-edge that ‘looped-up’ a catch to keeper Abbey Freeborn, from Katie George (1/45); *AD-R said to depart with ‘animated’ annoyance. *Paige Scholfield 9(7) made a ‘slog-sweep’ falling short of ‘cow corner,’ and was caught ‘in-the-deep’ by Katie George; from Georgia Davis. *Missing a ‘sweep’ shot, Aylish Cranstone 8(12), was bowled, her ‘off-stump’ flattened by Hannah Baker, who came ‘around-the-wicket’ to the left-hander. *With nine overs remaining, a 7th wicket partnership between Chloe Hill and Maddie Blinkhorn-Jones added 57 runs. *With five balls left, Chloe Hill 34(31) was ‘run-out’ when diving flat-out, by Ami Campbell’s throw from ‘long-on’ to Katie George. *Katie George rolled over to break-the-wicket at the non-striker’s end. *Maddie Blinkhorn-Jones closed 24*not out(26); with Ryana MacDonald-Gay 0*not out(2) *Best ‘Stars’ batter was Bryony Smith *Best ‘Sparks’ bowlers were Hannah Baker 2/46 & Georgia Davis 2/47.

Sparks’ innings: *Skipper Eve Jones (Kira Chathli  keeping wicket for Stars) With Issy Wong (without Davina Perrin) *International player Maddy Green (NZ); without/replacing Erin Burns (Australia) *Eve Jones 6(21) snicked an edge to keeper Kira Chathli from Ryana MacDonald-Gay; *Bethan Ellis 11(16) also snicked an edge to Kira Chathli from Ryana MacDonald-Gay *After 10 overs ‘Power-play,’ ‘Sparks’ were level-pegging on 42/2 (vs 41/1) *Abbey Freeborn 20(22) went ‘leg-before’ to Paige Scholfield *Ten balls later, Ami Campbell 0(6) was caught by Paige Scholfield, for a 6th ball ‘duck’ from Alice Davidson-Richards; *Having faced four ‘dot’ balls, Katie George 7(11) snicked an edge to Kira Chathli from Alice Davidson-Richards. Next ball, AD-R chalked-up a ‘wicket-maiden.’ *Emily Arlott 4(24) was clean–bowled by Ryana MacDonald-Gay (3/27); *By mid-way (25 overs) ‘Sparks’ were 102/6 (vs 138/1); *Next ball, Maddy Green 39(48) who’d offered spirited resistance, was bowled by Danielle Gregory (1/26); *Next over, Georgia Davis 1(4) was caught by Paige Scholfield from Alexa Stonehouse (1/29) *Issy Wong 11 (18) was caught-and-bowled by Alice Davidson-Richards (3/20) *Facing Bryony Smith’s first ball, Hannah Baker 11(18) went ‘leg-before’ to Bryony Smith (1/0). *Grace Potts 9*not out(25) *Best ‘Sparks’ batter was Maddy Green 39(48); *Best ’Stars’ bowlers were Alice Davidson-Richards 3/20 & Ryana Macdonald-Gay 3/27.

Match summary: ’Stars’’ Century 2nd wicket partnership between Kira Chathli and Bryony Smith banked 125 runs. ’Stars’’ total was later boosted by Maddie Blinkhorn-Jones and Chloe Hill (ironically loaned to ‘Stars’ by ‘Sparks’) adding 57 runs. Where ‘Sparks” bowlers (Hannah Baker and Georgia Davis) both took two wickets each with spin, ‘Stars” bowlers (Alice Davidson-Richards 3/20, Ryana Macdonald-Gay) not only took three wickets each with seam, but were more economical, conceding half the runs. Without any ‘Sparks’ batters scoring ‘fifty,’ their required-run-rate rocketed leaving tail-enders with too much to do. As losers, ’Sparks’ (31 points) finished in fifth place, with insufficient number of points to qualify beyond the group stage. As a consolation, ‘Sparks’ finished one place higher than the defending champions (Diamonds.)‘Stars’ (36 points) qualified in third place, for the Play-off/Eliminator match, to be played at their home ground (The County Ground KCCC, Beckenham) on September 21st; (rather than at Trent Bridge or Loughborough’s Haslegrave Ground as some commentators had mis-stated or incorrectly assumed.) Latest fixture details @URL https://www.ecb.co.uk/rachael-heyhoe-flint-trophy/matches/35840#overview

Match result: South East Stars 283/7 beat Central Sparks 131/10 by 152 runs, with 89 balls remaining

*’Stars” batting: 283/7 (from 50/50overs@5.6 runs-per-over) Bryony Smith 97(81), Kira Chathli 61(92), Chloe Hill 34(31), Alice Davidson-Richards 26(40), Maddie Blinkhorn-Jones 24*not out(26); *Sparks” bowling: Hannah Baker 2/46, Georgia Davis 2/47, Katie George 1/45, Emily Arlott 1/47; *Fow 1-14, 2-139, 3-199, 4-205, 5-213, 6-223, 7-280.

