Georgia Adams inspires Southern Vipers to fourth win in a row

Georgia Adams led by example with a fine 89 as Southern Vipers continued their 100 per cent record in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy with a 49-run victory over Sunrisers.

Vipers captain Adams was the only player to score more than 39 on a tricky slow wicket as she took her season tally to 225 runs.

Left arm seamer Tara Norris claimed 3-37 to take her to 11 scalps in the competition, while Maia Bouchier snaffled three stunning catches as winless Sunrisers could only reach 183 in reply.

Adams, having won the toss and chosen to bat, was involved in a run out with opening partner Ella McCaughan and was dropped on three in the opening stages.

But took the lead with partnerships of 34, 64, 41 and 44 with Bouchier, Charlie Dean, Paige Scholfield and Emily Windsor.

It was the partnership with Dean, who struck 39 off 41 balls despite a sluggish start, which sped up the run rate and laid the platform for an above par score.

Adams excelled at waiting for short balls and thrashing into the leg side, scoring 61 of her runs between square and straight, and reached her half-century in 80 balls.

She departed when she was run out, one of four Vipers batters dismissed in the manner, as the hosts lost three wickets for one run.

But the tail, led by Carla Rudd’s 19, managed to add 48 in the last 10 overs to set Sunrisers 233 to win.

Sunrisers’ chase saw full-time professionals Amara Carr and Cordelia Griffith fall within the first seven balls.

Lissy MacLeod (35) and Naomi Dattani (20) added 48 for the third wicket and Katie Castle and Jo Gardner put on 63 for the sixth wicket.

But despite the partnerships, Vipers controlled the chase with accurate bowling, with Norris’ treble, joined by two-fors for spinners Charlie Dean (2-35) and Providence Cowdrill (2-21).

Adams said: “It couldn’t really be going better for us. We are really pleased that we managed to get the bonus point as that could be critical in this competition.

“We came into the match knowing the wicket would be a bit slow and would turn.

“We didn’t get off to the start with the bat but we have shown so much character across the tournament and put in consistent team performances were everyone is contributing.

“I’m really pleased we are doing so well but I don’t think we have played to our full potential yet.

“I can’t say I ever felt properly in out there. Everyone was saying that was the best I had looked but I felt much better in the other games.

“With the wickets falling at the other end I knew I had to dig in and help us get to 200 plus, so I was happy to get a few.”