The Blaze – 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 The Blaze – 4 The Love Of Sport http://4theloveofsport.co.uk 32 32 Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy Fixtures and Results http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/2024/09/22/53539/ Sun, 22 Sep 2024 09:08:14 +0000 http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/?p=53539 Continue Reading →

]]> Women’s ‘Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy’ Cricket Tournament (for 50 overs) concluded on September 21, 2024

Results are arranged by venue are listed below with links to match reports from each round played:-

*Arundel (Sussex), at the Castle Cricket Ground

*Beckenham (Kent), at The County Ground

*Birmingham (West) at the Edgbaston Stadium

*Birmingham (East) at Moseley Cricket Club

*Blackpool, at Stanley Park

*Brighton & Hove, at The 1st Central County Ground, Hove

*Bristol, at The Seat Unique Stadium

*Cardiff, at Sophia Gardens

*Chelmsford (Essex), at The Cloud County Ground

*Cheltenham (Glos), at The College Ground

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

*Chesterfield, Queens Park

*Derby, at The Incora County Ground

*Kidderminster (venue moved from Worcester, as flooded)

*Leeds, at the Headingley Stadium

*Leicester, at The Uptonsteel County Ground

*Lincoln, at Lindum Sports Club Ground

*Manchester, at Emirates Old Trafford

*Newbury (Berks), at the Falkland CC Ground at Enborne Lodge, Wash Common

*Northampton, at Northampton County Ground, Wantage Road

*Nottingham, at Trent Bridge

*Radlett Cricket Club (Herts) at the Brunton Memorial Ground

*Sale Cricket Club (Lancs), at Rookwood

*Scarborough, North Marine Road Ground 

*Sedburgh (Cumbria), at the School Cricket Ground 

*Southampton, at The Utilita Bowl Stadium

*Southport (Lancs), at Southport & Birkdale Cricket Club 

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

*Worcester, at New Road (see also Kidderminster)

*Wormsley (Bucks), at Sir Paul Getty’s Estate 

*York, at Clifton Park

*Eternal winners Sunrisers (2024); previously, Southern Vipers (2023) & Northern Diamonds (2022)

Footnotes: (i) Trophy named in honour of Baroness Rachael Heyhoe Flint (1939-2017); who ‘paved the way for the progress enjoyed by recent generations of female cricketers’ – ECB, 2017.

(ii)  Lancashire Thunder were renamed mid-season (previously known as North West Thunder until May 19)

(iii) DLS abbreviation stands for ‘Duckworth Lewis Stern’ fair statistical method to calculate target scores for matches affected by adverse weather.

 

]]> Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy – match 53 – Blaze vs Sparks http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/2024/09/13/rachael-heyhoe-flint-trophy-match-53-blaze-vs-sparks/ Fri, 13 Sep 2024 11:27:08 +0000 http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/?p=53382 Continue Reading →

]]> The Blaze vs Central Sparks at Chesterfield (Cricket Club) on 6 September 2024 (10h30)

Both teams were knocked-out of this year’s competition before reaching the semi-finals stage. Abbey Freeborn’s third back-to-back win as stand-in skipper, ended Sparks’ final match on a high. Defeat for Blaze was made worse one day later, when pipped at the post by Sunrisers who’ve qualified for the semi-finals. Blaze started well, with a second-wicket stand of 63 between Michaela Kirk and Kathryn Bryce. Playing only her second game for Sparks, seamer Hannah Hardwick (pictured) reduced Blaze from 92/4 to 92/6; followed by fellow seamer Grace Potts who took a career-best 3-fer (3 wickets conceding 38 runs.) Without a solitary batter scoring ‘fifty,’ Blaze were rescued by two key partnerships: firstly between skipper Gordon and Ella Claridge; and secondly between Josie Groves and Grace Ballinger. Sparks’ reply suffered two-wickets disadvantage when comparing power-play scores. Sparks recovering favourably, gaining two-wickets advantage by mid-way. Without score-board pressure, Katie George top-scored with back-to-back ‘fours’: not only to chalk-up her undefeated ‘fifty;’ but also winning Sparks the match. Weather: grey cloud cover, cool 14-16C

*Blaze’s innings: skipper Kirstie Gordon & Lucy Higham (both England A); Josie Groves (England u19s) *With Kathryn Bryce & Sarah Bryce (Scotland) *With International player Michaela Kirk (Republic of South Africa) *Without Orla Prendergast (Rep. of Ireland); [*Abbey Freeborn keeping wicket for Sparks]; *After 10 overs Power-play 49/0; *Sarah Bryce was caught by Davina Perrin from Grace Potts; *After 10 overs 49/1; *Kathryn Bryce was bowled by Charis Pavely; *Marie Kelly went for a third-ball duck, played-on from Emily ‘Em’ Arlott; *Top-scorer Michaela Kirk went ‘leg-before’ to Grace Potts; *Teresa Graves played a stylish shot but was bowled by seamer Hannah Hardwick, who chalked-up her maiden wicket with an in-swinger, to top of ‘middle-and-leg’; *Next ball, Lucy Higham was bowled for a golden duck, placing Hannah Hardwick on a ‘hat-trick;’ *Drinks taken after 25 overs (mid-way) 103/6; *Ella Claridge was bowled by Ria Fackrell; *Kirstie Gordon played-on, from Emily ‘Em’ Arlott; *Josie Groves went aerial, caught at ‘mid-off’ by Ami Campbell from Charis Pavely; *Cassidy McCarthy was caught by Charis Pavely from Grace Potts; *Blaze’s batting: Michaela Kirk 36(55), Kathryn Bryce 33(36), Kirstie Gordon 22(56), Ella Claridge 19(37), Grace Ballinger 13*not out(26); *Sparks’ bowling: Grace Potts 3/38, Hannah Hardwick 2/20, Charis Pavely 2/27, Emily ‘Em’ Arlott 2/28, Ria Fackrell 1/24;

*Sparks’ innings: skipper Abbey Freeborn with Charis Pavely & Davina Perrin (England u19s); *Without Amy Jones (England) Hannah Baker or Georgia Davis; Also without resident skipper Eve Jones, loaned to Thunder [*Sarah Bryce keeping wicket for Blaze];*Ami Campbell was caught by Michaela Kirk, from by Lucy Higham; *Davina Perrin played-on from an ‘inside-edge’, bowled by Grace Ballinger; *Five balls later Meg Austin went ‘leg-before’ to Kirstie Gordon; *After 10 overs Power-play 45/3 (vs49/1); *Abbey Freeborn was bowled by Kathryn Bryce; *After 25 overs on 111/4 (vs103/6); *Chloe Brewer went ‘leg-before’ to Kirstie Gordon; *Partnered by Charis Pavely, Katie George top-scored with an unbeaten ‘fifty;’ *Sparks’ batting: Katie George 57*not out(90), Ami Campbell 23(19), Chloe Brewer 22(33), Abbey Freeborn 14(28); Charis Pavely 13*not out(46); *Blaze’s bowling: Kirstie Gordon  2/24, Grace Ballinger 1/20, Lucy Higham 1/22, Kathryn Bryce 1/34;

