Taylor bags six to help Vipers to Trophy win

Charlotte Taylor’s six-wicket return ensured the Southern Vipers claimed the inaugural Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy.

After winning all six of their group games, the Vipers defended 232 to beat Northern Diamonds by 38 runs at Edgbaston.

An enthralling game which swung back and forth throughout saw the Diamonds well placed at 74-1 in the 15th over of their chase.

They then crashed to 96 for six in the 23rd as Southampton-born off-spinner Taylor, below, struck the decisive blows.

She had opener Hollie Armitage (26) caught at backward point, Alex MacDonald out hit wicket, Jenny Gunn trapped lbw and Bess Heath caught at deep mid-wicket.

The Diamonds were eventually bowled out for 193 inside 43 overs, with 26-year-old Taylor also trapping Beth Langston lbw and getting Netherlands international Sterre Kalis caught at mid-on for 55 on the way to a fabulous 6-34 from 10 overs - the best haul from any bowler in the tournament.

Vipers captain Georgia Adams had earlier continued her stunning form with 80 off 102 balls, including 11 fours, at the top of the order as she underpinned 231 all out and moved to 500 competition runs in the process.

She shared a century opening partnership with Ella McCaughan (35) having been inserted, only for the Diamonds to drag things back impressively as leg-spinners Katie Levick and Hollie Armitage shared five wickets.

After Adams and McCaughan shared 100 inside 24 overs, their side’s fourth century opening stand in seven games, the Vipers were in a dominant position at 150-1 in the 32nd over.

Adams was particularly strong square of the wicket, reaching 50 for the fourth time in the competition off 68 balls.

Maia Bouchier, however, looked more fluent at the crease and was punishing through the covers and over the top on the way to 28.

With herself and Adams together - they shared 50 inside eight overs after McCaughan had feathered left-arm spinner Linsey Smith behind - a total nearing 300 was not unrealistic on a pacy surface with a fast outfield.

But things changed in a flash. Captain Lauren Winfield-Hill, back from England’s T20 bubble, brought Armitage into the attack, and she struck first ball with a long hop which Bouchier pulled to mid-on.

Almost 12 overs later, the Vipers were 191-8, with Armitage striking again added to three wickets for Levick, who trapped Havant’s

Charlie Dean and Carla Rudd lbw and removed Adams caught at deep mid-wicket.

However, there was to be a late twist as the Vipers were boosted by an industrious 37 off 48 balls from Portsmouth-born Emily Windsor to ensure they went beyond 230 at the end of their 50 overs.