Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy: Sophia Dunkley leads South East Stars to win over Southern Vipers

Sophia Dunkley led South East Stars to a thrilling final-over victory against champions Southern Vipers as the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy returned.

Earlier, Freya Kemp made 50 from 47 balls from as Vipers posted 273-9 having lost the toss at Beckenham.

Central Sparks, Northern Diamonds and Sunrisers also won on the opening day.

In south London, Stars’ chase was put firmly on course in a wonderful opening stand between Tash Farrant, who made 94, and captain Bryony Smith, first out for 90.

Dunkley, who last played for England a year ago, kept the chase moving but it took until the last over to secure victory.

At Edgbaston, 53 from Abigail Freeborn and Katie George’s 32 from 30 balls led Central Sparks to 213-9 against The Blaze after winning the toss.

Grace Ballinger’s 3-47 for Blaze, last season’s finalists, kept the home side in check.

In reply, Blaze were reduced to 39-4 before Nadine de Klerk rallied the visitors with 43.

But when she was bowled by Hannah Baker (3-29), 118 were needed in 17 overs with only four wickets in hand and they were eventually bowled out for 135 with Emily Arlott taking 2-5 from seven overs.

After winning the toss at Chester-le-Street, Northern Diamonds’ attack struck regularly and at 113-7, Thunder were in danger of being blown away.

But Tara Norris made 19 down the order and 22 wides helped the visitors creep up to 165 all out.

The target proved very light as Lauren Winfield-Hill made an unbeaten 69 from 92 balls and shared an unbroken stand of 107 with Hollie Armitage, the hosts’ captain.

Armitage finished 61 not out with nine fours as Diamonds won by nine wickets with 15 overs to spare.

And Western Storm, who finished bottom of the table last season with just two wins, were fired out for only 114 in Cardiff by Sunrisers after losing the toss.

Only three players made double figures, with wicketkeeper Natasha Wraith (42) top scoring as Jodi Grewcock took 3-28 from her 10 overs.

After only 31 overs in the field, it took Sunrises 34 overs to knock off the target.

Captain Grace Scrivens led them home with an unbeaten 63 to win by eight wickets.