2023 The Blaze (women's cricket) season

Last updated

The Blaze
2023 season
CoachChris Guest
Captain Kirstie Gordon
Overseas player Flag of South Africa.svg Nadine de Klerk
Flag of South Africa.svg Lizelle Lee
RHFT Runners-up
CEC Runners-up
Most runs RHFT: Tammy Beaumont (317)
CEC: Georgie Boyce (200)
Most wickets RHFT: Grace Ballinger (18)
CEC: Nadine de Klerk (15)
Most catches RHFT: Marie Kelly (9)
CEC: Marie Kelly (5)
Most wicket-keeping dismissalsRHFT: Sarah Bryce (17)
CEC: Sarah Bryce (1)

The 2023 season saw The Blaze compete in the 50 over Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy and the Twenty20 Charlotte Edwards Cup. The season was the first since their rebrand as The Blaze, having previously been known as Lightning, with the team also primarily based at Trent Bridge, having previously been based at Loughborough University. [1] [2] The side were runners-up in both competitions. In the Charlotte Edwards Cup, the side finished top of the group stage, winning all seven of their matches, but lost to Southern Vipers in the final. [3] [4] In the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, the side finished second in the group stage before beating South East Stars in the play-off, but again lost in the final to Southern Vipers. [5] [6] [7]

Contents

The side was captained by Kirstie Gordon and coached by Chris Guest. [8] [9] They played two home matches apiece at Trent Bridge, Grace Road, John Fretwell Sporting Complex and Haslegrave Ground, as well as one apiece at the County Ground, Derby and Queen's Park. [10] [11]

Squad

Departures

On 18 April 2023, it was confirmed that Bethan Ellis had left the side, joining Central Sparks. [12] Ahead of the 2023 season, it was confirmed that Katie Midwood, Ilenia Sims, Alicia Presland and Rhiannon Knowling-Davies were no longer in the side's full squad. [8]

Arrivals

On 22 November 2022, it was confirmed that Cassidy McCarthy had joined the side on a retainer contract. [8] On 20 February 2023, The Blaze announced the signing of England players Nat Sciver-Brunt and Sarah Glenn from Northern Diamonds and Central Sparks, respectively. [13] On 23 March 2023, it was announced that the side had signed Nadine de Klerk as an overseas player. [14] In September 2023, Lizelle Lee signed as an overseas player for the side's remaining Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy matches, replacing Nadine de Klerk. [15] In September 2023, Rhiannon Knowling-Davies returned to the full squad, first being named in a matchday squad on 9 September 2023. [16]

Personnel and contract changes

On 16 September 2022, it was announced that Lightning would be moving their regional base from Loughborough University to Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club, and that the name and branding of the team would change. [1] On 11 November 2022, it was announced that the team would now be known as The Blaze. [2] On 22 November 2022, The Blaze announced the players who had signed professional contracts for the upcoming season, with Georgie Boyce and Sophie Munro signing their first such contracts with the side. [8] On 1 February 2023, The Blaze announced a further three players who had been awarded professional contracts with the side, with Grace Ballinger, Teresa Graves and Josie Groves all signing their first such contracts. [17] In April 2023, it was announced that Kirstie Gordon would be the side's new captain, replacing Kathryn Bryce. [18]

