Northern Diamonds’ experienced trio of Katie Levick, Lauren Winfield-Hill, and Hollie Armitage led the team to a dominant nine-wicket victory over Thunder in their opening match of the season at Chester-le-Street.
Levick, a veteran legspinner, spearheaded the Diamonds’ bowling attack, claiming 4 for 38 as Thunder was dismissed for 165 in 43.1 overs. The visitors’ innings was anchored by Seren Smale’s 32, but they struggled to build substantial partnerships.
In response, Winfield-Hill and Armitage, both England internationals, guided the Diamonds to a comfortable victory with unbeaten half-centuries. Winfield-Hill struck 69*, while Armitage contributed 61* as the hosts reached the target in just 34.3 overs.
Thunder’s batting woes began early when Emma Lamb was dismissed for a duck by Jessica Woolston. Smale showed some resistance, but she lacked support from her teammates. Australian debutant Katie Mack made a promising start with 19, but she was trapped in front by Abi Glenn.
Glenn then bowled Fi Morris for a first-ball duck, leaving Thunder reeling at 40 for 3. The umpires were kept busy as both Ellie Threlkeld and Smale departed leg-before, with Smale’s 32 being the highest score of the innings.
Levick turned the screw, taking the last three wickets to fall and finishing with impressive figures of 4 for 38 from 9.1 overs. Thunder’s total of 165 proved to be well below par.
Winfield-Hill and Sterre Kalis attacked from the outset of the Diamonds’ innings, putting pressure on Thunder’s bowlers. Phoebe Graham and Mahika Gaur bowled tightly, but they failed to make a breakthrough until the 14th over when Kalis was caught for 28.
Armitage joined Winfield-Hill at the crease, and the pair put on a match-winning partnership. They attacked Thunder’s bowlers, particularly Norris and Morris, with some powerful hitting. Winfield-Hill reached her half-century, and Armitage followed suit in the 34th over.
The century partnership was completed shortly before the winning runs were hit, leaving Winfield-Hill and Armitage unbeaten at the close. The Diamonds secured a bonus-point victory, setting the tone for a promising start to their season.
