Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy roundup: Southern Vipers overcome Blaze in repeat of 2023 final

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

Chesterfield: The Blaze 278, Southern Vipers 281-6 - Southern Vipers win by four wickets 

Southern Vipers strengthened their position at the top of the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy table after defeating in-form Blaze by four wickets at Chesterfield.

In a repeat of last season's final, Blaze were hunting their 14th win in 15 games in all competitions, but again found Vipers too strong, as they did in both finals last year.

In the glorious setting of Queen's Park, The Blaze were bowled out for 278 in 47.2 overs. Heather Graham, who took 6 for 39 against South East Stars last Sunday, this time starred with the bat with 78, supported by Kathryn Bryce 65 and Sarah Bryce 48.

^{Sarah Bryce has been in fine form (Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)}

Mary Taylor took 3 for 32 and, having finished the innings with wickets with successive balls, stands on the threshold of history in the next game as potentially the first ever taker of a hat-trick all caught at third.

Vipers' reply  reached 281 for 6 with four balls to spare thanks mainly to a stand of 136 between Georgia Elwiss (101 not out) and 18-year-old Abi Norgrove (a career-best 64).

They came together with the innings at a crossroads at 124 for 4 in the 22nd over and paced the pursuit perfectly.

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