South East Stars defeated by Sunrisers in Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy

South East Stars again found themselves bridesmaids after losing the final of the 50-over Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy to Sunrisers last weekend. Back in June, they also came up short in the final of the 20-over Charlotte Edwards Cup.

Stars posted 212 thanks to Alice Davidson-Richards, who formed half-century partnerships with Aylish Cranstone and Phoebe Franklin, en route to making 93.

But when the rain arrived at Leicester, Sunrisers were 121-3 and comfortably ahead of the 94 Duckworth-Lewis-Stern par score.

“We wanted to go out there, put on a performance and win the trophy, but we have no control over the weather,” said Stars’ director of cricket Emma Calvert.

“DLS is a funny thing. I backed us to take those wickets and see it through to the end. But what happened happened and congratulations to Sunrisers.

“Alice Davidson-Richards is an incredible player. We all know that. She is more disappointed than anyone because although she put on that performance her team didn’t win, and that is what means the most to her.”

As part of a major restructure of the domestic game, the women’s teams that have competed for the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy and Charlotte Edwards Cup in recent years will now be replaced by eight all-professional counties.

Surrey, along with Durham, Essex, Hampshire, Lancashire, Nottinghamshire, Somerset and Warwickshire have been awarded Tier 1 status. Glamorgan and Yorkshire join them in 2027 as part of an expansion.

The tier one schedule will mirror that of the men’s county sides, namely the County Championship, T20 Blast and 50-over One-Day Cup.

There will be £8million of new funding every year for the women’s domestic game, taking annual investment to around £19m.

The aim is to increase the number of professional women’s players in England and Wales by 80 per cent by 2029.

“It is gutting. It is the end of an era and a sad way to end that era,” said Calvert. “We are incredibly excited to become Surrey, but, in this moment, it feels quite hard.

“The girls are so excited to start the journey with the three feathers on our chest. We have been on a journey and to get to two finals this year is an incredible end.

“November 1 is the official day we go live as Surrey, but before then we’ll have words tonight and have our awards and really celebrate what we have achieved.

“Although we haven’t lifted a trophy today, we have achieved lots and I think it is worth celebrating that.”

PICTURE: PA