*Match result:  Central Sparks 170/5 (@4.1 runs-per-over target 167 from 41.2/50 ov) beat The Blaze’s 166/10 (@3.5 r-p-o from 46.5/50 overs) by five wickets with 52 balls remaining

*Scorecard and video highlights when available courtesy of ECB (via NV Play) @url https://www.ecb.co.uk/rachael-heyhoe-flint-trophy/match-centre/106643#scorecard

*Full match free-to-air courtesy of The Blaze (NV Play) without sound via YouTube <05h01m03s> @url https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddPwVeCtr6g

*Updated fixtures and results @url http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/2024/08/23/updated-rachael-heyhoe-flint-trophy-fixtures-and-results-2/

 

]]> Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy – match 52 –  Thunder vs  Blaze http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/2024/09/05/rachael-heyhoe-flint-trophy-match-52-thunder-vs-blaze/ Thu, 05 Sep 2024 09:53:26 +0000 http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/?p=53284 Continue Reading →

]]> Lancashire Thunder vs The Blaze at Sale Cricket Club (Rookwood, Lancs) on 4 September 2024 (10h30)

Blaze remained in a ‘dominant position’ delivering a team-effort throughout the match, despite both best batter (Tara Norris) and best bowler (Fi Morris) coming from the losing-side. When Blaze batted, commentators lauded bowler Fi Morris (pictured) for a ‘fantastic display’ bagging a 6-fer (taking 6 wickets, conceding 35 runs); said to boost her total number of wickets taken in this year’s contest to 16. When Thunder batted, top-scorer Tara Norris was the only batter to score ‘fifty.’ Commentators recognised a ’turning point’ in Thunder’s fortunes when Tara Norris played her cameo partnered firstly by Grace Johnson then by Hannah Jones to stage an ‘extraordinary’ last wicket stand; inevitably handing victory to Blaze. Thunder are knocked-out, with one ‘dead rubber’ match remaining. Blaze leapfrog Sunrisers into a semi-final qualifying fourth-place. Commentator was Polly Starkie (‘HerGameToo’ regional cricket champion & social media co-host ‘Noughtie Child Podcast’) with co-commentator Faith Lawrence (for Lancs TV.) Weather: grey cloud cover, cool 16-18C.

*Blaze’s innings *Skipper Kirstie Gordon (England A) & Lucy Higham (England A); Josie Groves (England u19s) *With Kathryn Bryce, Sarah Bryce (Scotland) *With International players Orla Prendergast (Rep. of Ireland) & Michaela Kirk (Republic of South Africa) *Without Tammy Beaumont or Sarah Glenn (England), without Georgie Boyce or Teresa Graves; [*Ellie Threlkeld keeping wicket for Thunder]; *After 10 overs Power-play 49/0; *Cursed by commentators looking for a ‘crucial breakthrough’ of the opening partnership, Sarah Bryce went aerial, was caught by Phoebe Graham at ‘long-off’ from Darcey Carter; *Michaela Kirk was bowled ‘top-of-middle’ by Hannah Jones ‘who had a knack for taking wickets;’ *Marie Kelly was caught by keeper Ellie Threlkeld from Phoebe Graham (gaffed a moment earlier as Grace Johnson); *Drinks taken after 25 overs (mid-way) 105/3;*Kathryn Bryce was caught at ‘point’ by Tara Norris from Fi Morris; *’Looking to accelerate the strike-rate’, Orla Prendergast went ‘leg-before’ to Fi Morris, ‘in-line with middle stump;’ *Lucy Higham went ‘leg-before’ to Fi Morris, ‘having big impact;’ *Kirstie Gordon was caught at ‘extra cover’ by Eve Jones from Hannah Jones; *Ella Claridge was bowled with ‘flying bails,’ from Fi Morris; *Grace Ballinger went ‘leg-before’ to Fi Morris;

*Finally, following a ‘text-book’ four, Cassidy McCarthy was caught aerial, deep of ‘mid-wicket’ by Dani Collins from Fi Morris; *Blaze’s batting: Sarah Bryce 34(37), Kathryn Bryce 31(46), Orla Prendergast 29(34), Michaela Kirk 29(58), Ella Claridge 19(27), Josie Groves 10*not out (22); *Thunder’s bowling: Fi Morris 6/35, Hannah Jones 2/20, Phoebe Graham 1/39, Darcey Carter 1/48;

*Thunder’s innings: skipper Ellie Threlkeld; with Eve Jones (Sparks loan until end-of-season); Alice Clarke (u19s); debutante Darcey Carter (Scotland); Also Tara Norris (former US); *Without Sophie Ecclestone & Emma Lamb (England); [*Sarah Bryce keeping wicket for Blaze] *Left-hander Eve Jones ‘lofted’ to cover, caught by Kirstie Gordon’s ‘outstanding’ catch – candidate for ‘catch-of-the-tournament’, for a ninth-ball duck, from Grace Ballinger coming around the wicket; *An ‘avoidable’ dismissal when Alice Clarke was caught at ‘cover’ by Kathryn Bryce from Grace Ballinger; *After 10 overs Power-play 24/2 (vs49/0); *Next ball, Fi Morris was bowled by Grace Ballinger with bails sent flying; *’Quite a blow’ when ‘very good batter’ Dani Collins was bowled by ‘in-form Ballinger’ for a golden duck; *Seren Smale who was seen ‘limping’ after being struck was next ball, caught aerial at ‘extra cover’ by Michaela Kirk, from Orla Prendergast; *Ellie Threlkeld was caught by Lucy Higham, from Orla Prendergast; *Drinks taken on 79/6 (vs 105/3) by mid-way (25 overs); *With ‘quality bowling,’ Darcey Carter was bowled by Cassidy McCarthy; *31st over, Grace Johnson was caught aerial at ‘mid-on’ by Michaela Kirk from Josie Groves; *’Good disciplined spell’ rewarded when Phoebe Graham went ‘leg-before’ to Josie Groves; *’Extraordinary last-wicket stand’ ended when Hannah Jones was caught at ‘mid-off’ by Marie Kelly, from Kathryn Bryce;  *Thunder’s batting: Tara Norris 53*not out(56), Grace Johnson 27(47), Hannah Jones 17(41), Seren Smale 13(30), Darcey Carter 11(21), Fi Morris 10(14), Ellie Threlkeld 10(26); Blaze’s bowling:Grace Ballinger 4/23, Orla Prendergast 2/15, Josie Groves 2/27, Cassidy McCarthy 1/17, Kathryn Bryce 1/27;

*Match result: The Blaze 197/10 (@4.1 runs-per-over from 47/50 overs) beat Lancashire Thunder 173/10 (@3.7 r-p-o target 198 from 38/50 ov) by 24 runs

