Preview: Central Sparks vs Northern Diamonds (Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy)
Central Sparks return to Edgbaston to host the Northern Diamonds in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, as Lloyd Tennant’s side will look to get their first win since the opening game of the season.
Match Details:
Game: Central Sparks vs Northern Diamonds
Competition: Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy
Date: Saturday 4 May
Venue: Edgbaston Stadium
Sparks will go into Saturday’s encounter off the back of three straight losses but having shown plenty of character in the recent defeats, Tennant’s side have enough belief and talent to turn things around.
In Wednesday’s loss against Sunrisers, Sparks’ Abbey Freeborn top-scored with an impressive (93) and new overseas signing Courtney Webb hit (28) before being dismissed. Katie George was a strong performer in the field taking three catches, which included an excellent diving effort at second slip.
There’s been many positive showings from a Sparks perspective to believe their fortunes will turn around, but a disappointing start to the new campaign, nonetheless. A start that could be flipped on its head as the West Midlands outfit host a Diamonds team who travel to Edgbaston off the back of a loss to the only side Sparks have beaten so far this season.
A venue in which Sparks won on the opening day of the season, Edgbaston will be where they hope to do it again against Danielle Hazell’s side who’ve returned two wins and two losses from the opening four fixtures.
The Opposition:
After four games, the Diamonds have looked in decent shape with two wins and as many defeats to start, but with England’s Bess Heath back in the side, the Northern outfit will look to bounce back to winning ways themselves after a loss at home to The Blaze in Scarborough earlier this week.
Former Spark Erin Burns has been a good addition for Saturday’s visitors, having scored 53 runs and taken 8 wickets in the four games thus far. Linking up in the top five with batters Lauren Winfield-Hill and Hollie Armitage, add Heath to that and Diamonds’ batting line-up against Sparks’ bowling attack, should make for a great game.
Past Meeting:
The last competitive meeting between the two came in this competition in July last year which Sparks came out on top in (5 wicket win by DLS). It was youngster Charis Pavely who hit the winning runs, in a game where George scored a half-century for Sparks, while she and spinner Georgia Davis took two wickets each.
The two sides were out on tour in Mumbai for pre-season and met on three occasions in India. Sparks won each of those meetings, but Saturday will be the first time the sides will have faced each other competitively for 10 months.
Team News:
Diamonds have named an unchanged team to the one that faced The Blaze on Wednesday. Sparks side will be released shortly.
How to watch:
The game will be available on a live stream via the Central Sparks YouTube account, otherwise tickets can be purchased online here!
Enjoy the game.
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