Squad list

NameNationalityBirth dateBatting StyleBowling StyleNotes
Batters
Georgie Boyce Flag of England.svg  England 4 October 1998 (aged 24)Right-handedRight-arm medium
Bethany Harmer Flag of England.svg  England 30 October 2000 (aged 22)Right-handedRight-arm off break
Marie Kelly Flag of England.svg  England 9 February 1996 (aged 27)Right-handedRight-arm off break
Lizelle Lee Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa 2 April 1992 (aged 31)Right-handedRight-arm medium Overseas player; September 2023
All-rounders
Kathryn Bryce Flag of Scotland.svg  Scotland 17 November 1997 (aged 25)Right-handedRight-arm medium
Nadine de Klerk Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa 16 January 2000 (aged 23)Right-handedRight-arm medium Overseas player; April to July 2023
Teresa Graves Flag of England.svg  England 10 October 1998 (aged 24)Right-handedRight-arm medium
Nat Sciver-Brunt Flag of England.svg  England 20 August 1992 (aged 30)Right-handedRight-arm medium
Wicket-keepers
Tammy Beaumont Flag of England.svg  England 11 March 1991 (aged 32)Right-handed
Sarah Bryce Flag of Scotland.svg  Scotland 8 January 2000 (aged 23)Right-handed
Ella Claridge Flag of England.svg  England 28 September 2002 (aged 20)Right-handed
Michaela Kirk Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa 30 June 1999 (aged 23)Right-handedRight-arm off break
Bowlers
Grace Ballinger Flag of England.svg  England 3 April 2002 (aged 21)Left-handedLeft-arm medium
Sarah Glenn Flag of England.svg  England 27 August 1999 (aged 23)Right-handedRight-arm leg break
Kirstie Gordon Flag of England.svg  England 20 October 1997 (aged 25)Right-handed Slow left-arm orthodox Captain
Josie Groves Flag of England.svg  England 5 September 2004 (aged 18)Right-handedRight-arm leg break
Lucy Higham Flag of England.svg  England 17 October 1997 (aged 25)Right-handedRight-arm off break
Rhiannon Knowling-DaviesFlag of England.svg  England UnknownRight-handedRight-arm medium Joined September 2023
Cassidy McCarthy Flag of England.svg  England 23 July 2002 (aged 20)Right-handedRight-arm medium
Sophie Munro Flag of England.svg  England 31 August 2001 (aged 21)Right-handedRight-arm medium

Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy

Season standings

PosTeamPldWLTNRBPPts NRR
1 Southern Vipers (Q)1474124380.457
2 The Blaze (Q)1474034380.173
3 South East Stars (Q)1476016360.583
4 Sunrisers 146503232−0.006
5 Central Sparks 146512131−0.233
6 Northern Diamonds 146701430−0.034
7 North West Thunder 143524226−0.274
8 Western Storm 142804016−1.068
Source: England and Wales Cricket Board [5]

  advanced to the final   advanced to the play-off

Fixtures

22 April 2023
10:30
Scorecard
The Blaze
212 (46.4 overs)
v
Central Sparks
153 (48.2 overs)
Tammy Beaumont 60 (77)
Georgia Davis 3/33 (9 overs)
Katie George 31 (37)
Lucy Higham 5/19 (10 overs)
The Blaze won by 59 runs
Trent Bridge, Nottingham
Umpires: Sarah Bartlett and Sue Redfern
  • The Blaze won the toss and elected to bat.
  • Points: The Blaze 5, Central Sparks 0

29 April 2023
10:30
Scorecard
Sunrisers
159 (46 overs)
v
The Blaze
160/7 (35.2 overs)
Cordelia Griffith 43 (65)
Sarah Glenn 4/22 (10 overs)
Tammy Beaumont 64 (75)
Kate Coppack 3/24 (6 overs)
The Blaze won by 3 wickets
County Ground, Chelmsford
Umpires: Sarah Bartlett and Anthony Harris
  • Sunrisers won the toss and elected to bat.
  • Points: The Blaze 5, Sunrisers 0

1 May 2023
10:30
Scorecard
v
Match abandoned
John Fretwell Sporting Complex, Nettleworth
  • No toss.
  • No play was possible due to rain.
  • Points: The Blaze 2, North West Thunder 2

6 May 2023
10:30
Scorecard
Northern Diamonds
62 (18.1 overs)
v
The Blaze
63/6 (18.5 overs)
Bess Heath 9 (15)
Nadine de Klerk 7/33 (9.1 overs)
Marie Kelly 15 (18)
Chloe Tyron 4/16 (7.5 overs)
The Blaze won by 4 wickets
Riverside Ground, Chester-le-Street
Umpires: Jasmine Naeem and Neil Pratt
  • The Blaze won the toss and elected to field.
  • Points: The Blaze 5, Northern Diamonds 0

10 May 2023
10:30
Scorecard
The Blaze
209/9 (50 overs)
v
Western Storm
23/0 (5 overs)
Nadine de Klerk 43 (62)
Chloe Skelton 2/23 (7 overs)
Alex Griffiths 14* (25)
No result
Grace Road, Leicester
Umpires: Anna Harris and Billy Taylor
  • Western Storm won the toss and elected to field.
  • No further play was possible due to rain.
  • Points: The Blaze 2, Western Storm 2

