Bryony Smith’s impressive 114 set South East Stars up with a home Playoff clash against Southern Vipers in the Rachael Hayhoe Flint Trophy, as Lightning were condemned to defeat in their final game as a Loughborough-based outfit.

Ryana Macdonald-Gay’s half-century backed up her captain’s century as the Stars piled on 281 at the Uptonsteel County Ground, which proved 112 runs too many despite Georgie Boyce scoring 60 on her second appearance since joining from Thunder.

Lightning lost the toss and were asked to field first in their final fixture before next year’s switch to Trent Bridge, but started their goodbye strongly as Grace Ballinger bowled Chloe Brewer, but Smith’s introduction brought about a surge of momentum. 

Her fourth 50 in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy came in 47 balls, but it only took her a further 39 deliveries to become the competition’s 14th centurion in three seasons – and the second fastest to the landmark.

When she departed for 114, having smashed straight at mid-off to end a blistering innings packed with 17 fours and a six over long-on, Stars still needed a stand to elevate their fledgling total. 

It was a low-risk, high-reward partnership between Macdonald-Gay and Alexa Stonehouse which did just that for the visitors, as 196-7 was revived to 267-8. The former wristily found gaps to bring up a maiden List A half-century in 56 balls.

It helped Stars end up on an above-par 281, although Ballinger’s 3-62 belied her impressive first five overs, while Kirstie Gordon was exemplary with 2-38.

In reply, Phoebe Franklin ripped through the Lightning top order by bowling Marie Kelly, running out Beth Harmer with a direct hit from square leg, and trapping Michaela Kirk leg before.

Lucy Higham was struck in front by Eva Gray to leave Lightning in a heap on 54 for four, but Boyce showcased her impressive skills in a 76-run stand with the increasingly impressive Ella Claridge.

The pair got their side back towards a manageable rate, with Boyce collecting a 60-ball fifty. But wicketkeeper Claridge fell for 35 and Boyce departed for 70 within three overs of each other to stunt the hosts again before the final blows.

Macdonald-Gay continued her fine day by bowling Boyce and Sophie Munro, Gray picked up her second and third when Thresa Graves was caught at backward point by Southby and Josie Groves tickled behind. Dani Gregory picked up the last wicket of Ballinger with 70 balls to spare.

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Robin Hood Beer and Cider Festival

Tickets for the return of the Robin Hood Beer and Cider Festival are on general sale now.

Following a successful staging in 2021, Trent Bridge will again play host to Nottingham CAMRA’s flagship event from Wednesday 12 to Saturday 15 October.

The 2022 edition of the festival will feature an expanded range of bars and barrels extending across additional concourse areas, with extra seats available within the venue and new hospitality packages.

Tickets

Hospitality