The South East Stars advanced to the final of the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy after a remarkable comeback to defeat the Southern Vipers by three wickets in a thrilling semi-final at Beckenham.
Batting first, the Vipers posted a total of 220 for 9 from their allotted 50 overs. Nancy Harman top-scored with 38, while Tilly Corteen-Coleman led the bowling attack for the Stars, claiming 3 for 33. At 131 for 7, the Stars' chase looked all but over, but a stunning 90-run partnership off 86 balls between Alice Davidson-Richards and Kalea Moore completely shifted the momentum.
Davidson-Richards, who was dropped on 31, remained unbeaten on 90, while Moore contributed a crucial 52 not out. The Stars clinched victory with seven balls to spare when Davidson-Richards struck a single off Alice Monaghan, sending them through to face the Sunrisers in Saturday's final at Grace Road.
After winning the toss, the Vipers opted to bat but quickly lost Ella McCaughan for 2, caught behind off Corteen-Coleman in the third over. Rhianna Southby made a rapid 20 but fell to a bouncer from Alexa Stonehouse, caught by Emma Jones after voicing her displeasure with the umpires' decision.
Phoebe Franklin then made a spectacular diving catch at midwicket to dismiss Naomi Dattani for 9 off Stonehouse. Georgia Elwiss, having made 34, was caught by Jones off a poorly judged shot, while Emily Windsor was bowled by Danni Gregory for 30. Abi Norgrove was bowled for 25 by Moore, before Harman and Monaghan added 48 for the seventh wicket. Monaghan was caught by Davidson-Richards for 26, with Harman following soon after. Freya Davies was run out on the last ball of the innings, leaving Ava Lee unbeaten on 14.
Chasing 221, the Stars lost early wickets, with Alexa Stonehouse out for 10 and Rhianna Southby falling for 7. Elwiss then struck twice in consecutive deliveries, dismissing Chloe Hill and Kira Chathli, though Aylish Cranstone managed to defend the hat-trick ball. Davidson-Richards then offered a simple catch to Ava Lee, but Lee dropped it, giving Davidson-Richards a lifeline.
After Cranstone was caught for 27, the Stars found themselves struggling at 94 for 5. Elwiss couldn’t hold onto a difficult return catch from Priyanaz Chatterji, but Chatterji soon fell for 10, leaving the Stars in further trouble. However, Moore’s determined knock kept the chase alive, and the Stars edged closer to victory. Dattani’s 48th over went for 14 runs, setting up Davidson-Richards to hit the winning single and seal a place in the final.