Leah stars in final win at Lord’s

Sherburn’s Leah Dobson helped Northern Diamonds win their first-ever Rachel Heyhoe Flint Trophy on Sunday, as they overcame holders Southern Vipers in a thrilling final at Lord’s.

The Diamonds were encouraged by a good start with England opener Lauren Winfield-Hill making 65 but on her dismissaltheteamstumbledafter losing four wickets for just six runs to 119-5.

Bess Heath (44) and Dobson then forged a 85 run partnershiptorescuethesituation, withDobson(34no)guidingthe sideto215-9fromtheir50overs.

The Diamonds, who had trained during the week at North Marine Road in preparation for the final, claimed two early wickets through Linsey Smith and academy star Lizzie Scott, but England stars Maia Bouchier(48)andCharlieDean, who made 32, kept their side in the game.

Vipers' skipper Georgia Adams made a fine 70 but once she was superbly stumped by Winfield-Hill, off the bowling of Katie Levick, the Diamonds edged ahead and the leg-spinner held her nerve in the final over to secure the trophy with a two-run win.

Dobson, who missed the start of the summer following knee surgery, was delighted with the win, and said: “To achieve this win after being so closeinpreviousyearsisawonderful effort by all players and coaches involved."

The Diamonds went throughtheentiretournament group stages unbeaten and the 20-year-oldDobsonadded:“For me to contribute in this showpiecefinalatLordsagainstsuch good opposition, and support my team mates, makes this so worthwhile.”