SOUTHERN Vipers all-rounder Freya Kemp is backing her side to put things "right" in the Charlotte Edwards Cup after a mixed start to the T20 season.
The Vipers lost three of their opening five games but bounced back with a comprehensive victory against Lancashire Thunder at Old Trafford on Friday.
Spinner Linsey Smith and Charli Knott took three wickets apiece to restrict Thunder to 85 all out before the Vipers chased the total down in under 11 overs.
Kemp, who was not involved in the win, is adamant the Utilita Bowl side can still put themselves in a position to win a third consecutive CEC title.
She claimed: “Some games have not gone as we planned but the morale is still high around the team, and we back ourselves.
"We bowled well in the games that we lost, but I think with our batting we just haven't quite hit the nail on the head. I think the two games we got wrong, we know how to put right.”
Kemp was part of the Southern Vipers double-winning side in 2023. (Image: Dave Vokes)
The 19 year old scored her first T20 half-century against the Sunrisers on May 24, finishing with 55 not out and she hopes she can continue that form in the coming matches.
She continued: "I think it was just an all-round good performance from the team in that game, to be honest.
"I'm just glad I can contribute to the team and hopefully we can start getting some more wins on the board.”
Kemp has not been able to fulfil her full all-round game for some time, as an injury has kept her from bowling.
She insists her rehabilitation is going well and wants to make sure she is contributing with the bat, while not being able to be a part of the bowling unit.
“It is going as planned at the moment. I'm just returning to bowling in training and it's going well, so hopefully it's not too far away that I can bowl in a game.
“Personally, I just want to try and spend as much time in the middle as possible. Try and get some runs on the board for the team while I'm not bowling.”
The Vipers have achieved great success under coach Charlotte Edwards, winning both the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy and CEC in 2023.
Kemp admits it is "amazing" to be coached by Edwards, who the T20 competition is named after.
The all-rounder added: “It's definitely inspirational. It’s amazing to have a head coach like Lottie.
"It does give us the motivation to try and win the trophy, but I think we don't get too far ahead of ourselves. We just try and play good cricket, win our games, and see what comes from it.”
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