*Scorecard and video highlights when available courtesy of ECB (via NV Play) @url https://www.ecb.co.uk/rachael-heyhoe-flint-trophy/match-centre/104469#scorecard *AppleMac users may need to scroll down on left margin to select a match

*Full match free-to-air courtesy of Lancs TV (NV Play) via YouTube <06h47m29s> @url https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MAffA_FUZaU

*Updated fixtures and results @url http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/2024/08/23/updated-rachael-heyhoe-flint-trophy-fixtures-and-results-2/

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]]> Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy – match 47 – The Blaze vs Sunrisers http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/2024/09/01/rachael-heyhoe-flint-trophy-match-47-the-blaze-vs-sunrisers/ Sun, 01 Sep 2024 10:51:07 +0000 http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/?p=53229 Continue Reading →

]]> The Blaze vs Sunrisers at Derby (The Incora County Ground) on 31 August 2024 (10h30) 

Blaze seem certain to qualify for the semi-finals, after beating Sunrisers convincingly by six wickets, with six overs to spare. Sunrisers main partnership between top-scorer Cordelia Griffith [65 runs (from 73 balls] and Jodi Grewcock added 89 by mid-way; toward what seemed like a defendable score around 250. Scots skipper Kathryn Bryce (pictured) took a 4-fer (4 wickets, conceding 41 runs.) Comparable opening partnership between Tammy Beaumont who made ‘fifty’ 59(71) and Sarah Bryce set the tone for Blaze’s run-chase. Finally, ’not for the first time’ – (as the commentator put it) top-scorer Kathryn Bryce 87*not out (95) hit the winning ‘four.’ Commentator was Polly Starkie (‘HerGameToo’ regional cricket champion & social media co-host ‘Noughtie Child Podcast’); with guest player Beth Harmer (Blaze.) Weather: cloud-cover, cool with light breeze 15-18C.

Sunrisers Innings *Skipper Grace Scrivens (England ‘A’) Jodi Grewcock (England u-19s), Mady Villiers (ex England) & Abtaha Maqsood (Scotland); [*Sarah Bryce keeping wicket for ‘Blaze’] *During the 10th over, Grace Scrivens ‘looked to go leg-side’ but was caught-and-bowled by Kathryn Bryce; *After 10 overs Power-play, 45/1; *Jo Gardner lost her leg-stump bail, bowled by Kirstie Gordon; *Drinks taken at mid-way (25 overs): Sunrisers were 132/2; *Next over, breakthrough came having partnered Cordelia Griffith adding 89 runs, left-handed Jodi Grewcock went ‘leg-before’ reviewed as ‘in line’ to Josie Groves; *Mady Villiers went aerial, caught at ‘mid-on’ by Marie Kelly, from Josie Groves; *Failing to ground her bat, Alice ‘Lissy’ MacLeod was ‘run-out’ by Cassidy McCarthy’s throw to keeper Sarah Bryce at the striker’s end; *Missing a ‘sweep,’ top-scorer Cordelia Griffith went ‘leg-before’ to Kirstie Gordon; *Florence ‘Flo’ Miller was bowled ‘top-of-middle’ with bails flying, by Grace Ballinger; *Next over Eva Gray was caught at ‘long-on’ by Marie Kelly from Kathryn Bryce; *Two wickets fell during Kathryn Bryce’s ‘death’ over: chalking-up her 4-fer; *Firstly, Kate Coppack was caught at ‘long-on’ by Marie Kelly from a ‘risky shot’; *Finally, after hitting an entertaining ‘four,’ Amara Carr went ‘very aerial,’ well caught by Ella Claridge; *Sunrisers’ batting: Cordelia Griffith 65(73), Jodi Grewcock 36(47), Grace Scrivens 21(34); *Blaze’ bowling: Kathryn Bryce 4/41, Kirstie Gordon 2/45, Josie Groves 2/30, Grace Ballinger 1/47;

*Blaze’s innings *Skipper Kirstie Gordon (England A) & Lucy Higham (England A); *Tammy Beaumont (England), *Josie Groves (England u19s) *With Kathryn Bryce, Sarah Bryce (Scotland) *With  Orla Prendergast (Rep. of Ireland) *Without Sarah Glenn (England) or Michaela Kirk (Republic of South Africa); [*Amara Carr keeping wicket for Sunrisers]; *After 10 overs Power-play 49/0 (vs 45/1); *’Crucial wicket’ when Sarah Bryce went ‘leg-before’ to Mady Villiers; *After 25 overs (mid-way) 146/1 (vs 132/2);*Tammy Beaumont went ‘leg-before’ to seamer Eva Gray, who made ‘huge impact’ replacing spinners both ends; *Marie Kelly also went ‘leg-before’ to Eva Gray; *Orla Prendergast was caught on the ‘mid-wicket’ boundary by ‘Flo’ Miller from Mady Villiers; *As mentioned above, top-scorer Kathryn Bryce hit the winning ‘four;’ *Blaze’s batting: Kathryn Bryce 87*not out(95), Tammy Beaumont 59(71), Sarah Bryce 41(45), Ella Claridge 33*not out(27); *Sunrisers’ bowling: Eva Gray 2/29, Mady Villiers 2/55;

*Match result: The Blaze 249/4 (@5.7 runs-per-over; target 246 from 49.4/50 overs) beat Sunrisers 245/10 (@4.9 runs-per-over from 50/50 overs) by 6 wickets with 39 balls remaining

*Scorecard and video highlights when available courtesy of ECB (via NV Play) @url https://www.ecb.co.uk/rachael-heyhoe-flint-trophy/match-centre/104464#scorecard *AppleMac users may need to scroll down on left margin to select a match

*Full match free-to-air courtesy of The Blaze (NV Play) via YouTube <06h25m18s> @url https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6fnoa9UXUd0&t=5s*

*Updated fixtures and results @url http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/2024/08/23/updated-rachael-heyhoe-flint-trophy-fixtures-and-results-2/

 

]]> Updated Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy Fixtures and Results http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/2024/08/23/updated-rachael-heyhoe-flint-trophy-fixtures-and-results-2/ Fri, 23 Aug 2024 12:49:06 +0000 http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/?p=53156 Continue Reading →

]]> Women’s ‘Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy’ Cricket Tournament (for 50 overs) concludes on September 21, 2024

Remaining fixtures from August 26 are underlined below, arranged by venue; listed together with results and links to match reports from previous rounds played:-

*Arundel (Sussex), at the Castle Cricket Ground

  • Bank Holiday Monday, August 26@10h30: Southern Vipers vs The Blaze – (match 42)

*Beckenham (Kent), at The County Ground

*Birmingham (South West) at the Edgbaston Stadium

*Birmingham (South West) at Moseley Cricket Club

  • Wednesday, September 4@10h30: Central Sparks vs South East Stars – (match 51)

