The culmination of hard-fought matches throughout the season, the final showdown for the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, took place at the scenic Northampton on a slightly rainy Sunday. The cricketing world watched with bated breath as the Southern Vipers went head-to-head against the Blaze. This chronicle serves as a deep dive into the match that has made its mark in cricket history.
Prelude to the Match
The Setting:
Though the day began with a mild drizzle causing a 50-minute delay, the game was graced by clear blue skies towards the end. This change in weather conditions played a strategic role, as the Vipers, having chosen to bowl first, enjoyed the upper hand.
Star Players to Watch:
- Southern Vipers: Emily Windsor, Linsey Smith
- Blaze: Josie Groves, Tammy Beaumont
The First Innings: Blaze at the Crease
The Blaze began their batting innings with the intention of setting a challenging target. However, they were immediately put under pressure by the Vipers’ bowling attack.
Key Moments:
- Linsey Smith’s Fiery Start: The match saw an explosive beginning when Linsey Smith, who made a comeback to the Vipers after a stint with the Yorkshire-based Diamonds, proved her worth. She delivered a double blow by dismissing Lizelle Lee and Marie Kelly in her very first over.
- Tammy Beaumont’s Gritty Performance: Despite an unsettled start and being given two lifelines when she was dropped twice, Beaumont went on to score a commendable 76, becoming the top run-scorer for the Blaze.
- Charlie Dean’s Magic Delivery: It was a battle of the England stars when Charlie Dean squared off against Beaumont. In a pivotal moment, Dean tricked Beaumont with a beautifully flighted delivery, leading to a crucial dismissal.
By the end of their innings, the Blaze managed to put up a total of 200 runs in 48 overs.
The Chase: Vipers’ Journey to Victory
Starting their chase, the Southern Vipers were clear favorites, given their dominant performances throughout the season. But the Blaze’s young prodigy had other plans.
The Turn of the Tide:
Josie Groves, the 19-year-old leg-spinner from the Blaze, introduced a twist in the tale. Post-drinks, she claimed three crucial wickets in a mere eight deliveries, threatening to halt the Vipers in their tracks.
Among her prized scalps was Georgia Elwiss, who had just celebrated her half-century. The Vipers were reeling at 109 for five.
Windsor-Kemp Partnership:
In the face of adversity, Emily Windsor and Freya Kemp combined forces.
- Emily Windsor’s Stellar Knock: Windsor displayed a masterclass of controlled aggression, scoring an unbeaten 57.
- Freya Kemp’s Support: Alongside Windsor, Kemp played a composed knock, remaining not out on 32.
This duo took the game away from the Blaze, ensuring the Vipers reached their target with 46 deliveries to spare.
Coach’s Corner:
“Our slogan this year was ‘Venomous Ambition’, and that’s what the girls have showed,” remarked the Vipers’ head coach, Charlotte Edwards. “There’s so much fight in that dressing room. Watching Kemp bat like she did was the highlight of my season today.”
Milestones Achieved
With this win, the Vipers not only claimed the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy but also achieved a significant milestone in their cricketing journey.
- The Double Whammy: The Vipers, with this victory, completed a domestic double. Earlier in the year, they had clinched the 20-over title against the same opposition.
| Achievements | Trophies Won |
| 50-over | Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy |
| 20-over | T20 Trophy vs. Blaze in June |
Emily Windsor, reflecting on the journey and the influence of their coach, Edwards, expressed, “Lottie gets the best out of every player that she had in her team. She really gets to know her players on and off the field and she knows what makes them tick. People love playing for her. I wanted to do it for the team today. It’s the most special out of the three that we’ve won.”