2 July 2023
10:30
Scorecard
The Blaze
245 (49.5 overs)
v
Western Storm
239/7 (50 overs)
Marie Kelly 54 (74)
Nicole Harvey 3/32 (10 overs)
Alex Griffiths 67 (118)
Teresa Graves 2/28 (6 overs)
The Blaze won by 6 runs
County Ground, Bristol
Umpires: Hassan Adnan and Rose Dovey
  • Western Storm won the toss and elected to field.
  • Points: The Blaze 4, Western Storm 0

7 July 2023
10:30
Scorecard
Northern Diamonds
185 (50 overs)
v
The Blaze
189/1 (24.5 overs)
Lauren Winfield-Hill 56 (58)
Sophie Munro 3/35 (10 overs)
Tammy Beaumont 83* (62)
Katie Levick 1/40 (6 overs)
The Blaze won by 9 wickets
Queen's Park, Chesterfield
Umpires: Fiona Richards and James Middlebrook
  • Northern Diamonds won the toss and elected to bat.
  • Points: The Blaze 5, Northern Diamonds 0

11 July 2023
10:30
Scorecard
Southern Vipers
259/7 (50 overs)
v
The Blaze
260/6 (48.2 overs)
Georgia Adams 94* (104)
Nadine de Klerk 3/48 (10 overs)
Marie Kelly 61 (81)
Linsey Smith 2/37 (10 overs)
The Blaze won by 4 wickets
Newclose County Cricket Ground, Newport
Umpires: Julia Jarvis and Rose Dovey
  • The Blaze won the toss and elected to field.
  • Points: The Blaze 4, Southern Vipers 0

17 July 2023
10:30
Scorecard
The Blaze
159 (46.2 overs)
v
South East Stars
161/8 (34.3 overs)
Teresa Graves 56 (96)
Freya Davies 3/28 (9 overs)
Tazmin Brits 85 (63)
Grace Ballinger 3/26 (8 overs)
South East Stars won by 2 wickets (DLS method)
John Fretwell Sporting Complex, Nettleworth
Umpires: Grace Bambury and Chris Watts
  • The Blaze won the toss and elected to bat.
  • Match reduced to 48 overs per side due to rain; South East Stars target was 159.
  • Points: South East Stars 5, The Blaze 0

22 July 2023
10:30
Scorecard
v
Match abandoned
Sedbergh School, Sedbergh
Umpires: Amy Clark and Peter Hartley
  • No toss.
  • No play was possible due to rain.
  • Points: North West Thunder 2, The Blaze 2

5 September 2023
10:30
Scorecard
Central Sparks
189 (49.5 overs)
v
The Blaze
193/7 (45.1 overs)
Bethan Ellis 53 (97)
Josie Groves 3/39 (10 overs)
Nat Sciver-Brunt 66* (71)
Georgia Davis 2/28 (10 overs)
The Blaze won by 3 wickets
Edgbaston Cricket Ground, Birmingham
Umpires: Paul Baldwin and Rose Dovey
  • Central Sparks won the toss and elected to bat.
  • Points: The Blaze 4, Central Sparks 0

10 September 2023
10:30
Scorecard
South East Stars
278 (50 overs)
v
The Blaze
171 (38 overs)
Alice Davidson-Richards 101 (128)
Grace Ballinger 4/54 (10 overs)
Kirstie Gordon 40 (39)
Danielle Gregory 3/32 (7 overs)
South East Stars won by 107 runs
County Ground, Beckenham
Umpires: Grace Bambury and Surendiran Shanmugam
  • South East Stars won the toss and elected to bat.
  • Points: South East Stars 5, The Blaze 0

13 September 2023
10:30
Scorecard
Sunrisers
295/5 (50 overs)
v
The Blaze
265 (48.1 overs)
Grace Scrivens 107 (136)
Teresa Graves 2/25 (6 overs)
Georgie Boyce 104 (126)
Eva Gray 4/31 (10 overs)
Sunrisers won by 30 runs
Haslegrave Ground, Loughborough
Umpires: Anthony Harris and Hassan Adnan
  • The Blaze won the toss and elected to field.
  • Points: Sunrisers 4, The Blaze 0