*Blackpool, at Stanley Park

*Brighton & Hove, at The 1st Central County Ground, Hove

*Bristol, at The Seat Unique Stadium

*Cardiff, at Sophia Gardens

*Chelmsford (Essex), at The Cloud County Ground

*Cheltenham (Glos), at The College Ground

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

*Chesterfield, Queens Park

*Derby, at The Incora County Ground

  • Saturday, August 31@10h30: The Blaze vs Sunrisers – (match 47)

*Kidderminster (venue moved from Worcester, as flooded)

*Leeds, at the Headingley Stadium

*Leicester, at The Uptonsteel County Ground

*Lincoln, at Lindum Sports Club Ground

*Manchester, at Emirates Old Trafford

*Newbury (Berks), at the Falkland CC Ground at Enborne Lodge, Wash Common

*Northampton, at Northampton County Ground, Wantage Road

*Nottingham, at Trent Bridge

*Radlett Cricket Club (Herts) at the Brunton Memorial Ground

*Sale Cricket Club (Lancs), at Rookwood

  • Wednesday, September 4@10h30: Lancashire Thunder vs The Blaze – (match 52);

*Scarborough, North Marine Road Ground 

*Sedburgh (Cumbria), at the School Cricket Ground 

*Southampton, at The Ageas Bowl Stadium

*Southport (Lancs), at Southport & Birkdale Cricket Club 

  • Sunday, September 1 @10h30: Lancashire Thunder vs Northern Diamonds – (match 48)

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

*Worcester, at New Road (see also Kidderminster)

*Wormsley (Bucks), at Sir Paul Getty’s Estate 

*York, at Clifton Park

Other venue(s) to be decided nearer the time:

  • Saturday, September 14@10h30: Semi-final 1 – (match 57)
  • Saturday, September 14@10h30: Semi-final 2 – (match 58)

Latest match information and times @URL: https://www.ecb.co.uk/rachael-heyhoe-flint-trophy/fixtures

Footnotes: (i) Trophy named in honour of Baroness Rachael Heyhoe Flint (1939-2017); who ‘paved the way for the progress enjoyed by recent generations of female cricketers’ – ECB, 2017.

(ii)  Lancashire Thunder were renamed mid-season (previously known as North West Thunder until May 19)

(iii) Southern Vipers are defending champions (2023); previously, Northern Diamonds (2022)

(iv) DLS abbreviation stands for ‘Duckworth Lewis Stern’ fair statistical method to calculate target scores for matches affected by adverse weather

 

]]> Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy 2024 – match 40 http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/2024/07/14/rachael-heyhoe-flint-trophy-2024-match-40/ Sun, 14 Jul 2024 22:29:21 +0000 http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/?p=52566 Continue Reading →

]]> The Blaze vs Northern Diamonds at Lindum Sports Club Ground, Lincoln on 14 July 2024 

Following adverse weather, the match was reduced to 30 overs. Rain stopped play and umpires had no appetite to continue.

Diamonds 188/8 (26/30 overs): skipper Hollie Armitage  & Bess Heath (England, England ‘A’) Beth Langston (ECB Development Squad & England ‘A’) *Also with Sterre Kalis (NL), Erin Burns (Australia big bash) & Lauren Winfield-Hill (Aus big bash) *Without Katherine Fraser & Rachel Slater (Scotland); [*Sarah Bryce keeping wicket for Blaze]; *Lauren Winfield-Hill was ‘run-out’ by Marie Kelly’s direct hit at the non-striker’s end, from Kathryn Bryce;*Emma Marlow was bowled ’top-of-off-stump’ with flying bails, from Cassidy McCarthy; *Sterre Kalis went for a carbon-copy dismissal, bowled ’top-of-off-stump’ by  Cassidy McCarthy; *Hollie Armitage went aerial, caught at ‘square’ by Tammy Beaumont from Heather Graham; *Missing a sweep, Erin Burns was bowled ‘top-of-middle’ by Lucy Higham; *Top-scorer Bess Heath (pictured) who was the only batter to score ‘fifty’ was caught deep of ‘mid-off’ by Marie Kelly, from Grace Ballinger; *Phoebe Turner was bowled ‘middle-and-off’ by Grace Ballinger; *Abi Glen was caught ‘in the deep’ by Marie Kelly from Grace Ballinger; *Beth Langston was ’not out;’ *Diamonds’ batting: Bess Heath 61(45), Erin Burns 26(26), Emma Marlow 23(20), Beth Langston 20*not out (19), Lauren Winfield-Hill 10(14); *Blaze’s bowling: Grace Ballinger 3/43, Cassidy McCarthy 2/42, Heather Graham 1/24, Lucy Higham 1/26;

*No result: Northern Diamonds 188/8 (@7.2 runs-per-over from 26/30 overs;) The Blaze did not bat; Points shared: 2 points each.

*Scorecard courtesy of ECB @url https://www.ecb.co.uk/rachael-heyhoe-flint-trophy/match-centre/104457#scorecard AppleMac users may need to scroll down on left margin to select a match

*Video highlights (37) courtesy of The Blaze & powered by NV Play @url https://live.nvplay.com/ecb/?tab=m_videos#cff4ce921-ba67-43e4-8045-f15cb3ac842c_m0c5e896c-0114-45aa-9ab2-018f501a2fd9

*Updated fixtures and results @url http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/2024/05/12/updated-rachael-heyhoe-flint-trophy-fixtures-and-results/

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]]> Updated Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy fixtures and results http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/2024/07/14/updated-rachael-heyhoe-flint-trophy-fixtures-and-results-2-2/ Sun, 14 Jul 2024 22:23:28 +0000 http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/?p=52564 Continue Reading →

]]> Women’s ‘Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy’ Cricket Tournament (for 50 overs) concludes on September 21, 2024

Remaining fixtures from August 26 are listed below, arranged by venue. Results included from first ten rounds played up to July 14:-

*Arundel (Sussex), at the Castle Cricket Ground

  • Bank Holiday Monday, August 26@10h30: Southern Vipers vs The Blaze – (match 42);

*Beckenham (Kent), at The County Ground

  • April 20 match result: South East Stars 274/6 beat Southern Vipers 273/9 by four wickets;
  • April 27 match result: South East Stars 268 beat Central Sparks 119/6 by 71 runs – DLS method;
  • May 8 match result: Northern Diamonds 311/9 beat South East Stars 308/9 by 3 runs;
  • June 30 match result: The Blaze 318/8 beat South East Stars 185/10 by 133 runs – DLS method;
  • July 14 match result: South East Stars 258/10 beat Sunrisers 214/10 by 44 runs;
  • Bank Holiday Monday, August 26@10h30: South East Stars vs Lancashire Thunder – (match 43);
  • Saturday, August 31@10h30: South East Stars vs Western Storm – (match 46);

