Charlotte Edwards Cup 2022 Round 2 May 18th: Latest News, Scores and Match Reports

Here are all the latest scores, match and news updates from the Charlotte Edwards Cup 2022 Round 2

 

Wednesday, May 18^th

 

Thunder v Northern Diamonds (Sale)

 

Thunder survived a manic late order collapse to win a pulsating cross-Pennine Charlotte Edwards Cup clash with Northern Diamonds by 56 runs at Sale.

After half-centuries for home openers Emma Lamb and Georgie Boyce, both sides suffered major batting problems on a pitch offering signs of uneven bounce.

Lamb made 50 and Boyce 65, the pair sharing an entertaining 95 inside 13 overs. But Thunder slipped from 136 for one in the 18th over to post 148 for seven, with Katie Levick taking three wickets in three legitimate balls.

The Diamonds, however, were about to undo all of their good work as, including the loss of returning England star Nat Sciver for two, they collapsed to 33 for six in the seventh over of their reply. They were unable to recover and were bowled out for 92 in 20 overs. 

Left-arm spinner Hannah Jones claimed an excellent three for 23 from four overs as Thunder claimed all five points on offer for a bonus point victory.

Lamb’s fourth Thunder score of 50 or more and Boyce’s third were central to a competitive score and both came at better than a run-a-ball.

The pair shared three sixes, two hit down the ground and the other over midwicket.

Lamb reached her fifty first, off 40 balls, before falling next ball to a brilliant diving catch from Sciver running in from the deep midwicket fence off Abi Glen’s seamers (95 for one in the 13th over).

Boyce followed her there off 42 balls, reached with a straight six off New Zealand off-spinner Leigh Kasperek. 

But she was the second of the six wickets to fall in the last 13 legitimate balls of the innings as Thunder subsided badly from 136 for one in the 18th.

Levick (four for 22 from four overs) ousted Shachi Pai caught in the deep and Ellie Threlkeld and Laura Jackson both bowled at the end of the 18th and start of the 20th overs - but there was a wide in between to prevent a hat-trick being taken.

She added the wicket of Laura Marshall with the penultimate ball of the innings, added to two wickets for the left-arm spin of Linsey Smith as the Diamonds’ four spinners returned combined figures of six for 93 from 14 overs.

While the Thunder were missing England duo Sophie Ecclestone and Kate Cross due to IPL Challenge duty, the Diamonds were able to include Sciver as a batter only for her first appearance since the early April World Cup final in New Zealand.

And she was thrust into early action with the bat as national colleague Lauren Winfield-Hill, seemingly hampered by a leg injury suffered in the field, was bowled for a duck four balls into the visiting chase trying to hit Jackson (two for 16 from four overs) to leg.

But Sciver’s first innings of the 2022 summer lasted only 10 balls as she also was bowled pushing forwards at Jackson.

And when Hollie Armitage slapped former team-mate Phoebe Graham to mid-on shortly afterwards, the Diamonds were eight for three in the fourth over.

Jones then trapped Abi Glen and Bess Heath lbw in the sixth over before Kasperek was run out by Alex Hartley as the score slipped to a game deciding 33 for six in the seventh. 

Jones later bowled tail-ender Rachael Slater as wickets continued to fall with the game already decided.

Thunder batter Georgie Boyce said: 

 

“It was a massive team performance. We were disappointed with how we went about the game against Vipers on Saturday, so to bounce back so quickly was brilliant. 

“Everyone’s chipped in. Myself and Lamby with the bat, but the bowling performance as well. To bowl a team out for 90-odd was exceptional.

“I thought the pitch was a belter. There was a bit of bounce in it, but we kept saying, ‘Hit down the ground and you’ll get most value for your shots’.

“We wanted 160, so we were a little bit short if anything. But the way we bowled and how Jacko (Laura Jackson) set the tone was superb.

“She was a bit nervous about bowling to some England players this morning, but I just said, ‘Do what you do’. And she did. It was outstanding.”

 

Diamonds coach Dani Hazell said: 

 

“Lamby and Boycey batted really well, but we just didn’t learn enough from their innings. They hit the ball straight and played simple cricket shots.

“We were happy with 140 ish because it was a really good pitch. But we didn’t bat well enough. If you play across the line too much, that’s the outcome you’re going to get. 

“Our spinners bowled really well, and there are positives - the youngsters getting an opportunity. The more experience they get in this environment the better.”

 

Southern Vipers v Loughborough Lightning (Southampton)

Southern Vipers vs Lightning at the Ageas Bowl

Southern Vipers 155/5 beat Lightning 124/8 by 31 runs

Lauren Bell underlined her England credentials with a spell-binding three for 12 as Southern Vipers swatted Lightning aside by 31 runs in the Charlotte Edwards Cup.

Towering right-arm swing bowler Bell is considered among the favourites to replace the internationally retired Anya Shrubsole and make her debut for Lisa Keightley’s team this summer. She put on a new-ball clinic to claim two for two from her first two overs, before she returned her career-best T20 bowling figures.

