Match Preview and Squad News: Southern Vipers vs Thunder
Squad News
Thunder's squad will look to take momentum from Tuesday's victory at Guildford into Saturday's Vipers clash with Two changes to the squad.
Emma Lamb joins up with England ahead of their ODI series against Sri Lanka alongside Thunder teammate Kate Cross.
In her place comes 19-year-old Liberty Heap, who played an important role in Thunder's batting line-up on their road to Charlotte Edwards' Cup finals day.
Alice Clarke also comes in for Danielle Collins, who picked up a niggle against South East Stars.
Squad
Ellie Threlkeld*, Olivia Bell, Alice Clarke, Naomi Dattani, Laura Delany, Phoebe Graham, Liberty Heap, Laura Jackson, Hannah Jones, Fi Morris, Daisy Mullan, Tara Norris, Seren Smale
Match Preview
Ellie Threlkeld says Thunder are brimming with confidence as they bid to secure a top-three finish for knockout qualification in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy.
Thunder started September in sizzling fashion on Tuesday as they swept aside the South East Stars in their first of four remaining group matches, winning by six wickets chasing 145.
Off-spinner Liv Bell claimed four wickets before Emma Lamb hit 50 as Thunder won their second game in 11 to move into fifth place on 22 points - four behind the Stars, who still remain third.
But Thunder’s victory at Guildford has helped to compact the race for qualification.
The Blaze are flying at the top on 38 points from 11 and will almost certainly qualify directly for the Northampton final later this month. But directly below them, six teams are separated by only seven points with 15 still play for. The fourth-placed Vipers are one of those.
That means Saturday’s clash between the Vipers and Thunder is a huge one. Though, seemingly, that’s when the Thunder bring out their best cricket.
After a slow start in the early-summer Charlotte Edwards Cup, they won four of their last five games to qualify for the Finals Day. And, if Tuesday’s win over Stars is anything to go by, they look ideally set up to do similar again at the back end of the season.
Captain Threlkeld said: “The group’s in a really good place now. Confidence is high, and it’s really exciting.
“It was a real good team performance at Guildford, which is always good. Everyone played their part. We bowled really well with the new ball, and then the spinners backed it up on a turning pitch. It made the run chase pretty easy in the end.
“Looking at the table, it’s not unrealistic for us to qualify now. It looks wide open. If we can go on a run like we did at the back end of the T20s, we’ve got a great chance.
“We’ll try and win these last three games and see where we’re at.”
Thunder have never beaten two-time champions Vipers, but they oh so nearly did at Southport in July when the two teams finished on 262-8 and tied.
Threlkeld hit a run-a-ball 60 adding to a blistering 51 not out from former Viper Tara Norris to pull a game out of the fire.
If that game was heart-stopping, Tuesday’s game against the Stars was a walk in the park for Threlkeld and co - set up by a superb bowling performance in which Bell led the way with her four wickets but was supported by three wickets for fellow off-spinner Fi Morris and two for new ball quick Phoebe Graham.
Norris also struck once, while left-arm spinner Hannah Jones returned an encouraging 0-11 from five overs in her first game of the season following a long-term shoulder injury.
“Jonesy has had a big injury, so was nice to see her back,” said Threlkeld.
“I’ve known her for a long time, and to see what she’s gone through and the hard work she’s put in to get back. And nothing has changed. She was still bowling overs and going for no runs.
“Liv’s also someone I’ve spent a lot of time with in the winter in the indoor nets, and she’s got her opportunity and grabbed it. She’s going to be a really exciting player.”
Thunder’s dominance was highlighted by the fact new Irish overseas signing Laura Delany’s contribution was only minimal. She only hit six not out at the end of the chase and didn’t bowl.
“That’s just testament to everyone else doing their job,” continued wicketkeeper-batter Threlkeld.
“Laura’s come in and fitted in well around the group. She will be needed over the next three games, and I’m sure she will contribute.”
Delany’s experience will also be a big help to 24-year-old Threlkeld as a young captain.
“That was something I was really excited about when I knew we were signing her,” she said. “I’m someone who’s always keen to learn, and I’m sure I’ll be taking her for a few coffees over the next few weeks. You’ve always got to buy the overseas a coffee, don’t you!”
If Thunder are going to qualify, they will have to do it the hard way. Their next two games, for example, are against Vipers and then Northern Diamonds at Sale on Wednesday. Those two regions have shared all three RHFT titles so far.
“I’m not sure whether we’ll need to win all three games,” added Threlkeld.
“But the next two are huge with the Vipers and Diamonds being either side of us in the table.
“Both teams have got players missing to England, as have we. But when that happens, it’s down to the domestic players to step up. And that’s happening more and more now. That’s great to see across the board, and it’s really exciting.
“Momentum’s key in cricket, and hopefully Tuesday’s win can give us that.”
Vipers beat Diamonds by three runs at South Northumberland Cricket Club on Tuesday.
Opposing Player to watch
Vipers captain Georgia Adams, a Sussex player in county cricket, is amongst the top three leading run-scorers in this season’s Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy.
She has scored 347 runs in eight innings so far, including a best of 94 not out. She is also their leading wicket-taker with 13.
Adams, 29, is a measured top order batter who bowls off-spin. She is perhaps not a frontline spinner, but she is certainly much, much better than a part-timer.
A four-time trophy winning captain, Adams has arguably been the best player in the regional era. And it’s a surprise that she is yet to earn England recognition.
Previous meeting
Thunder and Vipers played out a breathtaking RHF Trophy tie at Southport and Birkdale CC in early July, with both teams finishing on 262-8. Ellie Threlkeld (60) and Tara Norris (51 not out) were Thunder’s stars in pursuit.
Emily Windsor top-scored with 49 for Vipers as they batted first, while Laura Jackson and Emma Lamb struck twice apiece for the hosts.
In reply, Thunder slipped to 168-7 after 41 overs, needing 95 more to win in nine overs. Step forwards captain Threlkeld and former Viper Norris, who were outstanding.
They shared 64 inside seven overs. Threlkeld scored her runs off as many balls, while Norris added the impetus with some clean and brutal hitting.
But, when Threlkeld was trapped lbw by Adams, Thunder had it all to do at 232-7 after 48 overs. That came down to 16 needed off the last over, bowled by Georgia Adams, and nine off the last two balls.
But brilliant Norris hit a six and a two to tie, finishing on 51 off 27 balls.