16 September 2023
10:30
Scorecard
Southern Vipers
288 (49.5 overs)
v
The Blaze
162 (39.1 overs)
Maia Bouchier 64 (68)
Grace Ballinger 4/58 (9.5 overs)
Marie Kelly 56 (62)
Mary Taylor 3/15 (7 overs)
Southern Vipers won by 126 runs
Haslegrave Ground, Loughborough
Umpires: Anthony Harris and Jasmine Naeem
  • The Blaze won the toss and elected to field.
  • Points: Southern Vipers 5, The Blaze 0

Play-off

21 September 2023
10:30
Scorecard
South East Stars
148 (43.5 overs)
v
The Blaze
52/2 (8.4 overs)
Ryana MacDonald-Gay 26 (48)
Marie Kelly 2/7 (3 overs)
Sarah Bryce 34* (26)
Alexa Stonehouse 1/11 (2 overs)
The Blaze won by 8 wickets (DLS method)
County Ground, Beckenham
Umpires: Grace Bambury and James Tredwell
  • South East Stars won the toss and elected to bat.
  • The Blaze innings reduced to 10 overs due to rain; target was 52.

Final

24 September 2023
10:30
Scorecard
The Blaze
200/8 (48 overs)
v
Southern Vipers
203/5 (40.2 overs)
Tammy Beaumont 76 (104)
Linsey Smith 3/30 (10 overs)
Emily Windsor 57* (53)
Josie Groves 3/39 (8 overs)
Southern Vipers won by 5 wickets
County Ground, Northampton
Umpires: Ben Peverall and Rose Dovey
  • Southern Vipers won the toss and elected to field.
  • Match reduced to 48 overs per side due to rain.

Tournament statistics

Batting

PlayerMatches Innings Runs Average High score 100s 50s
Tammy Beaumont 7731752.8383*04
Georgie Boyce 141325321.0810410
Sarah Bryce 131324121.9053*02
Marie Kelly 121223919.916103
Source: ESPN Cricinfo [19] Qualification: 200 runs.

Bowling

PlayerMatches Overs Wickets Average Economy BBI 5wi
Grace Ballinger 13100.41823.444.194/540
Kirstie Gordon 13104.51430.504.073/540
Nadine de Klerk 753.31316.303.967/331
Kathryn Bryce 1389.01328.614.172/170
Lucy Higham 1481.51329.234645/191
Josie Groves 645.01220.505.463/390
Source: ESPN Cricinfo [20] Qualification: 10 wickets.

Charlotte Edwards Cup

Season standings

PosTeamPldWLTNRBPPts NRR
1 The Blaze (Q)770004321.765
2 Southern Vipers (Q)752002220.940
3 North West Thunder (Q)743002180.331
4 Northern Diamonds 74300117−0.129
5 South East Stars 73400012−0.096
6 Western Storm 73400012−0.512
7 Central Sparks 7250008−0.558
8 Sunrisers 7070000−1.717
Source: England and Wales Cricket Board [3]

  advanced to final   advanced to the semi-final

Fixtures

20 May 2023
14:30 BST
Scorecard
South East Stars
160/8 (20 overs)
v
The Blaze
161/5 (19.2 overs)
Phoebe Franklin 53 (43)
Nadine de Klerk 3/21 (3 overs)
Georgie Boyce 63* (38)
Paige Scholfield 2/26 (4 overs)
The Blaze won by 5 wickets
County Ground, Beckenham
Umpires: Chris Watts and Rose Dovey
  • The Blaze won the toss and elected to field.
  • Points: The Blaze 4, South East Stars 0

25 May 2023
16:30 BST
Scorecard
North West Thunder
117/6 (20 overs)
v
The Blaze
120/7 (15.2 overs)
Liberty Heap 26 (32)
Grace Ballinger 2/23 (4 overs)
Tammy Beaumont 38 (21)
Sophie Ecclestone 2/18 (4 overs)
The Blaze won by 3 wickets
Old Trafford Cricket Ground, Manchester
Umpires: Naeem Ashraf and Waseem Mohammed
  • The Blaze won the toss and elected to field.
  • Points: The Blaze 5, North West Thunder 0

