Northern Diamonds Secure Commanding Victory Over Thunder in Historic Low-Scoring Encounter

Northern Diamonds delivered a dominant performance to bowl out Lancashire Thunder for just 61—the lowest score in the Charlotte Edwards Cup’s four-year history—securing a comfortable five-wicket win with 6.2 overs remaining at Durham's Seat Unique Riverside.

Scotland’s left-arm seamer Rachel Slater led the charge with a remarkable spell, taking 3 for 12 in her four overs with the new ball. She was ably supported by Lizzie Scott, who took two wickets in her first appearance of the season, and Erin Burns, whose off-spin claimed two wickets as well. This final group match saw both teams already eliminated from contention for Saturday's Finals Day.

Despite the challenging conditions that favoured the bowlers, the Diamonds initially stumbled in their chase, falling to 37 for four. However, Thunder's low total left them with too much ground to cover, and former Thunder player Rebecca Duckworth guided the Diamonds to victory with an unbeaten 21.

Both teams ended their campaigns with three wins each from ten matches. The Diamonds concluded their season on a high note with back-to-back wins, while the Thunder suffered defeats in their last two fixtures.

With the Diamonds representing the Yorkshire region, this victory marked the first of two consecutive Roses T20 matches, setting the stage for the men’s teams to clash at Headingley in the Vitality Blast the following day. The White Rose County struck the initial blow in this storied rivalry with a commanding performance.

The Diamonds’ captain, Hollie Armitage, opted to bowl first after winning the toss on a green pitch that offered significant seam and swing. This decision paid off handsomely as Slater and Scott exploited the conditions expertly, reducing Thunder to 19 for four within the first five overs. Key players Emma Lamb, Australian Katie Mack, and Seren Smale—whose recent 88 not out was the highest score in this competition—were all dismissed early.

Scott removed Fi Morris and Mack, with the latter's dismissal coming courtesy of a stunning catch by Katherine Fraser at backward point. Slater cleaned up Lamb and Smale, leaving Thunder in disarray.

Thunder's woes continued as Tara Norris, batting at number nine, top-scored with 13. Only three Thunder batters managed to reach double figures on a bright day in the North East, as wickets fell in quick succession. Captain Ellie Threlkeld was run out, and debutant Grace Johnson chipped Slater to mid-off, reducing Thunder to 24 for six by the seventh over.

Australian all-rounder Burns bowled Kate Cross before Norris briefly provided resistance with consecutive boundaries off former Thunder seamer Sophia Turner, bringing the score to 50 for seven. However, this respite was short-lived as Norris was bowled by Katherine Fraser, and Liberty Heap was stumped off Katie Levick's leg-spin. Sophie Morris's chip to cover off Burns sealed Thunder’s fate, and bowled out for a record low in less than 15 overs.

In reply, Thunder's bowlers gave a spirited fightback. Left-arm spinner Morris and new-ball seamer Cross both took two wickets each, leaving the Diamonds at 37 for four after eight overs, still needing 25 runs. Cross finished with impressive figures of 2 for 14 from her four overs, trapping Emma Marlow lbw and having Bess Heath caught behind.

Rebecca Duckworth's calm and composed 21 not out ultimately saw the Diamonds through to victory, marking the highest individual score of the match and capping off a dominant performance by the Northern side.