DEFENDING champions Southern Vipers made it four wins from five in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint trophy as they beat Western Storm by four runs at Bristol's Seat Unique Stadium.

Batter Charli Knott registered a superb career-best 102 from 112 balls as the Vipers posted an excellent score of 295 for five.

The 21-year-old Australian all-rounder dominated stands of 91 and 115 with Maia Bouchier and Georgia Adams for the first and second wickets respectively.

Adams went on to score 65, while Freya Kemp smashed a quickfire 44 not out to put the Vipers in a strong position at the midway point of the game.

England captain Heather Knight and Fran Wilson laid the foundations for a successful run chase for Western Storm as they both registered half-centuries in a third-wicket stand of 112.

Sophie Luff and Dani Gibson then staged an outstanding alliance of 78 in nine overs to set up a dramatic finale.

Both scored half-centuries but were dismissed with victory in sight, with Freya Davies and Adams bowling well under pressure at the death to finish with two wickets apiece.

Storm ultimately came up short finishing on 291 for nine which made it four wins in a row for Charlotte Edwards' side.

Speaking after the game, Knott said: "It's been nice to contribute in a few of the games now.

"I was very stoked with my effort and I think it shows what a great group we've got at the Vipers.

"Everyone's very supportive and helps me out. Coming into a new group is always a bit nerve-wracking and overwhelming.

"It was nice just to go out there and play my shots and it's always nice to score runs in a game. To have a win like that also tops it off, so I'm very happy with the overall performance."

The Australian's innings was also the fastest 100 scored by a Southern Vipers player as she achieved the feat after 107 balls - beating Georgia Elwiss' record by one ball.

"That's pretty exciting. Maybe she will get the next fastest in 106 balls. I won't break the news to her. Someone else can," Knott joked.

Southern Vipers travel to Sunrisers in their next game on Wednesday, May 8.