*’Sparks” batting: 131/10 (from 35.1/50overs@3.7 r-p-o) Maddy Green 39(48), Abbey Freeborn 20(22), Bethan Ellis 11(16), Hannah Baker 11(18), Issy Wong 11(18); *’Stars” bowling: Alice Davidson-Richards 3/20, Ryana Macdonald-Gay 3/27, Bryony Smith 1/0, Danielle Gregory 1/26, Paige Scholfield 1/27, Alexa Stonehouse 1/29; *Fow 1-22, 2-31, 3-65, 4-67, 5-65, 6-87, 7-102, 8-103, 9-116, 10-131.

*Scorecard courtesy of ECB @URL https://www.ecb.co.uk/rachael-heyhoe-flint-trophy/matches/35831#scorecard

*Video highlights, via  ECB (via NV Play) @URL https://www.ecb.co.uk/rachael-heyhoe-flint-trophy/matches/35831#videos

*Match free-to-air courtesy of Central Sparks (believed to be via NV Play) on ‘YouTube’ Livestream [starting from 22m54/6h42m30s] @URL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9YZUrIXryD0

]]> Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy 2023 – match 54 – Storm vs Thunder http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/2023/09/19/rachael-heyhoe-flint-trophy-2023-match-54-storm-vs-thunder/ Tue, 19 Sep 2023 16:36:41 +0000 http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/?p=48969 Continue Reading →

]]> Western Storm vs North West Thunder at Emirates Old Trafford Manchester, on September 16 

Setting the scene, commentators Michael McCann (Sports journalist) and Melinda ‘Mel’ Farrell (journalist & ex Australia women) explained that neither team was ’in qualifying contention.’ Both teams lacked a sufficient number of points needed to go beyond the group stage. As a consequence they were knocked-out of the competiton and playing for pride. Three Storm batters (Sophia Smale, Emma Corney & Sophie Luff) made ‘fifty.’ ‘Thunder’ made a disastrous start to their innings, losing three wickets cheaply. ‘Thunder’s’ skipper Ellie Threlkeld (pictured) with a career-best 107*not outmounted a recovery with Naomi Dattani that banked banked 177 runs. Together with their partnership assured ‘Thunder’ of their winning position from their last game-of-the-season. Video highlights courtesy of ECB (NV Play) & Lancs CricketTV (please see below.) Weather at Old Trafford was mainly overcast.

‘Storm’s innings’ *Skipper Sophie Luff [*Ellie Threlkeld keeping wicket for ’Thunder’] Debutante Izzy Patel. Returner Mollie Robbins. *Without Heather Knight, Danielle Gibson & Lauren Filer (England call-up) *After 10 overs Power-play, ‘Storm’ were 53/0 *Emma Corney 53(64) was caught at ‘long-on’ by Tara Norris on-the-turn, from Olivia Bell *After 25 overs, ’Storm’ were 125/1 *Fran Wilson 24(28) was bowled through-the-gate bails sent flying, by Olivia Bell *Sophia Smale 56(82) was caught-and-bowled ‘middle-and-off-stump,’ by Olivia Bell (3/30) *Six balls later, Niamh Holland 0(2) was bowled ‘middle-and-off-stump,’ by Liberty ‘Libby’ Heap. *Natasha Wraith 8(11) was bowled bowled, ‘middle-and-off-stump’ by Libby Heap. *Katie Jones 16(14) mis-timed hook to ‘backward-square,’ caught by Danielle Collins from Libby Heap (3/39) *Chloe Skelton 26*not out(35) & Izzy Patel 2*not out(3) *Sophie Luff played a skipper’s innings, chalking-up 50 during the penultimate over. *Skipper Luff 54(65), was caught by Naomi Dattani, bowled by Tara Norris (1/37) during ‘Storm’s’ final over. *Best ‘Storm’ batters were Sophia Smale 56(82); Sophie Luff 54(65); & Emma Corney 53(64.) *Best ‘Thunder’ bowlers were Olivia Bell 3/30 & Liberty ‘Libby’ Heap 3/39.