*Birmingham (West) at the Edgbaston Stadium

  • April 20 match result: Central Sparks 213/9 beat The Blaze 135 by 78 runs;
  • May 4 match result: Northern Diamonds 216 beat Central Sparks 215 by one run;

*Blackpool, at Stanley Park

  • July 7 match result: South East Stars 283/10 beat Lancashire Thunder 201/10 by 82 runs;

*Brighton & Hove, at The 1st Central County Ground, Hove

  • June 30 match result: Southern Vipers 157/3 beat Western Storm 156/10 by seven wickets;

*Bristol, at The Seat Unique Stadium

  • May 4 match result: Southern Vipers 295/5 beat Western Storm 291/9 by 4 runs;

*Cardiff, at Sophia Gardens

  • April 20 match result: Sunrisers 116/2  beat Western Storm 114 by eight wickets;

*Chelmsford (Essex), at The Cloud County Ground

  • April 27 match result: Sunrisers 88 beat The Blaze 87 by seven wickets;
  • June 30 match result: Sunrisers 253/10 beat Lancashire Thunder 224/10 by 30 runs – DLS method;
  • Bank Holiday Monday, August 26@10h30: Sunrisers vs Northern Diamonds – (match 41);

*Cheltenham (Glos), at The College Ground

  • July 7 match result: Northern Diamonds  199/4 beat Western Storm 200/5 by six wickets – DLS method;
  • July 10 match result: The Blaze 220/5 beat Western Storm 217/10 by five wickets;

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

  • April 20 match result: Northern Diamonds 166/1 beat Lancashire Thunder 165 by nine wickets;
  • Saturday, September 7@10h30: Northern Diamonds vs South East Stars – (match 53);

*Chesterfield, Queens Park

  • July 5 match result: Southern Vipers 281/6 beat The Blaze 278/10 by four wickets;

*Derby, at The Incora County Ground

  • Saturday, August 31@10h30: The Blaze vs Sunrisers – (match 47);

*Kidderminster (moved from Worcester, as flooded)

  • May 1 match result: Sunrisers 214/5 beat Central Sparks 213 by five wickets;

*Leeds, at the Headingley Stadium

  • April 24 match result: Northern Diamonds 275/9 beat Western Storm 265 by 10 runs;
  • Wednesday, September 4@10h30: Central Sparks vs South East Stars – (match 51);

*Leicester, at The Uptonsteel County Ground

  • April 24 match result: South East Stars 127/2 beat The Blaze 126 by eight wickets;
  • Saturday, September 21@10h30: Final between winners of Semi Finals 1&2 – (match 59);

*Lincoln, at Lindum Sports Club Ground

  • July 14 no result. Northern Diamonds 188/8. The Blaze 2 points vs Northern Diamonds 2pts

*Manchester, at Emirates Old Trafford

  • April 24 match result: Lancashire Thunder 292/5 beat Sunrisers 150 by 142 runs;
  • April 27 match result: Western Storm 252/6 beat Lancashire Thunder 186 by 66 runs;
  • May 8 match result: Central Sparks 287/7 beat Lancashire Thunder 284/7 by three wickets;

*Newbury (Berks), at the Falkland CC Ground at Enborne Lodge, Wash Common

  • July 10 match result: Southern Vipers 121/3 beat South East Stars 120/10 by seven wickets;

*Northampton, at Northampton County Ground, Wantage Road

  • May 4 match result: South East Stars 223/5 beat Sunrisers 222/9 by five wickets;

*Nottingham, at Trent Bridge

  • May 6 match result: Lancashire Thunder 176/9 beat The Blaze 17 by one wicket;
  • May 8 match result: The Blaze 276/6 beat Western Storm 275 by four wickets;

*Radlett Cricket Club (Herts) at the Brunton Memorial Ground

  • May 8 match result: Sunrisers 212/7 beat Southern Vipers 211/9 by three wickets;
  • July 7 no result on account of rain. Central Sparks 2 points, Sunrisers 2pts;
  • Wednesday, September 4@10h30: Sunrisers vs Western Storm – (match 50);

*Sale Cricket Club (Lancs), at Rookwood

  • Wednesday, September 4@10h30: Lancashire Thunder vs The Blaze – (match 52);

*Scarborough, North Marine Road Ground 

  • May 1 match result: The Blaze 189/8 beat Northern Diamonds 188 by two wickets;
  • June 30 match result: Northern Diamonds 242/6 beat Central Sparks 239/8 by four wickets;

*Sedburgh (Cumbria), at the School Cricket Ground 

  • July 14 no result Lancashire Thunder 2 points, Southern Vipers 2pts

*Southampton, at The Ageas Bowl Stadium

  • April 27 match result: Southern Vipers 287/9 beat Northern Diamonds 162/7 by 70 runs – DLS method;
  • Saturday, September 7@10h30: Southern Vipers vs Sunrisers (match 55);

*Southport (Lancs), at the Trafalgar Road Ground 

  • Sunday, September 1 @10h30: Lancashire Thunder vs Northern Diamonds – (match 48);

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

  • May 1 match result: Western Storm 236/5 beat South East Stars 298/5 by 3 runs – DLS method;
  • Bank Holiday Monday, August 26@10h30: Western Storm vs Central Sparks – (match 44);
  • Saturday, September 7@10h30: Western Storm vs Lancashire Thunder (match 54);

*Worcester, at New Road

  • July 10 match result: Lancashire Thunder 147/2 beat Central Sparks 144/10 by eight wickets;
  • July 12 match result: Western Storm 284/10 beat Central Sparks 102/10 by 182 runs;
  • Friday, August 30@10h30: Central Sparks vs Southern Vipers  – (match 45);

*Wormsley (Bucks), at Sir Paul Getty’s Estate 

  • April 24 match result: Southern Vipers 173/3 beat Central Sparks 172/9 by seven wickets;
  • May 1 match result: Southern Vipers 208/7 beat Lancashire Thunder 206/9 by three wickets ;

*York, at Clifton Park

  • July 10 match result: Northern Diamonds 111/6 beat Sunrisers 109/10 by four wickets;
  • Venue(s) to be decided nearer the time:
  • Wednesday, September 4@10h30: Central Sparks vs South East Stars;
  • Saturday, September 7@10h30: The Blaze vs Central Sparks – (match 56);
  • Saturday, September 14@10h30: Semi-final 1 (match 57);
  • Saturday, September 14@10h30: Semi-final 2 (match 58);

Latest match information and times @URL: https://www.ecb.co.uk/rachael-heyhoe-flint-trophy/fixtures

*Southern Vipers are defending champions (2023); previously, Northern Diamonds (2022).

Footnotes: (i) Trophy named in honour of Baroness Rachael Heyhoe Flint (1939-2017); who ‘paved the way for the progress enjoyed by recent generations of female cricketers’ – ECB, 2017.

(ii)  Lancashire Thunder (previously known as North West Thunder) were renamed mid-season (19 May)

(iii) DLS abbreviation stands for ‘Duckworth Lewis Stern’ fair method to calculate target scores for matches affected by adverse weather.

