Crystal Palace now plotting move to sign £3m+ gem who may replace Chalobah

With Trevoh Chalobah set to return to Chelsea this month, Crystal Palace have reportedly turned their attention towards signing another young defender in his place.

Crystal Palace transfer news

Still far from safe from the threat of Premier League relegation, the last thing that Oliver Glasner’s side needed was for Chelsea to recall Chalobah in the middle of the campaign. But with the Blues beginning to struggle on the pitch and defensive injuries mounting, they’re doing exactly that to leave those at Selhurst Park frustrated and without one of their key options.

As one key man leaves, however, another could arrive in the form of Romain Esse. The young Millwall midfielder has been linked to Selhurst Park since the turn of the year and could yet complete a January switch alongside another young talent.

According to Africa Foot as relayed by Sport Witness, Crystal Palace are now plotting a move to sign Ousmane Diao from FC Midtjylland, who could ask for over €4m (£3m) if they are to sanction the sale of their 20-year-old defender at some stage this year.

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With Fulham also reportedly in the race to sign the centre-back, Crystal Palace have no time to wait around and ponder whether Diao is the right option for Glasner’s side. If they are to get one over on their London rivals then they must act quickly this month.

Ousmane Diao for Midtjylland.

Whether it’s Diao or, indeed, another option, Crystal Palace must find a way to replace Chalobah before the end of the January transfer window.

"Complete" Diao compared to Rudiger

If the interest of Crystal Palace and Fulham wasn’t impressive enough, then Jacek Kulig’s praise should be enough to increase the defender’s stock even further. The scout/writer described the 20-year-old as a “complete and dominant” defender before comparing him to Real Madrid star Antonio Rudiger in what was quite the verdict last year.

What’s more, Diao has already proven his ability on the biggest stage throughout the current campaign, featuring in the Champions League qualifiers and then the Europa League alongside domestic duties for Midtjylland – even scoring four goals from within their backline along the way.

All signs are pointing towards the top for the Senegal defender, who could yet stop off in the Premier League and at Crystal Palace on his way. The Eagles could certainly do with an added central defender in pursuit of Premier League survival.

Birmingham ride on Paul Stirling 81 to leave Yorkshire fate in the balance

Hosts soundly beaten chasing 239 and must win final game to reach quarter-finals

David Hopps01-Jul-2022

Paul Stirling laid the platform for Birmingham•PA Images via Getty Images

Yorkshire must avoid defeat against Leicestershire at Grace Road on Sunday to beat them to a quarter-final berth in the Blast after producing what surely ranked as their most slipshod bowling performance of the season in the face of a domineering Birmingham Bears at Headingley. They could finish anything from second to fifth.Birmingham, confirmed as North Group winners, will take their place in the last eight with a home tie and as the form team in the country. Their 238 for 5 was the highest total ever made against Yorkshire in T20 cricket, the fourth-highest score of this season’s tournament and the third-highest ever conceded on this ground.It was another flat Headingley pitch, but not as flat as the seam bowling performance from a Yorkshire side which lacked conviction when the pressure was at its highest. For a county desperate for an uplifting display during a season of turmoil, it was a major disappointment, even allowing for the fact that this always had the makings of a slug fest – the two sides have now shared 12 totals of more than 200 this season.Paul Stirling had not made a score of note since his stunning debut for Birmingham, 119 from 51 balls against Northants at Edgbaston, which included 34 in an over against James Sales. But when the mood takes him, he can pulverise mediocre bowling, as his 20 from Matthew Waite’s opening over, the second of the innings, testified. His 81 from 41 balls had reduced the Headingley crowd to silence long before David Willey had him lbw.Yorkshire had dismissed Birmingham for only 101 on a used pitch at Edgbaston earlier in the tournament, but this was different gravy. It took Birmingham only 8.1 overs to reach that landmark in the return fixture as Stirling deposited Jordan Thompson for one of his seven sixes. Yorkshire struck back courtesy of Adam Lyth’s 69 from 38 balls, but 239 was a massive undertaking and when Lyth fell to a contentious diving catch at point – the umpires taking some time to confirm their decision that Chris Benjamin’s catch was clean – they could not summon another innings of substance.This was a fatalistic Yorkshire seam bowling performance, not helped by some fielding blemishes on an outfield dampened by rain that had delayed the start for 35 minutes. Too often, the body language was poor; there were too many shakes of heads and hands on hips. If brains were working overtime to formulate a plan, it was difficult to ascertain what it was.The captain, Willey, who is moving to Northants at the end of the season, has faced enough pressure situations to stay level-headed in far more demanding situations than this and he would have emerged with creditable figures had he not conceded 20 off the final over of the innings as Dan Mousley completed an uninhibited, career-best 63 not out from only 25 deliveries, swinging to the leg side at will with Willey and Thompson most in the firing line.Matthew Revis, who did not imagine himself as a bowler a year or so ago, as yet does not have much nous to fall back on. Thompson is trying to add variation to his game and has a Hundred contract to look forward to with London Spirit. Most disappointing was Waite, 26 now, but rarely providing indications of developing into a thinking bowler.Yorkshire mustered only three successful overs in Birmingham’s innings. One came late on from Thompson. The first two belonged to the legspinner Shadab Khan, wickets in them both, Alex Davies top-edging a sweep to short third man and Sam Hain caught at the wicket as he laid back to cut.Lyth formulated Yorkshire’s batting response. Finn Allen strikes at an astounding 201 runs per 100 balls but has yet to reach 50 and Harry Brook, coming in at no 6 with no time to go through the gears, was not best used. Lyth might have fallen to a relay catch at deep square leg on 47 when Benjamin flicked the ball back, but the opportunity was not taken by the support fielder. Jake Lintott’s over went for 20 as a result, Lyth stepping well outside off stump to every delivery to target the short boundary and Lintott having no answer.It was another redoubtable effort by Lyth, who is sixth in this season’s runs list and whose day had begun with Yorkshire’s confirmation that he had agreed a new three-year contract. Yorkshire have many more contracts to negotiate, and are braced for potential departures with the club still in some turmoil, but Lyth had been presented by their detractors as a player who might leave so his decision to stay could prove to be an influential one.Until this defeat, Yorkshire appeared to have had a decent 48 hours. They could also luxuriate in Finlay Bean’s stunning 441 from 518 balls in a 2nd XI match against Nottinghamshire at Lady Bay, which set a new record for the highest individual score in Second XI Championship history, beating Marcus Trescothick’s 322 for Somerset 2nds against Warwickshire back in 1997.Bean is not under contract with Yorkshire, having originally left the club in 2020. “He left their pathway system at 18, went into the leagues and did well and came back in to help out,” said Tom Smith, Yorkshire’s 2nd XI coach. “It is vital for everyone to know that, no matter what your situation is, the door is never closed.” Yorkshire’s director of cricket, Darren Gough, is committed to giving opportunity to late developers and Bean might well be a case in point.