‘Thunder’s’ innings *Skipper Ellie Threlkeld [*Katie Jones keeping wicket for ‘Storm’] With internationals Tara Norris (US) & Laura Delany (Republic of Ireland) & Olivia Bell (Scotland); without Deandre Dottin (WIndies Caribbean League.) *Without Emma Lamb, Kate Cross, or Mahika Gaur (England call-up) *Disaster when three wickets fell for 17 runs. *Firstly, during ‘Thunder’s’ 1st over,’ Liberty ‘Libby’ Heap 0(4) was run-out’ by Fran Wilson’s throw to Katie Jones, receiving at the striker’s end for a ‘4th ball-duck.’ *15 balls later, Seren Smale 3(11) went plumb ‘leg-before’ to Sophia Smale. *Thirdly, the 8th-over, Fi Morris was caught-and-bowled by Sophia Smale *After 10 overs Power-play, ‘Thunder’ were 23/3 (vs 53/0) *After 25 overs, ‘Thunder’ were 115/3 (vs 125/1) *Record partnership for ‘Thunder’s’ 4th wicket between skipper Ellie Threlkeld and Naomi Dattani banked 177 runs. *Naomi Dattani 82(114) was caught-and-bowled with a one-handed dive, from Niamh Holland *Laura Delany went plumb ‘leg-before’ to Niamh Holland (2/35.) *Thunder’s best batter Ellie Threlkeld was 107*not out (115); *Best Storm bowlers were Sophia Smale 2/33, Niamh Holland 2/34.

Match summary: Batting first, three Storm batters scored ‘fifty (Sophia Smale, Emma Corney & Sophie Luff.) Two ‘Thunder’ bowlers took 3-fers (Olivia Bell & Libby Heap.) Reported elsewhere that Olivia Bell has a 25 wickets haul from eight ‘Thunder’ matches. Disaster struck Thunder’s final innings of the season when three wickets fell for 17 runs (Libby Heap, Seren Smale & Fi Morris.) Record 4th wicket partnership between skipper Ellie Threlkeld and Naomi Dattani banked 177 runs to get ‘Thunder’ into a winning position. Ellie Threlkeld played a skipper’s innings chalking-up her career-best ‘class-A’ century, for a ‘clinical’ finish to the season. Thunder (26 points) finished their season at Old Trafford on a ‘high,’ beating ‘Storm’ by a comfortable margin. ‘Storm’ finished their group stage in 8th place (16 points), earning their inaugural wooden spoon.

Match result: North West Thunder 254/5 beat Western Storm 250/7 by five wickets with 20 balls remaining

* ‘Storm’s’ batting 250/7: (50/50 overs @ 5.0 runs-per-over) Sophia Smale 56(82), Sophie Luff 54(65), Emma Corney 53(64), Fran Wilson 24(28); ‘Thunder’s’ bowling: Olivia Bell 3/30, Libby Heap 3/39, Tara Norris 1/37; Fow: 1-98, 2-138, 3-145, 4-150, 5-160, 6-199, 7-249.

* ‘Thunder’s’ batting 254/5: (46.4/50 overs @ 5.4 runs-per-over) Ellie Threlkeld 107*not out(115), Naomi Dattani 82(114), Laura Delany 22(15), Danielle Collins 12*not out(13), Fi Morris 11(12); ‘Storm’s’ bowling: Sophia Smale 2/33, Niamh Holland 2/34; Fow: 1-1, 2-3, 3-17, 4-194, 5-230.

*Scorecard courtesy of ECB @URL https://www.ecb.co.uk/rachael-heyhoe-flint-trophy/matches/35833#scorecard

*Video highlights, via NV Play @URL https://www.ecb.co.uk/rachael-heyhoe-flint-trophy/matches/35833#videos

*Match free-to-air courtesy of ‘Lancs Cricket TV’ for North West Thunder (believed to be via NV Play) on ‘YouTube’ Livestream [starting from 0m38sm/6h53m10s] @URL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHKFiBme5ew

]]> Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy 2023 – match 55 – Blaze vs Vipers http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/2023/09/18/rachael-heyhoe-flint-trophy-2023-match-55-blaze-vs-vipers/ Sun, 17 Sep 2023 23:26:45 +0000 http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/?p=48945 Continue Reading →

]]> The Blaze vs Southern Vipers  at Haslegrave Ground, Loughborough (Leics), on September 16

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

]]> Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy 2023 – match 50 – Thunder vs Diamonds http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/2023/09/17/rachael-heyhoe-flint-trophy-2023-match-50-thunder-vs-diamonds/ Sun, 17 Sep 2023 18:18:08 +0000 http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/?p=48943 Continue Reading →

]]> North West Thunder vs Northern Diamonds – at Sale Cricket Club at Rookwood (Lancs) on September 13