26 May 2023
13:00 BST
Scorecard
The Blaze
212/5 (20 overs)
v
Central Sparks
156/6 (20 overs)
Nat Sciver-Brunt 96* (50)
Issy Wong 2/39 (4 overs)
Amy Jones 55 (39)
Nadine de Klerk 2/26 (4 overs)
The Blaze won by 56 runs
Grace Road, Leicester
Umpires: Rose Dovey and Jack Shantry
  • Central Sparks won the toss and elected to field.
  • Points: The Blaze 5, Central Sparks 0

29 May 2023
11:00 BST
Scorecard
Southern Vipers
118 (19.3 overs)
v
The Blaze
119/5 (19.4 overs)
Georgia Adams 31 (27)
Nadine de Klerk 2/10 (3.3 overs)
Tammy Beaumont 49* (40)
Linsey Smith 2/19 (4 overs)
The Blaze won by 5 wickets
County Ground, Derby
Umpires: Hassan Adnan and Simon Widdup
  • The Blaze won the toss and elected to field.
  • Points: The Blaze 4, Southern Vipers 0

2 June 2023
14:30 BST
Scorecard
Northern Diamonds
129/7 (20 overs)
v
The Blaze
133/4 (15.4 overs)
Lauren Winfield-Hill 40 (47)
Nadine de Klerk 3/31 (4 overs)
Sarah Bryce 67* (43)
Abigail Glen 2/23 (3 overs)
The Blaze won by 6 wickets
Riverside Ground, Chester-le-Street
Umpires: Joanne Ibbotson and Simon Widdup
  • Northern Diamonds won the toss and elected to bat.
  • Points: The Blaze 5, Northern Diamonds 0

4 June 2023
11:00 BST
Scorecard
The Blaze
198/6 (20 overs)
v
Sunrisers
114 (20 overs)
Nat Sciver-Brunt 58 (30)
Eva Gray 2/29 (3 overs)
Grace Scrivens 20 (26)
Sarah Glenn 2/9 (3 overs)
The Blaze won by 84 runs
Trent Bridge, Nottingham
Umpires: Anthony Harris and James Tredwell
  • The Blaze won the toss and elected to bat.
  • Points: The Blaze 5, Sunrisers 0

7 June 2023
14:30 BST
Scorecard
Western Storm
134/7 (20 overs)
v
The Blaze
137/3 (18.4 overs)
Emma Corney 23 (32)
Kathryn Bryce 2/17 (4 overs)
Kathryn Bryce 54* (37)
Claire Nicholas 2/24 (4 overs)
The Blaze won by 7 wickets
Sophia Gardens, Cardiff
Umpires: Anna Harris and Ben Peverall
  • The Blaze won the toss and elected to field.
  • Points: The Blaze 4, Western Storm 0

Final

10 & 11 June 2023
16:00 BST
Scorecard
The Blaze
114/8 (20 overs)
v
Southern Vipers
118/3 (14.2 overs)
Marie Kelly 26* (36)
Georgia Adams 2/20 (4 overs)
Danni Wyatt 50 (28)
Lucy Higham 1/16 (2 overs)
Southern Vipers won by 7 wickets
New Road, Worcester
Umpires: Anna Harris and Sue Redfern
Player of the match: Anya Shrubsole (Southern Vipers)
  • The Blaze won the toss and elected to bat.
  • Rain interrupted The Blaze innings at 53/4 from 9.3 overs on 10 June. Play resumed on the reserve day on 11 June.

Tournament statistics

Batting

PlayerMatches Innings Runs Average High score 100s 50s
Georgie Boyce 8820028.5763*01
Nat Sciver-Brunt 4419464.6696*02
Tammy Beaumont 6619138.2049*00
Sarah Bryce 8611523.0067*01
Marie Kelly 8811519.1626*00
Source: ESPN Cricinfo [21] Qualification: 100 runs.

Bowling

PlayerMatches Overs Wickets Average Economy BBI 5wi
Nadine de Klerk 828.31511.406.003/210
Sophie Munro 512.2615.007.292/180
Sarah Glenn 518.0616.005.332/90
Nat Sciver-Brunt 413.0619.669.072/160
Grace Ballinger 822.0627.507.502/230
Kirstie Gordon 726.0628.166.503/290
Source: ESPN Cricinfo [22] Qualification: 5 wickets.

