Rosa Simkin (@rosatalksball) – 26/04/24
This Saturday sees the continuation of the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy (50-Over) with all eight sides battling it out as they look to climb up the table. Join me as I take a deep dive into the four fixtures taking place, looking at the player’s to watch, recent performances, the stats and much more as I help ready you for another weekend of intense cricket viewing!
My Tournament Guide –
Order of Content – South East Stars vs Central Sparks, Southern Vipers vs Northern Diamonds, Sunrisers vs The Blaze, Thunder vs Western Storm, 2024 Stats so Far & Current Standings (All previews include details of the game, matchday squads, head to head stats, players to watch, last time out & team statistics!)
South East Stars vs Central Sparks
Location – The Kent County Cricket Ground, Beckenham
Tickets – FREE ENTRY
Where to Watch – YouTube
Start Time – 10:30
Stars Matchday Squad – Bryony Smith (C), Maddie Blinkhorn-Jones, Aylish Cranstone, Alice Davidson-Richards, Sophia Dunkley, Tash Farrant, Phoebe Franklin, Dani Gregory, Chloe Hill, Ryana MacDonald-Gay, Bethan Miles, Kalea Moore, Paige Schofield & Alexa Stonehouse.
Sparks Matchday Squad – Eve Jones (C), Ellie Anderson, Em Arlott, Chloe Brewer, Hannah Baker, Ami Campbell, Bethan Ellis, Abbey Freeborn, Ria Fackrell, Katie George, Charis Pavely, Davina Perrin, Grace Potts & Issy Wong.
RHFT Head to Head:
Games = 4, Stars Wins = 2, Sparks Wins = 2
Players To Watch:
Katie George (Central Sparks):
Katie George is having one hell of a season for the Central Sparks. After joining the side ahead of the 2023 season off the back of a nasty run of back injuries, she impressed on the pitch and it’s safe to say she’s definitely met her aim of continuing to make an impact this year. Regarded as one of the quickest in the game, the pace bowler tops the wicket taking tallies for Sparks with three. With the bat, the story is no different with the all-rounder once more topping the table, with 84 runs from the two innings she has played. Sitting 2nd in the PCA MVP rankings so far this year, it’s safe to say she’s one to keep an eye out heading into this clash.
Tash Farrant (South East Stars):
Farrant came into this season after recovering from consecutive stress fractures and she’s definitely taken the new year, new me ideal to a whole new level. I think it’s safe to say, that nobody would have had Farrant opening the batting and making two 50+ scores in the opening games on their bingo card, with the fast bowler reentering the fold as a genuine all rounder. Her first game vs Vipers saw 94 (97) and the game vs The Blaze on Wednesday saw 68* (81). She is yet to take a wicket, but I’m sure that fact will change sooner rather then later!
Ryana MacDonald-Gay (South East Stars:
Yes that’s right, I broke my rule of only having one player per team but it would be outright rude to not mention Ryana MacDonald-Gay given the season she is having. The young pace bowler took a phenomenal 5/31 against The Blaze last time out, becoming the catalyst for Stars bowling them out for just 126. This adds to the 3 wickets she took in another victory during the opening game vs Vipers. They say pressure makes diamonds and for MacDonald-Gay holding 8 wickets against last seasons finalists that is certainly true.
Last Time Out:
Stars:
The South East Stars have had a rather phenomenal start to 2024, with their two wins from two against last years finalists putting them top of the table. Game one saw a tense affair vs The Vipers, with victory falling to the Stars right at the death after a genuine all round performance.
Last game saw one of the bigger victories you’ll see in women’s regional cricket vs The Blaze, with Stars bowling the East Midlands side out for just 126 from 42 overs, with 5 wickets for 20-year-old quick MacDonald-Gay. The chase, was quite frankly just as easy as the wicket taking with Stars requiring just 23.3 overs to reach their target. Farrant was the stand out with bat, scoring 68* from 81 deliveries. They are definitely the ones to beat this year.
Sparks:
The Central Sparks have had mixed results in their opening two games, with a huge victory against local rivals Blaze on the opening day being matched in rather dramatic fashion with a rather large loss vs Vipers last time out.
After losing the toss and being put in to bat first the Sparks reached 172/9 from their 50 overs, with a 77 run partnership between Katie George (52 from 99) and Ria Fackrell (39 from 64) salvaging them slightly! Unfortunately, the total was indeed too low to defend, with Vipers chasing it in the 39th over and ending on 173/3. Wong, George and Fackrell took one wicket each! However, if their performance in their opening match says anything its that they could bounce back once more in dramatic fashion against the Stars.