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

]]> Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy 2023 – match 52 – Storm vs Sparks http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/2023/09/16/rachael-heyhoe-flint-trophy-2023-match-52-storm-vs-sparks/ Sat, 16 Sep 2023 14:42:25 +0000 http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/?p=48929 Continue Reading →

]]> Western Storm vs Central Sparks – at Taunton, at The Cooper Associates County Ground (Somerset) on September 13

Expectations were high for ‘Sparks’ to win remaining fixtures to finish the group stage in second-or-third place. Setting the scene, commentator Ed Seabourne was quick to mention that although both teams were looking to finish their group stage ‘on a high,’ the match was of ‘huge importance’ for ’Sparks.’ Skipper Eve Jones [84*runs ’not out’ (from 113 balls)] built two key partnerships, firstly adding 85 runs with keeper Abbey Freeborn. Eve Jones’s second partnership with New Zealand international player Maddy Green added another 106 runs before ‘carrying her bat.’ Commentators were Ed ‘cricket’ Seabourne (Sports journalist) and Clare B Jenkins (Women’s cricket commentator & ex-Somerset Women) and Hannah Thompson-Radford (Sports journalist) Video highlights courtesy of ECB (NV Play) & Somerset Cricket for Western Storm (please see below.)

Storm’s Innings Skipper Sophie Luff [*Abbey Freeborn keeping wicket for ’Sparks’] *Without Heather Knight, Danielle Gibson & Lauren Filer (England call-up) *During the tenth over, Alex Griffiths 18(29) leg-stump was skittled ‘spectacularly’ by Katie George coming around-the-wicket. After 10 overs ‘Power-play,’ Storm were 32/1 *Five balls later Sophie Luff 4(3) played defensively ‘across-the-line,’ and was bowled by Grace Potts (1/34.) *Emma Corney 32(56) went plumb ‘leg-before’ to Georgia Davis *Niamh Holland 7(16) was bowled by Hannah Baker (1/47) who ‘got one to turn.’ *After 25 overs, ’Storm’ were 98/4. *Fran Wilson 30(46) was caught from the toe-end of her bat, by Ami Campbell from Bethan Ellis (1/27.) *Natasha Wraith and Katie Jones mounted a recovery, added 64 runs for ’Storm’s 6th wicket. *Natasha Wraith 39(48) leg-stump was skittled by Katie George (2/39) coming over-the-wicket. *Playing her second match after two years with Storm’s academy, Katie Jones 32(36) missed a ‘reverse-sweep’ and went ‘leg-before’ to Georgia Davis (2/32.) *Sophia Smale 32(20) steepled high and was caught-and-bowled on follow-through by Emily Arlott (1/47) *Chloe Skelton 26*not out(35) & Mollie Robbins 2*not out(3) *Best ‘Sparks’ bowlers were Georgia Davis 2/32 & Katie George 2/39.

Sparks’ Innings *Skipper Eve Jones [*Katie Jones keeping wicket for Storm] *Maddy Green (NZ) replaced Erin Burns (Australia WBBL.) *Without Amy Jones & Issy Wong (England call-up) *Opener Bethan Ellis 6(25) was bowled, bails sent flying by ‘left-armer’ Sophia Smale *After 10-overs ‘Power-play,’ ‘Sparks’ were level-pegging on 31/1 (vs 32/1) *Abbey Freeborn 44(57) went ‘leg-before’ to Alex Griffiths (1/41) *After 25 overs, ’Sparks’ were 101/2 (vs 98/4) *Maddy Green 64(56) formed ‘Sparks’ main century partnership with Eve Jones until stumped by Katie Jones from Sophia Smale. *Ami Campbell 14(14) was ’not out’ *Best ‘Sparks’ batter Eve Jones 84*’not out’(113) who played a ‘skipper’s innings,’ carried her bat. *Best ‘Storm’ bowler was Sophia Smale 2/38.

Match summary: Most of Storm’s batters reached double-figures, that turned into a defendable score. Sparks chased down their target score at a cost of only three wickets, having won by a comfortable margin. Skipper Eve Jones (84*runs ’not out’) played a skipper’s innings, building two key partnerships with Abbey Freeborn (adding 85 runs) and New Zealand international Maddy Green (106 runs.)  By contrast, ‘Storm’ were looking to finish their final home match ‘on a high’ before travelling to ‘Old Trafford’ to receive their inaugural ‘wooden spoon;’ highly likely to finish their group-stage matches in eighth place. ‘Sparks’ 31 points (4th place at time of writing); ‘Storm’ 16 points.

