SOUTHERN Vipers bowler Tara Norris admitted “we had to dig deep” for victory over Thunder and to qualify for the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy play-offs.
The Ageas Bowl side were guided by Emily Windsor’s unbeaten 59 to a six-wicket victory, chasing a 203 target.
Norris had limited the opposition’s attack, ripping through the top order and posting a first five-over spell of three for 15.
Before the game, the Ageas Bowl fell silent for an impeccably observed minute's silence before the national anthem was played to pay tribute to the Queen's death. Both sets of players also wore black armbands.
“We had to dig deep and that shows the depth in our team,” Norris said, speaking after the match.
“We were short of our England players but again it shows with our squad we don’t need our England players. When we have them we take full advantage but the way we played today shows the depth.
“I am delighted with the early three wickets. Coming off the long Hundred it was great to be back bowling and playing with the Vipers today.
“I haven’t played for six weeks so there were definitely a few nerves this morning but I was so excited to be out with the girls
“Lamb and Threlkeld batted well so hats off to them. It was a slow period there but one wicket brought two. We had a slight little drop in momentum and the one wicket changed everything for us.
“Emily Windsor gets us out of a lot of trouble. She did her thing and Hilly did well to support her."
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