Season statistics

Batting

Player Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy Charlotte Edwards Cup
MatchesInningsRunsHigh scoreAverageStrike rate100s50sMatchesInningsRunsHigh scoreAverageStrike rate100s50s
Grace Ballinger 1372111* 21.0048.83008
Tammy Beaumont 7731783* 52.8385.21046619149* 38.20142.5300
Georgie Boyce 141325310421.0866.57108820063* 28.57123.4501
Kathryn Bryce 13111775116.0970.5101779754* 16.16103.1900
Sarah Bryce 131324153* 21.9069.45028611567* 23.00127.7701
Ella Claridge 43583319.3371.6000
Nadine de Klerk 771044320.8063.8000878321* 20.75115.2700
Sarah Glenn 44793826.3380.6100558143* 27.00112.5000
Kirstie Gordon 1381184029.5057.84007133* 150.0000
Teresa Graves 761185619.6657.8401
Josie Groves 6428139.3382.35003
Bethany Harmer 11111111.0052.380011121212.0070.5800
Lucy Higham 141186248.6052.760082666.0054.5400
Marie Kelly 12122396119.9174.45038811526* 19.16100.0000
Michaela Kirk 54914022.7567.910021000.000.0000
Lizelle Lee 66754012.50104.1600
Cassidy McCarthy 21121212.0092.3000
Sophie Munro 1291834126.1455.9600532112* 21.00131.2500
Nat Sciver-Brunt 116666* 92.95014419496* 64.66174.7702
Source: ESPN Cricinfo [23] [24]

Bowling

Player Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy Charlotte Edwards Cup
MatchesOversWicketsAverageEconomyBBI5wiMatchesOversWicketsAverageEconomyBBI5wi
Grace Ballinger 13100.41823.444.194/540822.0627.507.502/230
Kathryn Bryce 1389.01328.614.172/170712.0417.755.912/170
Nadine de Klerk 753.31316.303.967/331828.31511.406.003/210
Sarah Glenn 419.0510.002.634/220518.0616.005.332/90
Kirstie Gordon 13104.51430.504.073/540726.0628.166.502/290
Teresa Graves 728.5531.205.412/250
Josie Groves 645.01220.505.463/39036.0145.007.501/140
Lucy Higham 1481.51329.234.645/191815.0331.006.201/60
Marie Kelly 1210.0320.006.002/7081.008.000
Cassidy McCarthy 214.0230.504.352/170
Sophie Munro 1235.0821.754.973/350512.2615.007.292/180
Nat Sciver-Brunt 1413.0619.669.072/160
Source: ESPN Cricinfo [23] [24]

Fielding

Player Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy Charlotte Edwards Cup
MatchesInningsCatchesMatchesInningsCatches
Grace Ballinger 13133880
Tammy Beaumont 772661
Georgie Boyce 14144882
Kathryn Bryce 13135772
Ella Claridge 443
Nadine de Klerk 772881
Sarah Glenn 441552
Kirstie Gordon 13136773
Teresa Graves 770
Josie Groves 661330
Bethany Harmer 110110
Lucy Higham 14146881
Marie Kelly 12129885
Michaela Kirk 554221
Lizelle Lee 650
Cassidy McCarthy 220
Sophie Munro 12123551
Nat Sciver-Brunt 111440
Source: ESPN Cricinfo [25] [26]

Wicket-keeping

Player Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy Charlotte Edwards Cup
MatchesInningsCatchesStumpingsMatchesInningsCatchesStumpings
Sarah Bryce 13131258801
Lizelle Lee 6111
Source: ESPN Cricinfo [27] [28]

Related Research Articles

The 2021 season was Lightning's second season, in which they competed in the 50 over Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy and the new Twenty20 competition, the Charlotte Edwards Cup. The side finished fourth in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, with 3 wins from their 7 matches. In the Charlotte Edwards Cup, the side finished bottom of Group A, losing all 6 of their matches.