Match result: Central Sparks 242/3 beat Western Storm 241/8 by seven wickets with 35 balls remaining

*’Storm’s’ batting: 241/8 (from 50/50 overs @4.8 runs-per-over) Natasha Wraith 39(48), Sophia Smale 32(20), Katie Jones 32(36), Emma Corney 32(56), Fran Wilson 30(46), Chloe Skelton 26*not out(35), Alex Griffiths 18(29); *’Sparks’’ bowling: Georgia Davis 2/32, Katie George 2/39, Bethan Ellis 1/27, Grace Potts 1/34, Hannah Baker 1/47, Emily Arlott 1/47. Fow 1-38, 2-43, 3-67, 4-88, 5-113, 6-177, 7-179, 8-239.

*’Sparks’’ batting: 242/3 (from 44.1/50 overs @5.4 r-p-o) Eve Jones 84*’not out’(113), Maddy Green 64(56), Abbey Freeborn 44(57), Ami Campbell 14*’not out’(14); *’Storm’s’ bowling: Sophia Smale 2/38, Alex Griffiths 1/41; Fow: 1-14, 2-97, 3-203;

*Scorecard, courtesy of ECB @URL https://www.ecb.co.uk/rachael-heyhoe-flint-trophy/matches/35828#scorecard

*Video highlights, courtesy of ECB @URL https://www.ecb.co.uk/rachael-heyhoe-flint-trophy/matches/35828#videos

*Match free-to-air courtesy of Somerset Cricket (believed to be via NV Play) on ‘YouTube’ Livestream [starting from 49m00s/7h45m07s] @URL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKVkaxYfpMo&t=1s

]]> Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy 2023 – match 49 – Vipers vs Stars http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/2023/09/15/rachael-heyhoe-flint-trophy-2023-match-49-vipers-vs-stars/ Fri, 15 Sep 2023 16:25:18 +0000 http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/?p=48922 Continue Reading →

]]> Southern Vipers vs South East Stars – at the Ageas Bowl, Southampton on September 13

All twenty wickets fell during the Southern Derby, with both teams missing players on England call-up; with equal expectations to qualify beyond the group stage to play the Eliminator if they won two-out-of-three of their remaining matches. Previously, ’Stars’ unexpectedly defeated ‘The Blaze’ by 100 runs on September 10:- (during which England’s Alice Davidson-Richards scored a ‘ton.’) ’Vipers’’ best batter & bowler was Linsey Smith who scored her maiden ’fifty’ at 50 overs [51 runs (from 58 balls)] with her bat; followed by a match-winning 3-fer (3/34) with the ball. ‘Stars’’ Aylish Cranstone [69 runs (from 64 balls)] made top-score of the day, and ’Stars’ spinner Danielle Gregory took a 4-fer (4/55.) Commentators were Kevan ‘Kev’ James (BBC radio Solent), Phil Green (Hursley Park) and guest. Video highlights courtesy of ECB (NV Play) & Southern Vipers for Hants Cricket (please see below.) Weather at Southampton was mainly overcast with grey clouds, improving with barely noticeable sunny spells as the match progressed.

Vipers Innings *Skipper Georgia Adams [*Kira Chathli keeping wicket for Stars] *With Freya Kemp and Mary Taylor, plus Academy players Ava Lee (bowler) Abi Norgrove (batter) *International player Nicole Faltum (Aus) conveying drinks. *Depleted without England call-ups (Maia Bouchier, Charlie Dean, & Danni Wyatt) Lauren Bell rested. *Stars seamers Alexa Stonehouse paired with Ryana Macdonald-Gay bowled six overs each. *Abi Norgrove 5(11), scooped ‘off-her-legs’ to ‘mid-wicket’ and was caught by Bethan Miles from seamer Alexa Stonehouse (1/32);  After 10 overs ‘Power-play,’ ‘Vipers’ were 27/1. *Bethan Miles (spin) was paired to bowl three overs with Paige Scholfield (seam.) *Breakthrough came when Ella McCaughan 44(58) steepled down-the-ground, caught at ‘long-on’ by Ryana Macdonald-Gay from spinner Bethan Miles (1/40); *Georgia Elwiss 2(4) was short-lived, run out’ by Jemima Spence’s direct hit fron ‘square-leg.’ *Commentators’s curse struck during the 25th over, when Emily Windsor 9(17) was caught by Paige Scholfield from Danielle Gregory. *By mid-way ‘Vipers’ were 118/4.*Two overs later a ‘massive wicket’ fell when Georgia Adams 49(61), top-edged to ’square,’ caught by Aylish Cranstone one short of ‘fifty,’ also from spinner Danielle Gregory. *Scoring two ‘sixes,’ Freya Kemp 39(33), steepled down-the-ground, caught at ‘long-off’ by Ryana Macdonald-Gay, again from Danielle Gregory. *After 40 overs, Alice Monaghan 11(18) played across-the-line and went ‘leg-before’ to Danielle Gregory (4-fer  4/56); *Scoring her maiden ‘fifty’ for ‘Vipers,’ Linsey Smith 51(58), steepled down-the-ground, caught at ‘at-deep-mid-on’ by Ryana Macdonald-Gay, from Paige Scholfield (2/31); *Vipers last two wickets fell for 1 run when Rhianna Southby 21(24), was beaten ‘through-the-gate,’ top of ‘middle-and-leg,’ bowled by Ryana Macdonald-Gay (1/38); Finally, Ava Lee 0(2) snicked a ‘leading-edge’ to Kira Chathli from Paige Scholfield for a ’second-ball-duck’ *’Vipers’’ best batter was Linsey Smith 51(58); *Best ‘Stars’’ bowler was Danielle Gregory 4-fer: 4/56.