Team Stats:
Stars Top Run Scorer = Tash Farrant – 162 Runs, 2 Innings, 162.00 AVG & 91.01 SR.
Stars Top Wicket Taker = Ryana MacDonald-Gay – 8 WKTS, 19.0 Overs, 9.62 AVG & 4.05 ECON.
Sparks Top Run Scorer = Katie George – 84 Runs, 2 Innings, 42.00 AVG & 65.11 SR.
Sparks Top Wicket Taker = Katie George – 3 WKTS, 13.0 Overs, 16.33 AVG & 3.76 ECON.
Southern Vipers vs Northern Diamonds
Location – Utilita Bowl, Southampton
Where to Watch – YouTube
Start Time – 10:30
Vipers Matchday Squad – Georgia Adams (C), Maia Bouchier, Charlie Dean, Freya Davies, Nancy Harman, Freya Kemp, Charli Knott, Ella McCaughan, Linsey Smith, Rhianna Southby, Megan Sturge, Mary Taylor & Emily Windsor.
Diamonds Matchday Squad – Hollie Armitage (C), Erin Burns, Leah Dobson, Rebecca Duckworth, Abi Glen, Grace Hall, Bess Heath, Katie Levick, Emma Marlow, Lizzie Scott, Phoebe Turner, Sophia Turner, Lauren Winfield-Hill & Jess Woolston.
RHFT Head to Head:
Games = 7, Vipers Wins = 4, Diamonds Wins = 2, No Results = 1
Players To Watch:
Hollie Armitage (Diamonds):
The Diamonds skipper has certainly started the 2024 season with a bang. Not only has she led her side to two consecutive wins vs local rivals Thunder & Western Storm, she has also played a key part with bat in both of those games. In the opener vs Thunder, she scored 61* (71) leading from the front and vs Storm she scored 103 (104) to achieve her third professional List A century, which of course takes her to the top of Diamonds run scoring tallies.
Charli Knott (Vipers):
Charli Knott has been quite the overseas signing for the Vipers. The 21-year-old Australian all-rounder tops both the wicket and run scoring tallies for her side, with 99 runs across her 2 innings and 4 wickets to her name! Her top score comes from her sides most recent outing against the Central Sparks, with her 58* from 89 balls helping to guide her side to victory. As she enters the fold for a game against one of Vipers long term rivals, it’s safe to say she looks to be dangerous with both bat and ball.
Last Time Out:
Vipers:
The reigning champions have had a mixed start to their 2024 season, with one win from two games putting them 4th in the table. Their first game vs South East Stars in Kent saw them fail to defend 273/9, with stars reaching the total and claiming victory in the final over.
Last time out however was a very different story, with a big win against the West Midlands Central Sparks. After restricting them to just 172/9 from their 50 overs (two wickets each for Smith, Knott & Adams and one for Dean) they reached their requirement comfortably in the 39th over. Charli Knott (58* from 89), Ella McCaughan (43 from 75) and Maia Bouchier (33 from 32) helped their side reach the required total. Vipers will definitely be looking to shatter the perfect record of long term rivals the Northern Diamonds at the Utilita Bowl!
Diamonds:
The Northern Diamonds have had an incredible start to their 2024 season after a poor campaign by their standards last year, which saw them fail to reach the finals for the first time. This year however they currently sit 2nd in the table, behind Stars due to run rate after 2 wins from 2. Their first game saw them bowl out local rivals Thunder for just 165, chasing it in the 35th over with just one wicket lost.
Last time out saw a much closer battle against Western Storm. After losing the toss and being put in to bat first they reached 275/9 from their 50 overs, curtesy of Hollie Armitage’s 103 (114) and Abi Glen’s 53* (46). The bowlers backed up their batters performances, bowling Storm out for 265 in the 50th over, claiming victory. Abi Glen and Phoebe Turner took three wickets each and Aussie spinner Erin Burns took 2. Can they continue their streak against the reigning champions?
Team Stats:
Vipers Top Run Scorer = Charli Knott – 99 Runs, 2 Innings, 99.00 AVG & 67.80 SR.
Vipers Top Wicket Taker = Charli Knott – 4 Wickets, 20.0 Overs, 16.25 AVG & 3.25 ECON.
Diamonds Top Run Scorer = Hollie Armitage – 164 Runs, 2 Innings, 164.0 AVG & 88.64 SR.
Diamonds Top Wicket Taker = Abi Glen – 5 WKTS, 17.2 Overs, 14.60 AVG & 4.21 ECON
Sunrisers vs The Blaze
Location – The Cloud County Ground, Chelmsford
Where to Watch – YouTube
Start Time – 10:30
Sunrisers Matchday Squad – Grace Scrivens, Amara Carr, Kate Coppack, Ariana Dowse, Jo Gardner, Jodi Grewcock, Cordelia Griffith, Nicola Hancock, Esmae MacGregor, Florence Miller, Charley Phillips, Amu Surenkumar & Mady Villiers.