Maia Bouchier continued her fine start to the season with a mighty 41 as Vipers garnered 155 for five, before Lightning spluttered to 124 for eight after Bell's antics – with skipper Kathryn Bryce top-scoring with 54.

Vipers are now two comprehensive victories from two in this year’s tournament, while Lightning are still yet to secure a point across two seasons.

Bell has a metronomic run-up which springs into an explosion of a high front arm and high-to-low action which naturally brings prodigious in-swing. Marie Kelly attempted to negate this by walking down the pitch, but got cramped by a cross-seam delivery to sky to keeper Carla Rudd.

Sarah Bryce tried the opposite and stayed still for as long as possible. The Scotland international got stuck on her crease as an in-ducker knocked over her off pole, via a deflection off the thigh pad.

Bell’s sights were now on England opener Tammy Beaumont. She drew a leading-edge, only for it to fall agonisingly short of mid-on, but criminology student Bell got her high-profile victim in the following over when she yorked her. She should have pouched a four-for only for Rudd to spill Teresa Graves – who lived a charmed life with Nancy Harman also dropping her.

Vipers simply kept it tight from then on, allowing the required rate to rocket. Kathryn Bryce’s battling 47-ball half-century aside, no Lightning batter past 17. Charlie Dean claimed three for 23 and Georgia Elwiss two for 18 to complete the simply triumph.

Earlier, Vipers were stuck in and despite losing Georgia Adams to a simple deep square boundary catch, Danni Wyatt and Bouchier used their textbook power to contribute a quickfire 43 for the second wicket before the former was caught on the ring.

Bouchier, who began the campaign with an unbeaten 48, found the middle of her bat for the sweetest of sixes over midwicket before advancing and pumping Lucy Higham back over her head for another maximum.

Vipers, and Bouchier, were slowed by a brilliant 13th to 16th over fight back. Vipers appeared on course for a huge total at 100 for two but slumped to 110 for five – with a wicket falling in each over.

First Elwiss top-edged straight up off Piepa Cleary, then Kirstie Gordon bowled Bouchier through the gate with a wonderful arm ball before Paige Scholfield advanced and hoicked to extra cover.

Freya Kemp and Dean added 45 in the last five overs to swing the momentum back Vipers’ way, and the barometer never moved back after Bell dislodged the visitors’ top order.

 

South East Stars v Central Sparks (Guildford)

Central Sparks 170-6

South East Stars 136 all out

Sparks won by 34 runs

ISSY Wong starred with bat and ball as Central Sparks beat holders South East Stars by 34 runs in the Charlotte Edwards Cup at Guildford.

Wong, renowned for her quick bowling excelled in the role of pinch-hitter with 45 in 28 balls and was well supported by England wicketkeeper Amy Jones with 40 as Sparks rattled up 170-6 after being invited to bat, Alice Davidson Richards the pick of the host’s attack with two for 27.

The Chelsea-born speedster returned to the day job, taking one for 14, including three frugal overs at the top of the innings. She was ably assisted by Sparks’ spin twins Hannah Baker (two for 19 ) and Sarah Glenn (two for 22), while Grace Potts (four for 36) mopped up the tail, meaning despite 41 from skipper Bryony Smith Stars finished well short on 136 all out.

From the moment Wong clubbed Alice Capsey over the scoreboard at mid-wicket in the first over, Sparks were on the charge.

Wong treated Tash Farrant’s bowling with similar distain and with  fellow opener Eve Jones taking heavy toll of Freya Davies at the other end, the 50-stand came off 30 balls.

Davidson-Richards made the breakthrough when Eve Jones top edged to mid-on, but the bowler was out of luck when new batter Jones hoisted her to Emma Jones at deep mid-on only for the fielder to grass the chance.  

Emma Jones would partially atone when she caught Wong at cover, but the drop proved costly as England wicketkeeper Jones forged on, driving powerfully to hit six fours before Smith had her caught a cover.

Smith and the impressive Davidson-Richards kept some level of control, but impressive cameos from Ami Campbell and Gwen Davies saw Sparks post an imposing target.

Smith got the chase off to a rattling start with three boundaries off the first over from Potts and Saturday’s half-centurion Aylish Cranstone caught the mood almost hitting an Emily Arlott delivery into the road.

Wong gave Smith a life on 19 when she shelled a catch on the square leg boundary,  Arlott the aggrieved bowler, but the boot was on the other foot in the following over when she too dropped Smith off Wong. Wong though wouldn’t be denied, removing Cranstone via a top edge bagged by Amy Jones as Sparks reached 44-1 at the end of the powerplay.

The fielding lapses continued, Abi Freeborn dropping Capsey off an attempted reverse sweep. However, Baker struck twice in four balls as first Smith skied a catch behind and then Jones stumped Capsey who’d given the bowler the charge.

Sarah Glenn followed up with two in two to despatch Farrant and Emma Jones before Potts cleaned up.

South East Stars all-rounder Alice-Davidson Richards said: "We were quite happy with how we bowled, but we didn't quite click with the batting. A lot of runs trend to be scored here at Guildford.

"We felt 171 was very chase-able with the style we like to play and how we like to bat we back ourselves to chase down pretty much anything, especially on a pitch like that.

