Northern Diamonds secured a remarkable three-wicket win against South East Stars in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy clash at Scarborough. Despite a commendable hundred from Sophia Dunkley, the Diamonds’ efficient display on the field and Sterre Kalis’ crucial contribution helped them secure their third win in five games.
Despite a wet outfield, South East Stars decided to bat first. However, their decision immediately backfired as Jess Woolston claimed the wickets of Aylish Cranstone, Kira Chathli, Alice Davidson-Richards, Bryony Smith, and Paige Scholfield inside the first 11 overs. The Diamonds’ new-ball seamer exploited the extra bounce from the Peasholm Park End and decimated the Stars’ top order.
Sophia Dunkley then single-handedly steadied the ship with a classy 101 not out off as many balls. She hit three fours in a 60-ball fifty before reaching 100 off 100 balls, including another four fours and a pulled six. Her innings helped provide South East Stars with a respectable total of 223 all out in a 46-overs-per-side game.
In response, Northern Diamonds made a solid start, with openers Lauren Winfield-Hill and Sterre Kalis sharing an 88-run partnership. Winfield-Hill led the way with 45 off 58 balls, including a pulled six off a Davidson-Richards full toss. As the rain started to fall just before 4.15pm, she chopped on to Ryana Macdonald-Gay’s seam, but the Diamonds were still ahead of the rate.
After the rain delay and upon resumption, the Diamonds lost three quick wickets in the form of Bess Heath, Hollie Armitage, and Chloe Tryon. However, Kalis held her nerve amidst the loss of three quick wickets, with the Diamonds falling from 146 for 2 to 150 for 5. But later, with four needed off the last over from Bryony Smith, Lizzie Scott hit the winning runs with two balls remaining.
The win signifies that the Northern Diamonds have now won three and lost two of their opening five games, while the Stars have the same record but are a point better on 15 ahead of the break for the start of the Charlotte Edwards Cup next week.
Despite losing, Dunkley’s fifth senior century was the highlight of the match. Dunkley’s excellent display provided significant support to England teammate Freya Davies, who contributed 15 to a ninth-wicket stand of 68. Wickets falling around her forced a more reserved approach. But, after Woolston’s new-ball partner Scott struck twice to remove Tash Farrant and Macdonald-Gay, leaving the Stars at 154 for 8 in the 31st over, Dunkley decided to change her approach. She pulled Hollie Armitage’s leg-spin for six and hit another three boundaries to leg.
While Dunkley’s knock was commendable, it was the Diamonds’ efficient display on the field and Sterre Kalis’ crucial contribution that helped them secure the win. Dutch international Kalis finished 66 not out off 98 balls to seal the win. Her performance showcased her nerves of steel, and helped Northern Diamonds claim a hard-fought victory.