The 2021 season saw Southern Vipers compete in the 50 over Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, of which they were defending champions, and the new Twenty20 competition, the Charlotte Edwards Cup. The side topped the group stage of the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, winning six of their seven matches and therefore progressing straight to the final. In the final they faced Northern Diamonds, who made 183 batting first. In response, Vipers were reduced to 109/7, but an unbroken partnership of 78 between Emily Windsor and Tara Norris ensured the side defended their title, winning by 3 wickets with 2 balls to spare.

The 2022 season was Central Sparks' third season, in which they competed in the 50 over Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy and the Twenty20 Charlotte Edwards Cup. In the Charlotte Edwards Cup, the side finished second in Group A, winning four of their six matches and progressing to the semi-final as the best second-placed team. They beat South East Stars by 2 wickets in the semi-final, but lost to Southern Vipers by 6 wickets in the final. Central Sparks wicket-keeper batter Amy Jones was named as Player of the Year in the Charlotte Edwards Cup, and was the tournament's leading run-scorer with 289 runs in 8 matches. The side finished fifth in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, winning two of their six matches.

The 2022 season was Lightning's third season, in which they competed in the 50 over Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy and the Twenty20 Charlotte Edwards Cup. In the Charlotte Edwards Cup, the side finished bottom of Group B, winning one of their six matches. The side finished sixth in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, winning two of their six matches.

The 2022 season saw Southern Vipers compete in the 50 over Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, of which they were defending champions, and the Twenty20 Charlotte Edwards Cup. In the Charlotte Edwards Cup, the side went unbeaten through the six group stage matches, therefore qualifying directly for the final. In the final, they beat Central Sparks by 5 wickets with 4.1 overs to spare, therefore claiming their first Charlotte Edwards Cup title.

The 2023 season was Central Sparks' fourth season, in which they competed in the 50 over Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy and the Twenty20 Charlotte Edwards Cup. In the Charlotte Edwards Cup, the side won two of their seven matches, finishing seventh in the group. In the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, the side finished fifth in the group, winning six of their fourteen matches, with one tie and two no results.

The 2023 season was North West Thunder's fourth season, in which they competed in the 50 over Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy and the Twenty20 Charlotte Edwards Cup. In the Charlotte Edwards Cup, the side finished third in the group, winning four matches and progressing to the semi-final. In the semi-final, they lost to Southern Vipers by 18 runs. In the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, the side finished seventh in the group, winning three of their fourteen matches.

The 2023 season was Northern Diamonds' fourth season, in which they competed in the 50 over Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy and the Twenty20 Charlotte Edwards Cup. In the Charlotte Edwards Cup, the side won four of their seven matches, finishing fourth in the group. In the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, the side finished sixth in the group, winning six of their fourteen matches.

The 2023 season was South East Stars' fourth season, in which they competed in the 50 over Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy and the Twenty20 Charlotte Edwards Cup. In the Charlotte Edwards Cup, the side finished fifth in the group, winning three of their seven matches. In the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, the side finished third in the group, winning seven of their fourteen matches and progressing to the play-off. In the play-off, they lost to The Blaze by 8 wickets (DLS).

The 2023 season saw Southern Vipers compete in the 50 over Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy and the Twenty20 Charlotte Edwards Cup. The side won both competitions, completing the domestic double: in the Charlotte Edwards Cup, the side finished second in the group before defeating North West Thunder in the play-off and The Blaze in the final, whilst in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy the side won the initial group stage before again defeating The Blaze in the final.

The 2023 season was Sunrisers' fourth season, in which competed in the 50 over Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy and the Twenty20 Charlotte Edwards Cup. In the Charlotte Edwards Cup, the side finished bottom of the group, losing all of their seven matches. In the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, the side finished fourth, winning six of their fourteen matches, their first wins in the history of the competition.

The 2023 season saw Western Storm compete in the 50 over Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy and the Twenty20 Charlotte Edwards Cup. In the Charlotte Edwards Cup, the side won three of their seven matches, finishing sixth in the group. In the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, the side finished bottom of the group, winning two of their fourteen matches.

The 2024 season was Central Sparks' fifth season, in which they competed in the 50 over Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy and the Twenty20 Charlotte Edwards Cup. In the Charlotte Edwards Cup, the side won six of their ten group stage matches, finishing fourth and progressing to the semi-finals, where they lost to The Blaze. In the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, the side finished seventh in the group, winning five of their fourteen matches.

