Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy roundup: South East Stars outclass Sunrisers, rain frustrates elsewhere

The Cricketer reviews the best of the action from the latest round of the 50-over competition in 2024

ECB Reporters Network | 14/07/2024 at 17:30

Lincoln: Northern Diamonds 188-8, The Blaze - no result

Rain scuppered Northern Diamonds' chances of picking up a sixth consecutive win in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy after bad weather forced the abandonment of their clash with The Blaze at Lincoln's Lindum Cricket Club.

The damp overnight conditions and drizzle throughout the morning had already forced a three-hour delay to the match with the players not getting on the field until 1.45pm.

Reduced to 30 overs, Diamonds took the game by the scruff of the neck thanks to Bess Heath’s 61 as they recovered from 48 for four to reach 188 for eight when the rain returned and forced the teams off.

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Grace Ballinger was among the wickets before rain curtailed proceedings at Lincoln (Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)

Beckenham: South East Stars 258, Sunrisers 214 - South East Stars won by 44 runs

South East Stars coasted to a 44-run win over the Sunrisers in the Rachel Heyhoe Flint Trophy at Beckenham.

The Stars were bowled out for 258, after an innings dominated by a record-breaking 148-run partnership between Bryony Smith, who made 84 and Alice Davidson-Richards, who hit 70.

Jodi Grewcock took three for 43, while Mady Villiers, Grace Scrivens and Eva Gray all claimed two wickets apiece.

The visitors had looked well set on 88 for one, but once Joanne Gardner was out for 39 they subsided to 214 all out with Danni Gregory taking 3 for 47 and Smith 2 for 31. Alice Macleod was the top scorer with 44.

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Danielle Gregory helped bowl the Stars to victory (Ben Hoskins/Getty Images for Surrey CCC)

Sedbergh: Thunder v Southern Vipers - match abandoned

The Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy match between Lancashire Thunder and Southern Vipers at Sedbergh School fell foul of the weather with no play possible due to rain. Both teams receive two points.

Steady rain had delayed the 10.30am start and although a clear spell of weather saw attempts made to mop up the outfield, further heavy rain arrived with play abandoned after a pitch inspection at 1.45pm.

The result leaves the Vipers well placed at the top of the table and on course to clinch a play-off berth, but it was a disappointment for Thunder who were looking to reduce a nine-point gap to the fourth qualifying spot going into this game.

They will likely have to win all of their remaining four games when this competition resumes at the end of August if they are to contend for a top-four place.