"It's tough when there is a cluster of wickets. Their spinners bowled well which is allowed, but we lacked a little bit of intent in those overs and that was probably the key period.

"Don't remind me (about Amy Jones being dropped on 3 off her bowling).  Players like that you can't really give them a second chance. She didn't go on and take the game away from us necessarily, but it's the little things that add up isn't it.

 

Issy Wong who scored 45 and took 1-14 said: "We knew we were a good side and back ourselves to play fearless cricket. We did it today and we’re really happy with the win.

“I’ve batted up the top of the order quite a bit in pre-season and I’m enjoying the role to be fair. It gives me a chance to contribute in all sorts of areas to the team. I want to be involved in the game, so I’m really thankful for the opportunity.

“It’s the best time to bowl with the new ball. The powerplay has its challenges,. They got a bit of a flyer in some ways, but a couple of wickets changes everything.

“We have probably got two of the best leg-spinners in the country. You can’t buy what they bring to the middle overs. Bake’s (Hannah Baker)was outstanding today and Sarah Glenn we know what she can do.”

 

Sunrisers v Western Storm (Chelmsford)

Teenager Grace Scrivens’ heroics with bat and ball proved fruitless as a last-gasp overthrow handed Western Storm a dramatic victory in their Charlotte Edwards Cup tie at Chelmsford.

The 18-year-old struck her maiden Sunrisers half-century with 56 from 42 balls, anchoring her side’s total of 160 for five – their highest since the tournament launched last year.

Scrivens’ off-spin then appeared to have wrecked the Storm reply as she dismissed Danielle Gibson and England captain Heather Knight within the space of three deliveries, finishing with figures of four for 33.

Yet Storm’s last-wicket pair of Alex Griffiths and debutant Sophia Smale – needing three off the final ball – snatched an incredible victory as the throw from long-on sailed over the head of despairing wicketkeeper Scarlett Hughes and away to the fence.

Sunrisers, who had looked sluggish in their previous powerplay against South East Stars, quickly set about the Storm attack after being put in as Scrivens and Cordelia Griffith cruised to a 50 partnership from just 26 balls.

Scrivens struck Lauren Filer for four consecutive boundaries, while Griffith’s crisp off-side drives took her to 26 before she fell victim to a shambolic run-out for the second time in as many games.

This time, Griffith stumbled at the non-striker’s end while her partner drove towards mid-off and called for a single, leaving her stranded as the throw reached wicketkeeper Natasha Wraith.

A wily spell of one for 22 by Knight, including the wicket of Mady Villiers for 11, helped to check the flow of runs, but Scrivens advanced to her half-century from 35 balls and found a capable ally in Jo Gardner (28 not out).

Having survived a stumping chance off Griffiths (one for 25), Scrivens eventually fell after giving the same bowler the charge, but Kelly Castle (14) helped to ensure Sunrisers posted a competitive total.

Storm sent Knight in at the top of the order, but she lost two partners almost immediately as Georgia Hennessy was caught down the leg side off Naomi Dattani and skipper Sophie Luff hoisted Scrivens straight to mid-off.

Abtaha Maqsood’s first ball brought Sunrisers a third wicket, with Fran Wilson stumped after missing the leg-spinner’s flighted delivery, but Danielle Gibson’s powerful hitting, with 27 from 20, kept the visitors in contention.

She and Knight added 41 in five overs – only for Scrivens to deal Storm a double blow as Gibson holed out to deep midwicket before Knight, trying to work the ball on the leg side, was bowled for 27.

Natasha Wraith’s belligerent 27 from 16 threatened to tilt the contest back in Storm’s favour – but, when she was stumped dancing down the track to Scrivens, it looked as if Sunrisers were home and dry.

However, Katie George’s 34 kept the contest alive and Griffiths, with an unbeaten 25 from 13, won it from Scrivens’ final delivery.

 

Southern Vipers bowler Lauren Bell:

"It is an amazing start to the competition. We were confident with our score on a good pitch, it was very defendable. There was a bit of a stutter but it shows the depth of our order that Freya came in and played such an important innings.

"I was really happy with the way I bowled. I spoke to Anya about committing to everything. I bowled a lot at Tammy out in New Zealand so it was good to get her out. 

"I spent time in New Zealand with the England squad but since I've come back I have focused on playing and winning for the Vipers and we'll see where it goes from there. It is my dream and goal to play for England but it will happen when it happens, hopefully at some point.

"Anya is amazing to have around at the top of the mark. She fills me with confidence and is so calm. I can learn so much from her."

 

Lightning captain Kathryn Bryce:

"It was difficult. We gave them a few loose deliveries to score off but when we got it in the right areas it was difficult to get away. We really pulled it back in that middle period to something that was chaseable but they started really well with the ball and we couldn't find the boundary in the middle period.

"It is difficult to rebuild after losing three wickets early. They learnt from what we did well in their innings and bowled a lot of slower balls that were hard to get away. You always want to get off to a good start and get the run-rate under control before it starts to rocket.

"It is good to get a score on the board but disappointed not to push it closer to a winning cause."

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