The Blaze began their campaign in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy 2023 with a 59-run victory over Central Sparks at Trent Bridge, led by off-spinner Lucy Higham’s standout performance of her career-best five wickets for 19 runs.
Batting first, The Blaze ended up scoring 212 in 46.4 overs, thanks to opener Tammy Beaumont who smashed a brilliant half-century. Beaumont scored 60 from 77 balls, including 10 fours.
Apart from Beaumont, Georgie Boyce (28 off 38), Sarah Glenn (38 off 46), and Lucy (24 off 39) chipped in with valuable contributions to take the team to a competitive total. Georgia Davis (3/33), Emily Arlott (3/41) and Grace Potts (3/46) all picked up three wickets each for the Sparks.
In response, the Eve Jones-led side got bundled out for just 153, losing the contest by 59 runs. Lucy, who did well with the bat, wreaked havoc with the ball and bagged a sensational five-wicket haul for just 19 runs in her quota of 10 overs, including 2 maidens. Katie George with 31 from 37 was the top-scorer for the Sparks.
