A half century on Deandra Dottin’s return to domestic English cricket was not enough to prevent Thunder Cricket from suffering a comprehensive 131 run defeat against South East Stars (SES).
At the Emirates Old Trafford for their opening game of the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, a 50-Over competition, SES won the toss and chose to bat.
An unbeaten century from Paige Scholfield and Alice Davidson-Richards’ classy half century propelled The Stars to 334-5, equalling the record for the highest score in the competition. In reply, Thunder never threatened the total as they were eventually bowled out for 203 in 42 overs.
In just her second match for the Stars after leaving last year’s finalists Southern Vipers, Scholfield blazed 111 not out from 90 balls. Taking advantage of the platform set by the top order (130-3 after 26.4 overs) she hit eleven boundaries and five sixes. At the other end, Davidson-Richards staked her claim for an England recall with 73, hitting eight boundaries and two sixes. Together they put on 143 runs for the fourth wicket.
Needing a fast start to ease the pressure of the chase, Thunder instead lost England opener Emma Lamb for six. Things got tougher when Naomi Dattani was trapped in front by Danielle Gregory with the score 68-3 after 18.4 overs.
That brought former West Indies allrounder Dottin to the crease. After a circumspect start, Dottin showcased why she is known as the “World Boss”, hitting five boundaries and one six to reach her maiden Thunder fifty in just 37 balls. Just five balls later, she skied one to deep midwicket where Paige Scholfield took a good catch.
Thunder crumbled from 143-5 to 184-9 and after some brief resistance from tailender Tara Norris, number eleven Alex Hartley was bowled by Freya Davies with the hosts still 131 runs short.
Summarised scores: South East Stars 334 for 5 (Paige Scholfield 111, Alice Davidson-Richards 73, Kira Chathli 48). Thunder 203 all out in 42 overs (Deandra Dottin 51, Freya Davies 3-27). South East Stars win by 131 runs.