Stars Innings *Skipper Bryony Smith [*Rhianna Southby keeping wicket for Vipers] *With Academy players Bethan Miles, Kalea Moore & Jemima Spence. Chloe Hill on loan from ‘Vipers.’ Without Alice Capsey, Freya Davies, Sophia Dunkley or Alice Davidson-Richards. *Initially, scorers gaffed between two ‘Smiths’ playing on opposite sides, when one Smith (Linsey) took a wicket and another Smith (Bryony) arrived to bat; *Skipper Bryony Smith 1(10) ‘who didn’t really get going,’ was caught by Alice Monaghan from Linsey Smith coming around-the-wicket; *Kira Chathli 3(9) steepled down-the-ground, caught at ‘long-off’ by Abi Norgrove (gaffed as Ava Lee) from spinner Linsey Smith. *After 10 overs ‘Power-play,’ ‘Stars’ were level-pegging on 27/2 (vs 27/1.) *Two wickets fell ten balls apart, firstly when Jemima Spence 28(57) steepled high, caught at ’deep-square’ by Emily Windsor, from seamer Alice Monaghan; *Secondly when Paige Scholfield 2(8) was caught by Freya Kemp from Ava Lee’s slower ball; *During the 24th over, Kalea Moore 7(19) ‘chipped back’ and was caught-and-bowled by rolling Ava Lee 2/38; *By mid-way ‘Stars’ were 94/5 (vs 118/4.) *Chloe Hill 4(8) was short-lived, going plumb ‘leg-before’ to Mary Taylor 1/40; *Once top-scorer Aylish Cranstone 69(64) was bowled by Georgia Adams’ ‘yorker;’ ‘Stars’ needed 111 runs from the last 15 overs. *Five balls later, the last recognised batter Alexa Stonehouse 25(36) was bowled ‘ middle-and-off’ by Linsey Smith (3/34); followed by Bethan Miles 2(6) missed a ‘slog-sweep,’ fell over and went ‘leg-before’ to Georgia Adams 2/41; *Tail-enders gave spirited resistance by adding 46 runs for ‘Stars’ 10th wicket. *Ryana Macdonald-Gay 23(31) was caught at ‘mid-wicket’ by Freya Kemp, from Alice Monaghan 2/30; *Danielle Gregory 20*not out (36); *’Stars’’ best batter was Aylish Cranstone 69(64); *Best ‘Vipers’’ bowler was Linsey Smith 3/34.

Match summary: Both teams made cautious carbon-copy starts during their respective Power-plays.’ They also bowled each other out. When ‘Viper’s’ Georgia Adams missed-out by one run on her 5th consecutive skipper’s ‘fifty’ followed by Georgia Elwiss’ back-to-back ‘run out;’ ‘Vipers’ look set for an under-par score. Freya Kemp’s quick-fire 39 runs (from 33 balls) plus Linsey Smith’s maiden ‘fifty’ at 50 overs boosted a defendable score. ‘Stars’ Aylish Cranstone (having recovered from wrist injury) came closest to scoring around one-run-per-ball. ‘Stars’ bowlers-turned-batters (Danielle Gregory and Ryana Macdonald-Gay) made a ‘frustrating’ last-wicket stand of 46 runs for ‘Stars” 10th wicket. ‘Vipers’ gained a bonus point from a ‘brilliant end’, leap-frogged ‘Stars’ isecond place in the table with one group stage match to go (at the time of writing.) ‘Vipers’ (2nd) 33 points; ‘Stars’ (3rd) 31 points; with ‘Sparks’ and ‘Diamonds’ close on their tails. Post match interview with Linsey Smith 3m25s (Smith Reviews ‘Strong Performance’ In Stars Victory) courtesy of  BBC radio Solent & Southern Vipers on YouTube @URL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufx2vPF9CtU