The 2024 season was North West Thunder's fifth season, in which they competed in the 50 over Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy and the Twenty20 Charlotte Edwards Cup. In the Charlotte Edwards Cup, the side won three of their ten matches, finishing fifth in the group. In the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, the side finished sixth in the group, winning five of their fourteen matches.

The 2024 season was Northern Diamonds' fifth season, in which they competed in the 50 over Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy and the Twenty20 Charlotte Edwards Cup. In the Charlotte Edwards Cup, the side won three of their ten matches, finishing sixth in the group. In the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, the side finished won nine of their fourteen group stage matches to finish top of the group, before losing to Sunrisers in the semi-finals.

The 2024 season was South East Stars' fifth season, in which they competed in the 50 over Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy and the Twenty20 Charlotte Edwards Cup. In the Charlotte Edwards Cup, the side finished second in the group stages, winning seven of their ten matches to progress to the knockout stages. They defeated Southern Vipers in the semi-final before losing to The Blaze in the final. In the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, the side again finished second in the group, winning nine of their fourteen matches and progressing to the knockout stages. In the semi-final, they again defeated Southern Vipers before losing to Sunrisers in the final.

The 2024 season saw Southern Vipers compete in the 50 over Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy and the Twenty20 Charlotte Edwards Cup. The side reached the semi-final stage in both competitions: in the Charlotte Edwards Cup, the side finished third in the group, winning six of their ten matches, before losing to South East Stars in the semi-final, whilst in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy the side again finished third in the group, winning seven of their fourteen matches, before again losing to South East Stars in the semi-final.

The 2024 season was Sunrisers' fifth season, in which competed in the 50 over Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy and the Twenty20 Charlotte Edwards Cup. In the Charlotte Edwards Cup, the side finished bottom of the group, winning two of their ten matches. In the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, the side finished fourth in the group stage, winning seven of their fourteen matches to qualify for the knockout stages. They defeated group winners Northern Diamonds in the semi-final and South East Stars in the final to win their first-ever trophy.

The 2024 season saw The Blaze compete in the 50 over Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy and the Twenty20 Charlotte Edwards Cup. The season was their second since their rebrand as The Blaze, having previously been known as Lightning. In the Charlotte Edwards Cup, the side finished top of the group stage, winning nine of their ten matches, before defeating Central Sparks in the semi-finals and South East Stars in the final to win their first ever trophy. In the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, the side finished fifth in the group, winning seven of their fourteen matches.

The 2024 season saw Western Storm compete in the 50 over Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy and the Twenty20 Charlotte Edwards Cup. In the Charlotte Edwards Cup, the side won two of their ten matches, finishing seventh in the group. In the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, the side finished bottom of the group, winning four of their fourteen matches.

References

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  2. 1 2 "Trent Bridge - Based Women's Regional Team Announced as 'The Blaze'". England and Wales Cricket Board. 11 November 2022. Retrieved 2 October 2023.
  3. 1 2 "Charlotte Edwards Cup 2023/Tables". England and Wales Cricket Board. Retrieved 1 October 2023.
  4. "Danni Wyatt, Anya Shrubsole star as Southern Vipers defend Charlotte Edwards Cup in style". ESPN Cricinfo. 10 June 2023. Retrieved 2 October 2023.
  5. 1 2 "Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy 2023". England and Wales Cricket Board. Retrieved 1 October 2023.
  6. "Blaze emerge victorious after the deluge to book RHF final spot". ESPN Cricinfo. 21 September 2023. Retrieved 2 October 2023.
  7. "Windsor ties knot on Southern Vipers domestic double". ESPN Cricinfo. 24 September 2023. Retrieved 2 October 2023.
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  12. "Central Sparks 2023 Squad Announcement". Central Sparks. 18 April 2023. Retrieved 2 October 2023.
  13. "England Trio Sign for The Blaze Ahead of 2023". Trent Bridge. 20 February 2023. Retrieved 2 October 2023.
  14. "de Klerk Commits to Blaze Ahead of Region's Inaugural Season". Trent Bridge. 21 March 2023. Retrieved 2 October 2023.
  15. "Lizelle Lee Signs for 50-over Run-In". Trent Bridge. 30 August 2023. Retrieved 2 October 2023.
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