Blaze Matchday Squad – Kirstie Gordon (C), Grace Ballinger, Ella Claridge, Nadine de Klerk, Bethan Gammon, Sarah Glenn, Teresa Graves, Lucy Higham, Bella Howarth, Marie Kelly, Michaela Kirk, Cassidy McCarthy, Daisy Mullan & Sophie Munro.
RHFT Head to Head:
Games = 4, Blaze* Wins = 3, Sunrisers Wins = 1
*Includes games played under previous branding of Lightning*
Players To Watch:
Jodi Grewcock (Sunrisers):
19-year-old Jodi Grewcock is making quite the impact to the Sunrisers set up this year! The top order batter has been extremely useful to her side with the ball, taking 4 wickets with her leg spin, therefore topping the wicket taking tallies for Sunrisers. She has still played a useful role with bat as well, scoring 15* and 38 in her most recent outings. The all-rounder could prove crucial against a struggling Blaze side.
Kirstie Gordon (Blaze):
The Blaze skipper is most commonly known for her top class left arm spin, which has seen her take 2 wickets so far this season. However, that is not why I have her down as one to watch, it is in fact two other reasons. The first, being her unbelievable 41* from 86 last time out against Stars, with her coming to the crease with her side on 47/7. The second, being how crucial her captaincy could prove in this game. It’s safe to say the Blaze are struggling, with two massive defeats to start their year. In order to reach the top level once again, it’s going to take a calm-head and that could well come from their leader and seasoned pro Gordon.
Last Time Out:
Sunrisers:
The Sunrisers have claimed one win from their opening two games with youngster Grace Scrivens entering her second season of captaining the side in 50-Over cricket, after being given a trial run towards the back-end of last season. Game one saw a comprehensive victory against Western Storm. After bowling them out for just 114, Scrivens led from the front as they chased the total in 33.4 overs ending on 116/2.
Last time out saw a different story in a defeat to Thunder. After putting them into bat, Thunder scored 292/5 from their 50 (two wickets for Kate Coppack and one each for Hancock, Grewcock & Villiers). Unfortunately, the batters couldn’t respond to the total being bowled out for just 150 in their chase. Jodi Grewcock top scored with 38 from 47. Scrivens’ side will be looking to rise up (pun totally intended) against a struggling Blaze side!
Blaze:
Last year’s runner up The Blaze have had a difficult start to their 2024 campaign, currently sitting bottom of the table after two losses from two. Game one saw a 78 run defeat to local rivals The Central Sparks at Edgbaston after being bowled out for 135 and game two saw a 8 wicket defeat to the South East Stars after being bowled out for just 126 runs.
The issue for them has arguably stemmed from absences of the Bryce sisters, Lucy Higham, Georgie Boyce and their England duo; Tammy Beaumont & Nat Sciver-Brunt, but with Sarah Glenn and Lucy Higham reentering the fold you’d like to think that the addition of some calm headed experience will help them with both bat and ball in hand. Hopefully for skipper Kirstie Gordon, her side can put in an all round performance against the Sunrisers and get their quest for silverware back on track. With 12 games still to play, it certainly isn’t all over.
Team Stats:
Sunrisers Top Run Scorer = Grace Scrivens – 72 Runs, 2 Innings, 72.00 AVG & 50.00 SR.
Sunrisers Top Wicket Taker = Jodi Grewcock – 4 WKTS, 20.0 Overs, 17.00 AVG & 3.40 ECON.
Blaze Top Run Scorer = Nadine de Klerk – 43 Runs, 2 Innings, 21.50 AVG & 64.17 SR.
Blaze Top Wicket Taker = Grace Ballinger – 3 WKTS, 15.0 Overs, 22.00 Average & 4.40 ECON.
Thunder vs Western Storm
Location – Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester
Tickets – BUY ON DOOR
Where to Watch – YouTube
Start Time – 10:30
Thunder Matchday Squad – Ellie Threlkeld (C), Danni Collins, Kate Cross, Naomi Dattani, Sophie Ecclestone, Phoebe Graham, Mahika Gaur, Hannah Jones, Emma Lamb, Katie Mack, Fi Morris, Tara Norris & Seren Smale.