 

]]> Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy 2024 – match 36 http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/2024/07/11/rachael-heyhoe-flint-trophy-2024-match-36/ Thu, 11 Jul 2024 18:49:17 +0000 http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/?p=52532 Continue Reading →

]]> Western Storm vs The Blaze at Cheltenham, Glos (The College Ground) on 10 July 2024 at 09h30

Cheltenham Festival cricket commentators described an ‘intriguing game’ in which match advantage alternated between each team, from the moment that Storm skipper Sophie Luff was ‘run-out’ by Blaze’s Kathryn Bryce’s quick thinking. Once top-scorer Fran Wilson departed, Storm lost their last eight wickets for 82 runs, with all  six Blaze bowlers taking at least one wicket each. Star bowler was Scotland’s Kathryn Bryce who took a 4-fer. Commentators later expressed their disappointment that spinner Lucy Higham didn’t bowl. Recovering from 115/5, bowler-turned-batter Lucy Higham (pictured) [62*not out (from 71 balls)] partnered by Ella Claridge [43*not out (76)] staged an astonishing century partnership for Blaze’s sixth wicket, during which Lucy Higham hit seven ‘fours’ and was lauded for ‘expanding her repertoire of shots.’ That took Blaze towards a victory ‘that was by no means straightforward.’ Post-match, Lucy Higham reflected on her match-winning stand – please see below. Separately, home team commentators added that ‘The Blaze’ will next season become ‘The Nottinghamshire Blaze,’ the team already in search of their second trophy since winning this year’s Charlotte Edwards Cup at their second attempt. Storm meanwhile have suffered five back-to-back losses, and needed to ‘start winning very soon’ to avoid collecting their inaugural wooden spoon. Commentators were Charlie Taylor (BBC radio Bristol), Kath Wilkins (Coach and former player Somerset Women) and Ed ‘cricket’ Seabourne (BBC radio Glos. & Bristol.) Weather: ‘decent weather conditions’ with low cloud cover, 15C.

*Storms’ Innings *skipper Sophie Luff, with Issy Wong (England ‘A’), Niamh Holland and Sophia Smale (England u19s), *With Amanda-Jade Wellington (Australia big bash), *Without Lauren Filer, Danielle Gibson or Heather Knight on England call-up; *[Sarah Bryce keeping wicket for Blaze]; *After 10 overs Power-play 28/0; *Missing a ‘square-cut,’ Emma Corney was bowled by Kirstie Gordon; *Lobbing a returned dolly, Sophia Smale was caught-and-bowled by Josie Groves; *By mid-way (25ov) 112/2; *Hesitating whether to take a second run, Sophie Luff was ‘run-out’ by Kathryn Bryce’s return throw from ‘backward-point’ to keeper, from Kirstie Gordon’s bowling to Fran Wilson; *Nat Wraith was caught-and-bowled by Cassidy McCarthy rolling away to the off-side; *Fran Wilson was caught at ‘cow corner’ by Marie Kelly from Heather Graham; *Amanda-Jade Wellington lost her ‘off-stump’ to Grace Ballinger for a golden duck; *Alex Griffiths was bowled beneath her bat by Kathryn Bryce; *Finally, three wickets fell during Kathryn Bryce’s 47th over: *Firstly, Issy Wong was caught ‘in-the-covers’ by Cassidy McCarthy; *Secondly, Niamh Holland was caught at ‘square’ by Tammy Beaumont; *Thirdly Ellie Anderson was bowled ‘top-of-middle’ with bails sent flying, for a 2nd ball duck; *Storms’ batting: Fran Wilson 67(68), Sophia Smale 32(49), Sophie Luff 31(41), Niamh Holland 25(35), Emma Corney 23(47), Nat Wraith 20(21); * Blaze’s bowling: Kathryn Bryce 4/20, Josie Groves 1/28, Cassidy McCarthy 1/32, Kirstie Gordon 1/45, Heather Graham 1/45, Grace Ballinger 1/46;

*Blaze’s Innings skipper Kirstie Gordon (England A) *Tammy Beaumont (England), *Lucy Higham (England A); *Josie Groves (England u19s) *With Kathryn Bryce & Sarah Bryce (Scotland) *With Heather Graham (Australia big bash), *Also with Cassidy McCarthy & Ella Claridge *Without Teresa Graves or Sarah Glenn (England call-up), *Also without Nadine deKlerk, Michaela Kirk (Rep. South Africa) or Georgie Boyce (injured); *[Nat Wraith keeping wicket for Storm ]; *Offering a ‘full-bat-face,’ Tammy Beaumont was bowled beneath her bat, by Issy Wong; *Kathryn Bryce was bowled ‘top-of-middle’ with bails sent flying by Alex Griffiths; *After 10ov power-play 75/2 (vs 28/0) *Marie Kelly lost her ‘off-stump-bail’ to Alex Griffiths; *Heather Graham went aerial, caught at ‘deep-mid-on’ by Sophia Smale, from Chloe Skelton; *Sarah Bryce was bowled ‘top-of-middle’ with bails sent flying by Chloe Skelton; *Drinks taken at mid-way (25ov) 138/5 (vs. 122/2) *Century 6th wicket partnership between Lucy Higham’s [62*not out (71)] and  Ella Claridge [43*not out (76)] took Blaze across-the-line. *Blaze’s batting Lucy Higham 62*not out (71)  Sarah Bryce 61(54), Ella Claridge 43*not out (76), Marie Kelly14(15), Heather Graham 11(18), Kathryn Bryce 10(13); *Storm’s bowling: Alex Griffiths 2/33, Chloe Skelton 1/37, Issy Wong 1/33;

*Match result: The Blaze 220/5 (42.3/50 overs @5.1 runs-per-over, target 218 from 50/50 overs) beat Western Storm 217/10 (46.5/50 overs @4.6 rpo) by five wickets with 45 balls remaining

*Scorecard courtesy of ECB @url https://www.ecb.co.uk/rachael-heyhoe-flint-trophy/match-centre/104453#scorecard AppleMac users may need to scroll down on left margin to select a match

*Video highlights (67) courtesy of Glos Cricket & powered by NV Play @url https://live.nvplay.com/ecb/?tab=m_videos#cff4ce921-ba67-43e4-8045-f15cb3ac842c_m9006c052-319a-49c2-bc29-263789b4813d

*Full match free-to-air courtesy of Glos Cricket (via NV Play) on YouTube<06h36m10s> @url https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8j8VjO9Nco

*Lucy Higham Reflects On Match-Winning Stand With Claridge interview, free-to-air courtesy of The Blaze @url https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9mGeXx4ZRY

*Updated fixtures and results @url http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/2024/05/12/updated-rachael-heyhoe-flint-trophy-fixtures-and-results/

 

