Preview: Central Sparks vs South East Stars (Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy)
Match Details:
Game - Central Sparks vs South East Stars
Competition - Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy
Venue - Moseley Cricket Club (Streetsbrook Road, Shirley, Solihull, B90 3PE)
Game start - 10:30am
In what will be the final ever home game for the Sparks, the side, still under the interim charge of Darren Franklin will head to Moseley in good spirits as they come into the game off the back of two wins.
The back to back victories came away from home against Western Storm, and at Visit Worcestershire New Road in a demolition of the Southern Vipers. The first time Sparks went back to back since back in June in the run up to Charlotte Edwards Cup Finals Day.
A real collective effort since the return of domestic cricket after The Hundred drew to a close and Sparks have certainly delivered some of their sharpest cricket. Taking quick wickets and piling on runs - the team have been playing with the shackles off.
In the most recent win against Vipers, it was the bowlers who were on top form yet again as Em Arlott (4-15) and Charis Pavely (4-31) ripped apart the away side's order that day. Then, in reply, Ami Campbell dished out her biggest score of the season (48) in a game which Sparks wrapped up the win from just 39 overs.
Not the first time individual performances have won Sparks games this season, but the whole squad have contributed in some way since last Monday to help the team to back to back wins and they'll hope to finish the campaign strongly when Stars come to the West Midlands on Wednesday.
The Opposition
The South East Stars have had quite a strong season, and with tomorrow's game meaning a huge amount to Johann Myburgh's side, the yellow and blue will be fighting to end Sparks' new unbeaten run.
Sitting in third place in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy table, Stars' semi-final place is all but confirmed and one more win should confirm their top four spot. Seven wins from their 12 matches thus far, the Stars are on course to match how they finished up the T20 competition after reaching Finals Day in that.
With a solid (402) runs, Stars captain Bryony Smith currently sits within the top 10 of run-scorers in the RHFT in 2024. As well as Smith's exploits gripping the bat, Ryana MacDonald-Gay is atop the rankings with the most wickets (21). A position which Sparks spinner Georgia Davis held at this point last season. Kalea Moore is also having a decent season after taking (13) wickets in this year's competition.
Head to Head
Most recently in Canterbury, Sparks defeated Wednesday's visitors in the CEC in a game where Arlott bagged her second career hat-trick. In the only other game between the two in 2024, Stars were victorious at Beckenham back in April.
The points are usually shared between the sides, with each having a good record against each other. Sparks' last win in 50 over cricket versus the Stars was in Guildford in July last year wherw both Pavely and Issy Wong scored maiden half-centuries and Katie George finished with figures of (3-30), with her final wicket putting the game on ice down south.
In a crunch game at Edgbaston this time last year, both Sparks and Stars were in contention to reach the RHFT play-offs, with a win required in the final fixture of the 2023 season. Myburgh's team came out on the right side of things that day, so tomorrow's match certainly has a lot to live up to.
Team News:
Sparks will include academy player Sophie Beech in their matchday squad for the first time, while fellow youth players Meg Austin and Hannah Hardwick are selected for the third straight game. After the departure of 5 year-captain Eve Jones, Abbey Freeborn is set to take up the role of captaincy.
Full squad: Emily Arlott, Meg Austin, Chloe Brewer, Sophie Beech, Ami Campbell, Bethan Ellis, Abbey Freeborn, Ria Fackrell, Katie George, Hannah Hardwick, Charis Pavely, Davina Perrin & Grace Potts.
How to Watch:
Wednesday's battle against South East Stars is free entry, with the game being held at Moseley Cricket Club. Alternatively, a live stream of the fixture will be available via our YouTube channel which can be found here.
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