Central Sparks batter & wicket-keeper Abbey Freeborn insists she and the rest of the squad can ‘go all the way’ in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, as they get set to face the Northern Diamonds on the back of two straight wins.
Freeborn, who has been a consistent batter, and an ever-present in the Sparks side so far this season heaped praise on her teammates and insists that the squad can go all the way in the 50 overs format this year.
Freeborn said: “As a team we are real contenders in this competition, and we can definitely go all the way.
“We just need to get the right balance at the right times. It’s a really strong competition, but with the talent we have on our side, I truly believe we can push all the way.”
So far through the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, the Sparks have won four, lost two and tied one with their most recent game being abandoned due to the weather. In their last played home game, the Sparks beat Thunder at New Road.
In that game, Freeborn scored (67) and batted extremely well. On her individual performances this season, she said: “I absolutely love the 50 over competition. I think for me it’s about having so much time to bat and really get in the battle with the opposition.
“Also, because it’s such a long game, the momentum generally changes a lot throughout and can really go either way.
“I’m chuffed that we managed to win that game after the start we had, and it really showed our fight as a team. It’s always my aim to score as many runs as possible and would love to do that again this week.”
Since returning to the RHFT, Sparks haven’t lost a game with one of the three being called off. They travel to Leeds to take on the Diamonds at Headingley on Saturday and Freeborn admits the vibe in camp is good right now.
She added: “I think it’s safe to say that we’re in a close group. Which helps in training and matches when things are getting tough.
“I like to think that I play a stable role in the squad and enjoy spending time with everyone.
“For me, if we have good relationships with each other outside of cricket as well as in then we’re a happy camp and are one step closer to winning.”