Preview: South East Stars vs Central Sparks: Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy
Central Sparks travel to Beckenham to take on the South East Stars in round three of the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy as we look to get back to winning ways.
Match Details:
Game: South East Stars vs Central Sparks
Date: Saturday 27 April
Location: The County Ground, Beckenham
Game start: 10:30am
Sparks come into Saturday’s game off the back of a defeat at Wormsley against the Southern Vipers, before that though, Lloyd Tennant’s side were victorious over The Blaze. A mixed start to the campaign, with a trip to face the unbeaten Stars next on the list.
There have been some impressive performances from the Sparks so far this season, most noticeably Emily Arlott and Katie George. Arlott took two wickets in the season opener, while George scored a half-century against Vipers on Wednesday.
After losing to last year’s competition winners, the game at Beckenham will serve as a great challenge for Sparks to try to get back to winnings ways.
The Opposition:
Having played two won two, the Stars look strong, especially with opening batters Bryony Smith and Tash Farrant. They won a thriller at Beckenham against the Vipers on the opening day, followed by a convincing win over The Blaze in the week.
Captain Smith leads her side well, and with Ryana MacDonald-Gay taking career best figures of (5-31) recently, Saturday’s hosts will be up for the fight.
The game is free to enter for spectators.
Past Meeting:
It was Stars who won the latest meeting between the two sides, a game at Edgbaston to end the 2023 campaign. Before that though, Sparks came out on top with a superb team performance at Guildford where there were half-centuries for both Charis Pavely and Issy Wong.
Team News:
Both sides will announce a squad later today.
How to watch:
You can watch the game via South East Stars’ live stream on their YouTube channel.