The Blaze skipper Kirstie Gordon says her team is positive despite the expected nerves ahead of their battle to claim victory in the Charlotte Edwards Cup.
She is part of a squad of 14 to play either Thunder or Southern Vipers at New Road.
After an undefeated run, Gordon’s team finished 10 points clear at the top of the table, catapulting them into the final at 4pm on 10 June. Thunder and Vipers will, meanwhile, play in the eliminator for the right to play against The Blaze.
“We're in a really good place," she said, "naturally there is probably a little bit of nerves floating around but I think everyone is really excited and can’t wait to get out there."
“I don’t think it matters too much to be honest” Gordon admitted, addressing the uncertainty of knowing who their rivals will be until tomorrow, “I think we’re in the fortunate position that we’re seven from seven, so we’ve beaten both teams already this season.
"I think it’s more about focusing on us, making sure we’re ready. And obviously we will prepare to face both teams, but we’re not too stressed about who it's going to be. We’ll just take that as it comes.”
Her stint as captain has undoubtedly been a prosperous one so far, but Gordon was quick to assure that the job comes with its own set of challenges.
“It’s been alright so far, naturally there are times when you’re under a little bit more pressure where you’ve got to make some tough decisions, but that’s part of the job.
"So far, I’ve really enjoyed it, it’s been rewarding!”
It has also been a role-changing responsibility. Gordon confesses she is not afraid to shy away from a battle on the field, but captaincy has forced out her calmer side.
Her captaincy may well prove crucial in the middle, and she is well aware of her responsibilities to stay level headed.
“I’ve always been a pretty fired-up and competitive person, my disciplinary record isn’t fantastic...but I’ve had a lot of comments this year from friends in different teams and Blaze teammates about how mellow I’ve been.
"I think it’s potentially that side of me that’s come out a little bit more, the supportive and caring side rather than being too far the other way when it comes to emotions around the game. I reckon that’s probably the only thing that’s changed, but you’ll never get rid of the other side of me completely.
“It’s finding that balance. Part of my job is to make sure that people remain calm under pressure when we’re out there in the middle, and in the heat of the battle.
“It’s about knowing your individual and knowing what that person needs in that moment. What are they going to bowl, where are they trying to bowl, and what field do they need? You have to be really objective rather than emotion-based.
“I think that when you’re winning from difficult positions that always helps to build confidence. We’ve never had that before and now we’re under pressure, we believe we can win in any situation when it counts the most.
“It’s been fantastic, we’re under no illusion that tomorrow is going to be easy. Yes, we’ve got that confidence behind us, but it counts for nothing tomorrow, we’ve just got to go out there and do the job.”