Match result: Southern Vipers 254/10 beat South East Stars 196/1, by 58 runs (with 16 balls remaining)

*Vipers batting: 254/10 (from 48.2/50 overs @5.2 runs-per-over) Linsey Smith 51(58), Ella McCaughan 44(58), Georgia Adams 49(61), Freya Kemp 39(33), Rhianna Southby 21(24), Alice Monaghan 11(18); *Stars bowling: Danielle Gregory 4/55, Paige Scholfield 2/31, Alexa Stonehouse 1/32, Ryana Macdonald-Gay 1/38, Bethan Miles 1/40; *Fow 1-12, 2-18, 3-94, 4-117, 5-128, 6-176, 7-205, 8-245, 9-253, 10-254.

*Stars batting: 196/10 (from 47.2/50overs@4.1 r-p-o) Aylish Cranstone 69(64), Jemima Spence 28(57), Alexa Stonehouse 25(36), Ryana Macdonald-Gay 23(31), Danielle Gregory 20(36);*Vipers bowling: Linsey Smith 3/34, Alice Monaghan 2/30, Ava Lee 2/38, Georgia Adams 2/41, Mary Taylor 1/40. *Fow 1-5, 2-13, 3-71, 4-74, 5-84, 6-99, 7-144, 8-146, 9-150, 10-196.

* Scorecard  courtesy of ECB @URL https://www.ecb.co.uk/rachael-heyhoe-flint-trophy/matches/35821#scorecard

* Video highlights, via NV Play @URL https://www.ecb.co.uk/rachael-heyhoe-flint-trophy/matches/35821#videos

* Match highlights, via Southern Vipers [09m53s] @URL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wK_YVSiTAjk&t=1s

]]> Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy – match 51 – Blaze vs Sunrisers http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/2023/09/14/rachael-heyhoe-flint-trophy-match-51-blaze-vs-sunrisers/ Thu, 14 Sep 2023 21:23:25 +0000 http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/?p=48914 Continue Reading →

]]> The Blaze vs Sunrisers at Haslegrave Ground, (Rutland Way, Loughborough) on September 13

‘Sunrisers’ chalked-up their third consecutive win under England u19s skipper Grace Scrivens’s captaincy in a high-scoring match that was said to give spectators sat on deckchairs ‘much to do.’ Grace Scrivens [107 runs (from 136 balls)] hit her maiden ‘A-listed’ century and took her season’s tally to 387 runs. Playing in only her third match since joining ‘Sunrisers’ during early September, Ariana Dowse (pictured) [105 runs (from 110 balls)]: also scored her maiden ‘ton’ during a ’supreme’ innings. Ariana Dowse also received sporting appreciation from ‘Blaze’ fielders when eventually caught by ‘Blaze’ skipper Kirstie Gordon. ‘Blaze’ replied with Georgie Boyce also scoring a maiden ‘ton.’ Commentator was Mike Perkins (BBC Radio.) Video highlights courtesy of ECB (NV Play) & Sunrisers TV (please see below.) Weather was ’sunny’ following an early mist.

‘Sunrisers’’ innings *Skipper Grace Scrivens – also England u-19 skipper [*Sarah Bryce keeping wicket for ‘The Blaze’] *Unchanged line-up. *Without International player Dane v.Niekerk (reported as injured.) *After 10 overs’ ‘Power-play,’ ’Sunrisers’ were 47/0. *Both opening batters scored ‘fifties,’ reaching 121/0 by mid-way (25 overs) *Scoring 1 ’six’ and 13 ‘fours’ Ariana Dowse played a ‘supreme’ innings, scoring 105(110) until caught at ‘long-on’ by Kirstie Gordon from Grace Ballinger (1/47) *Missing a ‘reverse-sweep,’ Mady Villiers 10(7) was caught behind by Sarah Bryce from Lucy Higham (1/54) *Three wickets fell with 8 balls *Missing a ‘slog-sweep,’ Jo Gardner 16(20) was clean-bowled by Teresa Graves *Four balls later skipper Grace Scrivens 107(136) who scored nine ‘fours’ missed a ‘reverse-sweep’ and went ‘leg-before’ to Teresa Graves (2/25) *Next over, Eva Gray 1(3) was caught by Sophie Munro ‘inside the boundary’ from Kathryn Bryce (1/69.) *With 3 overs remaining, Amara Carr and Flo Miller added 37 runs, that chalked-up 295/5. *Best ‘Sunrisers’ batters were Grace Scrivens 107(136) & Ariana Dowse 105(110); *Best ‘Blaze’ bowler was Teresa Graves 2/25.

