Elwiss the star for Vipers in a thrilling win

Georgia Elwiss’ century and clutch death bowling edged Southern

Vipers to a nerve-shattering one-run victory over Sunrisers in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy.

England all-rounder Elwiss, below, struck her first List A century since 2013 and her highest format score with a sublime 112 before defending eight from the final over, writes ALEX SMITH.

Sunrisers, still yet to win in the format, smashed their highest score in the competition and had they been successful their chase of 309 would have been the highest in English women’s domestic cricket on a belting Cloudfm County Ground pitch in Chelmsford.

Vipers are now confirmed a place in the Eliminator, with victory over Northern Diamonds on Saturday enough to send them straight to the final.

Georgia Adams (50) and Paige Scholfield (29) provided support to Elwiss.

An imposing chase seemed much easier as Cordelia Griffith and Grace Scrivens smoothly chipped 75 runs off with little worry.

Scrivens was bowled by Adams for an enterprising 30 but Griffith (91) and Lissy Macleod (79) totted up 112, a record partnership for the Sunrisers, as a maiden victory looked in their grasp.

Fran Wilson clubbed an unbeaten 65 off 51 balls. But needing eight to win off the final, and then six off the final ball, the England batter could only sweep the final delivery for four.

Elwiss said: ‘It was probably one of the most exciting games of cricket I’ve been involved in for a while.

‘You generally think with 300 runs on the board you are tuned in for a win!

‘They made it tough for us out there.’