Storm Matchday Squad – Sophie Luff (c), Dani Gibson, Fran Wilson, Claire Nicholas, Nat Wraith, Katie Jones, Alex Griffiths, Lauren Filer, Niamh Holland, Mollie Robbins, Gemma Lane, Amanda Jade Wellington, Chloe Skelton, Sophia Smale, Lola Harris, Imogen Cooper and Emily Geach.
RHFT Head to Head:
Games = 4, Storm Wins = 3, Thunder Wins = 1
Players To Watch:
Katie Mack (Thunder):
Katie Mack has proven to be a world class signing for Manchester based Thunder. The top order batter scored a well earned century vs Sunrisers last time out, ending with a total of 100 (110) on her home debut at Old Trafford. If the Aussie can do that during her first RHFT game in English conditions, therefore topping the run scoring totals for her side it’s safe to say she could go far for Thunder this season.
Sophia Smale (Storm):
Smale is most certainly on my radar as a potential stand out player in domestic cricket this season. The left-arm spinner is certainly starting to fulfill her wishes to become an all rounder, opening the batting in Storm’s first two games scoring 16 (40) in the first and 35 (49) in the second! She has also as always been handy with the ball, taking 3/63 in her most recent outing vs Diamonds. I don’t believe the 19-year-old will be slowing down any time soon, and recommend following her journey this season.
Last Time Out:
Thunder:
Thunder hold one victory from their opening two games, putting them third in the table. Game one saw a loss against rivals Northern Diamonds in Durham, being bowled out for 165 and allowing Diamonds to chase in 34.3 overs.
Game two however was a very different story. After losing the toss and being put in to bat first by Sunrisers, Thunder scored a massive 292/5 at Old Trafford in Manchester. Australian Katie Mack and all-rounder Fi Morris led the charge with 100 (110) and 89 (106) respectively. The bowlers certainly responded to the large total put on, bowling the Sunrisers out in 40.1 overs for 150 runs. England duo Kate Cross and Sophie Ecclestone starred with three each, Hannah Jones took two and finally Fi Morris & Phoebe Graham took one each!
Storm:
Western Storm currently sit 7th in the table, with 2 losses from their opening two fixtures. Game one saw Sunrisers bowl out their local foes for 114 and chase the total in just 33.4 overs.
Game two was much more closely contested, after winning the toss and electing to bowl first, Northern Diamonds reached 275/9 from their innings in Leeds. The wickets were shared equally (three each) among Aussie Amanda-Jade Wellington, Dani Gibson and Sophia Smale. The batters came ever so close to the target 276, being bowled out by Diamonds for 265 from 49.2 overs. The runs were shared pretty evenly among the squad, with 5 players going well into the 20s and Fran Wilson (32 from 36) and Sophia Smale (35 from 49) topping the tallies. Storm will certainly be looking to go one step further and gain their first victory of the year.
Team Stats:
Thunder Top Run Scorer = Katie Mack – 119 Runs, 2 Innings, 59.50 AVG & 89.47 SR.
Thunder Top Wicket Taker = Kate Cross – 3 WKTS, 8.1 Overs, 7.00 AVG & 2.57 ECON.
Storm Top Run Scorer = Nat Wraith – 69 Runs, 2 Innings, 34.50 AVG & 78.40 SR.
Storm Top Wicket Taker = Amanda-Jade Wellington – 4 WKTS, 19.0 Overs, 13.50 AVG & 2.84 ECON.
2024 Stats so Far (RHFT)
Top 5 Run Scorers:
- Hollie Armitage (Diamonds) – 164 Runs, 2 Innings, 164.00 Average & 88.64 SR.
- Tash Farrant (Stars) – 162 Runs, 2 Innings, 162.00 Average & 91.01 SR.
- Bryony Smith (Stars) – 124 Runs, 2 Innings, 62.00 Average & 93.93 SR.
- Katie Mack (Thunder) – 119 Runs, 2 Innings, 59.50 Average & 89.47 SR.
- Lauren Winfield-Hill (Diamonds) – 101 Runs, 2 Inninfs, 101.00 Average & 80.80 SR.
Top 5 Wicket Takers:
- Ryana MacDonald-Gay (Stars) – 8 Wickets, 19.0 Overs, 9.62 Average & 4.05 Economy.
- Abi Glen (Diamonds) – 5 Wickets, 17.2 Overs, 14.60 Average & 4.21 Economy.
- Katie Levick (Diamonds) – 5 Wickets, 19.1 Overs, 18.40 Average & 4.80 Economy.
- Amanda-Jade Wellington (Storm) – 4 Wickets, 19.0 Overs, 13.50 Average & 2.84 Economy.
- Charli Knott (Vipers) – 4 Wickets, 20.0 Overs, 16.25 Average & 3.25 Economy.
Current Standings
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