Sunrisers Triumph in Final Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy Match

Sunrisers, who had long struggled in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, completed a remarkable transformation by securing their first-ever title in the competition. They triumphed over the South East Stars by 27 runs via the DLS method, marking the end of the regional tournament.

Despite not winning a single game in the first three editions of the tournament, the Sunrisers’ success was driven by Kate Coppack’s stellar bowling performance, taking 4 for 27, and Cordelia Griffith's composed half-century. This duo laid the foundation for the victory over South East Stars.

Coppack’s career-best figures decimated the Stars' top order, reducing them to 53 for 4. However, Alice Davidson-Richards kept the Stars’ innings alive, forming key partnerships with Aylish Cranstone and Phoebe Franklin on her way to scoring 93. Despite this resistance, the Stars managed to post a total of 212.

In response, Griffith led the charge for Sunrisers, notching her fourth half-century in five innings. By the time rain intervened, Sunrisers were well ahead of the DLS par score, sitting comfortably at 121 for 3. This ensured they claimed the win, making them the last regional team to ever lift the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, as the competition format will change in 2025.

Coppack, known for her unique background as a full-time lawyer and international cricketer for Peru, was the star with the ball. She tore through the Stars’ lineup, removing key batters, including Alexa Stonehouse, with a perfect seam delivery. Her precise bowling also led to a run-out of Bryony Smith and pinned Kira Chathli lbw shortly after the powerplay ended.

Davidson-Richards showed her experience and ability to balance power hitting with smart placement, building a crucial 70-run partnership with Cranstone. Although Cranstone was stumped and injured during her dismissal, Davidson-Richards continued to dominate alongside Franklin. But Coppack’s return to the attack ended Franklin's stay at the crease, sparking a collapse that saw the Stars lose their last five wickets for just 39 runs. Davidson-Richards was eventually trapped lbw by Mady Villiers, falling seven runs short of a century.

The Sunrisers’ chase didn’t begin smoothly, as Jo Gardner was dismissed for a golden duck. Yet, Griffith quickly steadied the innings with a series of powerful strokes, including cover drives and pulls, reaching her half-century from 54 balls. She shared a valuable 79-run stand with Grace Scrivens, who played a supporting role.

Griffith’s dismissal, chasing a wide delivery from Moore, and the quick loss of Jodi Grewcock, brought a brief halt to the Sunrisers' progress. However, with lightning and heavy rain turning the outfield into a lake, the match was called off, confirming the Sunrisers' victory and completing their remarkable rise from underdogs to champions.