Negueba, ex-Flamengo, visa crescimento de rendimento do Criciúma na Série B

MatériaMais Notícias

Negueba, jogador formado na base do Flamengo, está no Criciúma para ajudar o clube na disputa da série B do Campeonato Brasileiro. Voltando para o futebol brasileiro, o atleta falou sobre o prosseguir da temporada de 2022.

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– O grupo tem trabalhado muito para crescer e fazer ótimos jogos nos próximos compromissos da equipe na temporada. Temos que ter intensidade máxima para evoluirmos e chegarmos aos nossos objetivos em 2022-, relatou o jogador.

De acordo com o atleta, Negueba ressaltou a ambição de evoluir junto com o clube: -Estou motivado e confiante em fazer uma grande temporada no clube. Vou me dedicar para construir uma história de conquistas importantes no Criciúma. Estar aqui tem sido muito bom para mim-, concluiu o meio-campista.

Celtic in the running to sign 26 y/o amid "tug-of-war" with Ligue 1 Lille

Celtic are believed to be “in the running” to sign a new target man in the January transfer window, according to a fresh update regarding their upcoming business.

Latest Celtic news

The Hoops are still being linked with possible new signings in the coming weeks, in order to give Brendan Rodgers’ side the best possible opportunity to not only win another Scottish Premiership title, but also go as far as possible in the Champions League.

BK Hacken attacker Zeidane Inoussa has been backed to join Celtic, with the 22-year-old registering 15 goal involvements (nine goals and six assists) in 29 appearances for his current club.

Meanwhile, the Hoops are said to be considering making an offer for Real Valladolid winger Raul Moro, who has netted three times in La Liga this season. A versatile attacking option, he is someone who could provide the reigning Scottish Premiership champions with even more quality in the final third.

Raul Moro

Celtic have also reportedly made an enquiry about the availability of Aston Villa forward Louie Barry, who could look for a move away from Villa Park this month, in order to enjoy more regular playing time with a temporary loan deal.

Celtic "in the running" to sign 6 foot 2 striker

According to a new report for Africa Foot [via Sport Witness], Celtic are “in the running” to sign Lille striker Mohamed Bayo in January, as he looks to seal a move away.

His current club are reluctant to allow him to leave, however, in what is described in the update as a “tug-of-war” situation involving the 26-year-old Guinea international.

Bayo could be an excellent signing for Celtic in January, with his compatriot Souleymane Youla talking up a move to Parkhead: “If he has to leave Lille, Scotland would be the best destination for Bayo, because Celtic play in the Champions League in the same way as LOSC. And above all, it is one of the best clubs in the country, present every year in Champions League and the Scottish championship is not so bad.”