Blaze’s Innings *Skipper Kirstie Gordon [*Amara Carr keeping wicket for Sunrisers’] *Kathryn & Sarah Bryce (Scotland) *With International player Lizelle Lee (ex Republic of South Africa) *Without Tammy Beaumont or Nat Sciver-Brunt (England duties.) *Marie Kelly said to be back from tour with the Caribbean premier league. *Lizelle Lee 8(7) went ‘leg-before’ to Eva Gray *Sarah Bryce 0(4) went for a 4th ball ‘duck,’ bowled by Kate Coppack *Marie Kelly 23(31) was caught by Grace Scrivens from Jodi Grewcock *After 10 overs’ ‘Power-play,’ Blaze reached 52/2 (vs 47/0) & 131/3 (vs 121/0) by mid-way (25 overs) *Both Kathryn Bryce 51(59) & Teresa Graves 3(17) went ‘leg-before’ to Eva Gray *Josie Groves 13(11) was caught ‘at waist height’ by Mady Villiers. *Georgie Boyce 104(126) was ‘run-out’ by Mady Villiers. *Lucy Higham 1(4) Jodi Grewcock from Mady Villiers from Kelly Castle *Kirstie Gordon 8(4) was caught by Kate Coppack from Eva Gray (4/31) *Sophie Munro 23(28) was caught by Amu Surenkumar from Grace Scrivens (1/28) *Grace Ballinger was 1*not out *Gifted 30 extras, including 16 ‘wides.’ *Best Blaze batter was Georgie Boyce 104(126) *All Sunrisers’ bowlers took at least one wicket each. *Best Sunrisers bowler was Eva Gray 4/31.

Match summary First 37 overs were dominated by a double-century record first-wicket partnership between ‘Sunrisers’’ skipper Grace Scrivens and newly recruited Ariana Dowse: who played a ’supreme’ innings. Together the ‘Sunrisers’’ openers set a double-century record first-wicket partnership in 37 overs, beating the previous record set last year by Georgia Adams and Ella McCaughan whose partnership scored 153 for ‘Vipers’ (vs Lightning.) When ‘Blaze’ replied, Georgie Boyce and Kathryn Bryce’s fourth-wicket partnership added 113 runs, until top-scorer was ‘run out’ by Mady Villiers. ‘Blaze’ tail-enders were left with too much to do, unable to score at a run-a-ball. Losing their last three wickets, ‘Blaze’ went down to their second successive defeat. With dominant top-of-table position with 38 points (from 7 wins and 3 losses) ‘Blaze’ are assured of their golden ticket to the up-coming final at Northampton, with the last four group-stage matches to be played on September 16. ‘Sunrisers’ look to finish the competition in 6th place – their best ever performance with 28 points (from 5 wins and 5 losses.)

Match result: Sunrisers 295/5 beat The Blaze 265/10 by 30 runs (with 11 balls remaining)

‘Sunrisers’’ batting: 295/5 (from 50/50 overs @5.9 runs-per-over) Grace Scrivens 107(136) & Ariana Dowse 105(110), Amara Carr 20(18), Flo Miller18(13), Jo Gardner 16(20), Mady Villiers 10(7); ‘Blaze’s’ bowling: Teresa Graves (2/25), Grace Ballinger (1/47), Lucy Higham (1/54), Kathryn Bryce (1/69); Fow 1-200, 2-216, 3-255, 4-256, 5-258.

‘Blaze’s’ batting: 265/10 (from 48.1/50 overs @5.5 r-p-o) Georgie Boyce 104(126), Kathryn Bryce 51(59), Sophie Munro 23(28), Marie Kelly 23(31), Josie Groves 13(11); ‘Sunrisers’’ bowling: Eva Gray 4/31, Grace Scrivens 1/28, Mady Villiers 1/42, Kate Coppack 1/49, Kelly Castle 1/49, Jodi Grewcock 1/57; Fow 1-11, 2-14, 3-62, 4-175, 5-185, 6-205, 7-207, 8-250, 9-259, 10-265.

*Scorecard  courtesy of ECB @URL https://www.ecb.co.uk/rachael-heyhoe-flint-trophy/matches/35826#scorecard

*Video highlights, via NV Play @URL https://www.ecb.co.uk/rachael-heyhoe-flint-trophy/matches/35826#videos

* Match free-to-air highlights courtesy of Sunrisers on ‘YouTube’ Livestream [13m40s/6h57m38s] @URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xN7FIaCfFu0&t=193s

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