Andy Tennant has named an unchanged fourteen player squad for Saturday’s Rachael Heyhoe-Flint Trophy Semi-final against Northern Diamonds at Headingley.
Sunrisers finished fourth in the group stages on 34 points, winning seven games. A crucial victory by 5-runs (DLS) on the final day of the season against Vipers meant Sunrisers reached the semi-finals of the Rachael Heyhoe-Flint Trophy for the first time. Having been asked to bat first, Sunrisers got off to an excellent start, with a first-wicket partnership of 70. Despite a couple of quick wickets falling, runs continued to flow for Sunrisers, as Cordelia Griffith and Lissy MacLeod both made half-centuries, continuing their fine run of form at the end of the season. Sunrisers finished their 50-overs on 281 all out.
With rain falling in Southampton, the prospects of play were looking bleak, however eventually the rain stopped, and the players we’re able to get back out to complete the match. Vipers were set a revised target of 94 to win, from 10 overs. It was all action in Hampshire as boundaries we’re struck, and wickets fell. However with 1 over to go, and the hosts requiring twelve to win, captain Grace Scrivens called upon herself to seal the deal. A superbly bowled over secured the points for Sunrisers.
Northern Diamonds topped the Rachael Heyhoe-Flint Trophy standings this year, with 41 points, winning nine games. This secured a third appearance in the playoffs for Diamonds since 2020, when the competition was created. Despite coming top of the pile, it was defeat last time out for Diamonds, as they fell to a 156-run defeat to Stars. Winning the toss and electing to bowl first, Diamonds were unable to prevent partnerships from forming, with Stars finishing their 50-vers on 275/8, with the wickets shared out amongst the team. In the chase, Diamonds were unable build any momentum with the bat, as wickets fell at regular intervals. They were eventually dismissed 119 after 36 overs. Phoebe Turner top scored with 49 not out.
It was a crucial three-wicket victory last time the two sides met on August Bank Holiday Monday in Chelmsford. Having lost the toss and asked to bowl first, Sunrisers we able to restrict Diamonds to 188/9 in their 50 overs. Mady Villiers was the pick of the bowlers claiming 4 for 36 in her 10 overs. Sophie Munro also made a crucial contribution with her 3 for 25.
Despite an early wicket falling, Sunrisers we able to chase down their target with twelve overs to spare. Captain, Grace Scrivens led from the front scoring her fourth half-century of the campaign. Jodi Grewcock also made a solid contribution with 40 runs off as many balls. It was Lissy MacLeod who hit the winning runs with her side seven down.
The game starts at 10:30 am at Headingley Stadium, Leeds. Tickets are available ONLINE costing £5 for adults and £1 for concessions.
If you can’t make it to the game, you can watch the live stream of the match on Diamond’s YouTube Channel. Additionally you can keep up to date with all the action, view in depth stats and watch clips from The Sunrisers Match Centre, alongside updates on our social media channels. We wish a safe journey to those of you making the trip.
Sunrisers squad to face Diamonds
Grace Scrivens (C)
Amara Carr
Kelly Castle
Kate Coppack
Jo Gardner
Eva Gray
Jodi Grewcock
Cordelia Griffith
Esmae MacGregor
Lissy MacLeod
Abtaha Maqsood
Florence Miller
Sophie Munro
Amu Surenkumar
Comments