]]> Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy 2024 – match 29 –  Blaze vs Vipers http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/2024/07/06/rachael-heyhoe-flint-trophy-2024-match-29-blaze-vs-vipers/ Sat, 06 Jul 2024 10:06:05 +0000 http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/?p=52458 Continue Reading →

]]> The Blaze vs Southern Vipers at Chesterfield (Queens Park) on 5 July 2024 at 10h30

Billed as a top-of-table clash between two of the top three teams, with both contenders depleted by England call-up. Bizarrely, Blaze lost to the defending champions with a superior run-rate, but were bowled-out by Vipers in ‘tricky’ conditions. Seam bowlers were said to ‘find movement,’ but strangely ‘not much turn’ for spinners. Vipers’ Georgia Elwiss (pictured) scored her third ‘ton’ at 50-overs cricket, clocking-up three figures with a ‘huge’ match-winning ’six,’ to close undefeated [on 101*not out (from 110 balls).] Lead commentator Kev James mentioned that Marie Kelly and Emma Lamb had also scored ‘tons’ on the same ground. Separately, James added that as a former cricketer, he’d also scored a ‘ton’ on the same ground, during his very last visit. Georgia Elwiss’ partnership with Abi Norgove (England-u19s) added 136 runs (from 124 balls): that enabled a ‘tight finish’ during the final over. Top-of-table Vipers nudged Blaze into second-place. Post-match, Abi Norgorve spoke to Kev James about chalking-up her highest ever score 64 please see interview below. Commentators sat inside pitch-side tent with Kevan ‘Kev’ James (BBC Sport) with Charlotte Taylor (Vipers) and guest Nigel Mallender, (Chair, Chesterfield CC.) Weather ’surprisingly’ sunny, breezy, mainly with blue sky; 15C.

*Blaze’s innings *Skipper Kirstie Gordon (England A) & Lucy Higham (England A); *Josie Groves (England u19s) *With Kathryn Bryce, Sarah Bryce (Scotland) *With Heather Graham (Australia big bash), *Also with Cassidy McCarthy & Ella Claridge *Without Tammy Beaumont & Sarah Glenn (England call-up) *Without Nadine deKlerk, Michaela Kirk (Rep. South Africa call-up) or Georgie Boyce (injured); [*Rhianna Southby keeping wicket for Vipers]; *Teresa Graves was ‘run-out’  ‘by a good yard,’ at the striker’s-end by a throw from ‘covers’ (from Alice Monaghan gaffed as Charli Knott); *After 10 ov. Power-play 45/1; *Two short of ‘fifty,’ Sarah Bryce was caught ‘reflexively’ (motionless) at ‘backward point’ (non-uk sources reported as ‘dive’ at ‘point’) by Mary Taylor from Ava Lee; *After 25 overs (mid-way) 130/2; Kathryn Bryce was caught at ‘mid-wicket’ by Georgia Adams from Ava Lee; Marie Kelly was bowled ‘middle-and-off’ by Mary Taylor’s ball, said to ‘nip back;’ Missing a ’square-cut,’ Ella Claridge was caught leg-side from a ‘poor ball,’ edged wide to Rhianna Southby from Charli Knott; Playing ‘across-the-line’ Kirstie Gordon went ‘leg-before’ to Charli Knott for a golden duck; Missing ’reverse paddle,’ Lucy Higham was bowled ‘middle-stump’ by Georgia Adams; Missing a ‘square-cut,’ Josie Groves was bowled by Charli Knott; Heather Graham was cursed by commentators for scoring ‘one shot too many’ than the ‘same number of runs’ to the number worn on her back; *Next ball, Heather Graham was caught at ‘long-on’ by Charli Knott from Mary Taylor; *Finally, Cassidy McCarthy went for a ‘carbon copy’ dismissal,  placing Mary Taylor on a ‘hat-trick’ when bowling her first ball, next match; *Blaze’s batting: Heather Graham 78(59), Kathryn Bryce 65(72), Sarah Bryce 48(64), Marie Kelly 33(40), Ella Claridge 13(17); Vipers bowling: Mary Taylor 3/32, Charli Knott 3/63, Ava Lee 2/51, Georgia Adams 1/54;

*Vipers’ Innings skipper Georgia Adams, with Freya Davies & plus Charli Knott (Australia big-bash); *Also with Ava Lee, Alice Monaghan & Abi Norgrove *without Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Charlie Dean & Freya Kemp on England call-up [Sarah Bryce keeping wicket for Blaze]; *’Wrapped on the pad,’ a ‘big loss’ when Charli Knott went ‘leg-before’ to Grace Ballinger’s ball that nipped back; *After 10 ov. Power-play 50/1 (vs 45/1); *Ella McCaughan was bowled by Heather Graham; *Pair of wickets fell when Cassidy McCarthy bowled the 20th over; *Staging two ‘fifty’ partnerships, Georgia Adams was ‘run-out’ by Lucy Higham’s direct hit; 4 balls later, Emily Windsor was caught at ‘backward point’ by Josie Groves; *After 25 overs (mid-way) 137/4 (vs 130/2); *5th wicket partnership between Georgia Elwiss and Abi Norgrove added 136; *Commentator’s curse struck when batters needed to consider ‘playing their shots now!’ *Pair of wickets fell when Abi Norgrove was caught ‘overhead’ at ‘mid-wicket’ by Marie Kelly; 3 balls later Alice Monaghan ‘went for a swipe,’ when bowled by Kathryn Bryce; Vipers’ batting: Georgia Elwiss 101*not out(110), Abi Norgrove 64(75), Georgia Adams 47(53), Ella McCaughan 26(43); Blaze’s Bowling: Kathryn Bryce 2/43, Cassidy McCarthy 1/30, Grace Ballinger 1/33, Kirstie Gordon 1/43, Heather Graham 1/57;

*Match result: Southern Vipers 281/6(@5.6 runs-per-over from 49.2/50 overs) beat The Blaze 278/10 (@5.8 r-p-o from 47.2/50 ov) by four wickets, with four balls remaining.

