Overview:
Fixture: Central Sparks v Southern Vipers
Competition: Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy
Date: Monday 1 May 2023
Game start: 10.30am
Venue: Wormsley cricket club
Central Sparks
After a week one defeat to the Blaze, the Sparks bought it back and beat the Northern Diamonds convingly in their opening home game of the 2023 season by seven wickets. It was a disappointing start, playing on a tough pitch at Trent Bridge, but the first game in front of a home crowd was a pleasing one, winning with 12 overs to spare.
The bowling performance was strong, bowling the Diamonds out for 161. Georgia Davis was the pick of the bowlers with 4/19, also Issy Wong and Katie George picked up wickets. On to the batting and after a big 67 from captain Eve Jones, the Sparks comfortable achieved victory.
Sitting 5th in the group after two games is a good place to be, with another win meaning Lloyd Tennant’s can move into the play-off spots as they head to Manchester to face the Thunder next weekend.
Southern Vipers
With the same run of games for the Vipers, they also have a share of the points from two games, having lost one and won the other. The side, led by Charlotte Edwards do have a strong outfit, which has been on show in the two games thus far.
Captain Georgia Adams and England player Danni Wyatt are in the ranks, along with opening batter Bouchier, there is a wealth of talent and experience in the visiting team.
The T20, Charlotte Edwards Cup winners from last season, will be hoping to have a better Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy campaign than 2022, which has seen a mixed start.
In their last outing, the Vipers beat the South East Stars by 158 runs.
Player to watch
With the Vipers having some strong players in their squad, but with the impact experience does have on some teams, Danni Wyatt is a player to watch for the Vipers. Having the experience of batting in the England set-up, she will play a key role for Edwards’ side as the Southern side look to make it two wins from three.
Wyatt has posted many runs over the years, and coming in at three, she will be looking to post more at Wormsley and trouble the Sparks bowlers.
Head-to-head
In fixtures dating back to 2021 between the two sides, the Vipers have come out on top three times, to the Sparks’ two.
Ticketing information
Entry for the game is free, with anybody being able to come along and watch at Wormsley cricket club.
Stokenchurch, Buckinghamshire, HP14 3YE, Wormsley cricket club
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