Sunrisers’ Grace Scrivens Shines with Century in Victory over Central Sparks
In a thrilling encounter at Kidderminster, Sunrisers extended their impressive start to the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy season with a five-wicket triumph over Central Sparks. The victory was orchestrated by a magnificent century from Grace Scrivens, who guided her team to a comfortable chase of Sparks’ 213 all out.
Sparks’ innings began disastrously as they lost both openers for ducks. Abi Freeborn’s composed 93 provided the backbone of their total, but disciplined bowling from Kate Coppack (3-26) and Nicola Hancock (3-34) restricted them to a modest score.
In response, Sunrisers’ chase was anchored by Scrivens’ masterful 118 not out off 123 deliveries. Her innings was a symphony of strokeplay, featuring 12 boundaries and a towering six. Scrivens’ partnership with Cordelia Griffith (37) laid the foundation for the victory, and despite a brief Sparks resurgence, she remained resolute, guiding her team to victory with 10.2 overs to spare.
Scrivens’ performance was a testament to her current form and confidence. “I’m feeling nice at the moment and when you are feeling nice you have to cash in,” she said. “I was just happy I did that today and helped get us over the line.”
Sparks captain Eve Jones acknowledged the challenges her team faced. “We bowled well up top to take some wickets and then bowled well through the middle too,” she said. “Sometimes you can let things drift when you don’t take wickets but we stuck at it really well and it was nice to restrict Freeborn to the mid-nineties when she was in and set.”
Sunrisers’ victory consolidates their position among the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy frontrunners, while Sparks will need to regroup after a string of defeats.