*Scorecard courtesy of ECB @url https://www.ecb.co.uk/rachael-heyhoe-flint-trophy/match-centre/104446#scorecard/ AppleMac users may need to scroll down on left margin to select a match

*Video highlights (88) courtesy of The Blaze & powered by NV Play @url https://live.nvplay.com/ecb/#v3326b0e6-e45b-4740-912f-851084e385b6

*Full Blaze’s innings free-to-air courtesy of Southern Vipers <03h08m39s>@url https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DO_qytnMysc&t=16s

*Full Vipers’ innings free-to-air courtesy of The Blaze <03h08m40s>@url https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DO_qytnMysc&t=20s

*Post match interview by Kev James with Abi Norgrove: Norgrove on Great Win Over The Blaze <02m29>@url https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AtBnN84v01U

*Updated fixtures and results @url http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/2024/05/12/updated-rachael-heyhoe-flint-trophy-fixtures-and-results/

 

]]> Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy 2024 – match 26 – Stars vs Blaze http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/2024/07/02/rachael-heyhoe-flint-trophy-2024-match-26-stars-vs-blaze/ Tue, 02 Jul 2024 12:42:21 +0000 http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/?p=52408 Continue Reading →

]]> South East Stars vs The Blaze at Beckenham (Kent County Ground) on 30 June 2024 at 09h30 (delayed start)

History was made when Blaze posted their highest all-time total (to date at 50 overs for ‘List A’: 313/9) with ‘fifties’ from A) Ella Claridge(pictured) posting career-best figures [71 runs (from 45 balls)]; B) Sarah Bryce 81(71), & C) Marie Kelly 52(54.) Firstly, Scotland’s Bryce sisters laid ’solid foundation, with 94 runs. Guest Australian Heather Graham’s 28(18) brief partnership with Marie Kelly added 58. Another 87 between Marie Kelly and Ella Claridge’s ensured Stars needed ‘a good batting partnership’ to stay in contention. When Stars replied, commentators mentioned that Stars batters faced a ‘huge task.’ England’s Alice Davidson-Richards made top-score, nursing an earlier fielding injury, but no batter made ‘fifty.’ Heather Graham took Stars’ final two wickets four balls apart, for a match-winning 6-fer (6/39) to win by a ‘comfortable margin.’ Commentators lauded Ella Claridge for a ‘great cameo’ and separately spoke of a similar recent result when Blaze last played Stars, to bag their first Charlotte Edwards Cup (at 20 overs.) Commentators were Jamie Reid (BBC Sport) & Michael ‘Mike’ McCann (Sports journalist.) Weather: mostly dense grey cloud over 15-17C. Six overs were docked-per-side following heavy rain.

*Blaze’s innings *Skipper Kirstie Gordon (England A) & Lucy Higham (England A); *Josie Groves (England u19s) *With Kathryn Bryce, Sarah Bryce (Scotland) *With Heather Graham (Australia big bash), Michaela Kirk (from Rep. South Africa) *Without Tammy Beaumont & Sarah Glenn (England call-up) *Without Nadine deKlerk (RSA call-up) or Georgie Boyce (injured); [*Chloe Hill keeping wicket for Stars];*Beth Miles substitute fielder for Alice Davidson-Richards who later returned to bat – please see below; *Teresa Graves was ‘run out’ from Phoebe Franklin’s 2nd ball; *Kathryn Bryce was bowled by Tilly Corteen-Coleman’s 14th ball; *By mid-way 147/2 (22/44 ov.) *Top-scorer Sarah Bryce was caught at ‘mid-on’ by Phoebe Franklin from Alexa Stonehouse; *Heather Graham was bowled by Kalea Moore’s 7th ball; *Next over, Marie Kelly who’d scored ‘fifty,’ was ‘run out’ from Phoebe Franklin’s throw from the boundary to the striker’s end; *‘Previously at Lightning for KIA Superleague,’ Michaela Kirk was caught at ‘cow corner’ by Tash Farrant, from Phoebe Franklin; *As mentioned above, Ella Claridge played a ‘great’ cameo until final over when caught at ‘in-the-deep’ by Emma Jones, from Tash Farrant; *Josie Groves was caught ‘low-down’ by Aylish Cranstone, also from Tash Farrant’s death over; *Kirstie Gordon faced one final ball; *Blaze’s batting Sarah Bryce 81(71), Ella Claridge 71(45), Marie Kelly 52(54), Kathryn Bryce 30(29), Heather Graham 28(18), Michaela Kirk 18(24); *Stars’ bowling: Tash Farrant 2/67, Kalea Moore 1/28, Alexa Stonehouse 1/39, Phoebe Franklin 1/44, Tilly Corteen-Coleman 1/53;

*Stars’ innings *Skipper Bryony Smith (England A) with Alice Davidson-Richards (England) Tilly Corteen-Coleman & Alexa Stonehouse (England u-19s) Without Alice Capsey (England call-up) *Without Georgia Redmayne (Australia big bash) *Without Ryana Macdonald-Gay & Paige Scholfield (both England ‘A’) [Sarah Bryce keeping wicket for Blaze] *Following a string of 9 ‘dot’ balls, Bryony Smith was caught at ‘mid-wicket’ by Kirstie Gordon from Kathryn Bryce; *Promoted to top-order, Kalea Moore was caught vertically by Sarah Bryce collecting at ‘slip,’ from Heather Graham; *Tash Farrant snicked behind to keeper Sarah Bryce, from Heather Graham; *Deceived by ‘extra bounce’ two balls later, Emma Jones was caught behind by keeper Sarah Bryce for a 2nd-ball duck, from Heather Graham *(misreported by some sources as ‘Jones stumped for a second ball duck’); *Phoebe Franklin was caught by Cassidy McCarthy from Josie Groves; *At mid-way (22/44 ov.) 118/5 (vs147/2); *With ‘2nd highest strike-rate for the entire competition,’ Aylish Cranstone swept but went ‘leg-before’ to a ‘full’ (length) ball from Josie Groves; *Chloe Hill played a spirited cameo until stumped by Sarah Bryce from Kirstie Gordon; *Next over Alexa Stonehouse went ‘leg-before’ for a 3rd ball duck from Heather Graham; *Suffering from an earlier injury, top-scorer Alice Davidson-Richards was caught at ‘backward point’ by Kathryn Bryce from Heather Graham;  *Finally three balls later, Dani Gregory was caught at ‘mid-wicket’ by Cassidy McCarthy, from Heather Graham; *Stars’ batting Alice Davidson-Richards 44(33), Tash Farrant 35(38), Aylish Cranstone 33(36), Chloe Hill 17(16), Phoebe Franklin 13(15), Kalea Moore 11(27), Bryony Smith 11(13); *Blaze’s bowling: Heather Graham 6/39, Josie Groves 2/26, Kathryn Bryce 1/17, Kirstie Gordon 1/21;

Match result: The Blaze 318/8; (7.2 runs-per-over from 44/44 overs) awarded 5 points beat South East Stars 185/10 (@5.7 rpo from 32/44 overs, target 319 from 44 overs) by 133 runs (Duckworth-Lewis-Stern DLS method)

*Scorecard courtesy of ECB @url: https://www.ecb.co.uk/rachael-heyhoe-flint-trophy/match-centre/104443#scorecard AppleMac users may need to scroll down on left margin to select a match

*Video highlights (88) courtesy of South East Stars & powered by NV Play @url https://live.nvplay.com/ecb/#v5f93493c-df44-46d7-a510-c3c520ae11bc

*Full match free-to-air courtesy of South East Stars (via NV Play) on YouTube<06h29m20s> @url https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Jz2Co8zPdg

*Updated fixtures and results @url http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/2024/05/12/updated-rachael-heyhoe-flint-trophy-fixtures-and-results/

 

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