At 26, Bayo is at a perfect point in his career to come in and make an immediate impact for Celtic, picking up enough experience in his career, but unlikely to peak for several years still.

Celtic now eyeing bid to sign tricky new 22 y/o forward – reliable reporter

A new name is on the Parkhead radar.

ByCharlie Smith Jan 17, 2025

He has scored eight goals in 27 caps for Guinea, highlighting his pedigree at international level, while 37 strikes in 80 appearances during his spell at Clermont Foot further outlines how prolific he can be.

Bayo looks like a perfect option to come in and provide healthy competition for the likes of Kyogo Furuhashi and Adam Idah at Celtic, so it is hopefully a move that gets done before the end of the current transfer window.

Kannemann faz trabalho intenso e se aproxima de primeiro jogo pelo Grêmio em 2022

MatériaMais Notícias

O técnico Roger Machado, do Grêmio, teve uma boa notícia no treino realizado da última quarta-feira (11) visando o confronto contra o Ituano, na próxima segunda-feira, pela Série B do Campeonato Brasileiro.

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Depois de um longo período de fisioterapia e trabalhos de recondicionamento físico sem tanto impacto, o zagueiro Kannemann participou de sua primeira atividade com os demais companheiros sem monitoramento especial.

O treino funcionou como uma espécie de “teste de fogo” para saber o real estágio de recuperação da lesão ligamentar no joelho esquerdo sofrida pelo argentino ainda nos trabalhos de pré-temporada do Imortal.

Desta forma, a tendência é que o jogador possa fazer parte ao menos da lista de relacionados do técnico Roger Machado e seja introduzido gradualmente nos confrontos para a devida recuperação de ritmo de jogo.

Sem ter atuado pela equipe em 2022, a última vez que Kannemann entrou em campo com a camisa do Grêmio foi em 5 de dezembro de 2021. Partida essa, aliás, que confirmou o rebaixamento do Tricolor para a segunda divisão do Campeonato Brasileiro.

O jogo contra o Ituano acontece às 20h da próxima segunda-feira, no Novelli Junior, em itu, pela sétima rodada da Série B.

'We have done it in the past' – Yousuf says Pakistan undaunted by 508 chase

Batting coach insisted the side will see how the first session on the final day goes and then try to chase down the target

Andrew Fidel Fernando27-Jul-2022

Imam-ul-Haq finished the day unbeaten on 46•AFP/Getty Images

In the Karachi Test in March earlier this year, Pakistan had been set a target of 506 for victory. Against an Australian attack featuring the likes of Nathan Lyon, Pat Cummins, and Mitchell Starc, Pakistan hadn’t been too far from achieving that total, finishing with 443 for 7 on the final day as the game ended in a draw.Abdullah Shafique and Babar Azam had put on a third-wicket partnership worth 228. Babar and Mohammad Rizwan then got involved in a century stand. Rizwan struck a ton himself, while Babar headlined with 196.With that fourth innings on their recent record, as well as the one from last week where Pakistan had successfully chased down 342, Pakistan know they can put up big runs in the last innings, batting coach Mohammad Yousuf said.Related

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Babar's 196 and Rizwan's hundred earn Pakistan epic draw

A victory push in this match seems unlikely. They still have 419 runs to get, and a maximum of 98 overs to get them in, and even that is only if bad light and rain stay away. The last two evening sessions on the third and fourth days were severely curtailed by bad light. But then, Pakistan are 1-0 up in the series and have the confidence of doing well in fourth-innings chases lately.”We have done it in the past against Australia in Karachi,” Yousuf said. “I think the same target we needed to get in the same amount of time maybe, and Babar played an excellent innings of 196. Shafique got 96 and Rizwan got a hundred and it was a very good game. The way Babar and Imam-ul-Haq are playing, it will be an interesting day tomorrow.”We will see in the first session how we go, and if we do well, we will try to chase the total. Imam and Babar have played very good cricket in the last session, and I hope they bat the whole day tomorrow as well.”Yousuf was very clear on how Pakistan will approach the final day: the batters should play in whichever way comes naturally. A chase of 508 might seem far-fetched, and teams would have traditionally tried to block Sri Lanka out for a draw from this position. However, both Imam and Babar played their shots and sought out scoring opportunities. Shafique also perished attempting a big shot only to be caught at mid-off for 16. Pakistan went to stumps with Imam unbeaten on 46, and Babar on 26.”Never tell anyone to go against their strengths and their natural game,” Yousuf said. “You play your own game. I did that in my days. Even now, head coach Saqlain Mushtaq, me, and the support staff try our best to keep the players mentally free and motivate them to do well.”Babar and Imam are playing to their strengths, and I feel if they play in the same manner, we will try to go for the target, though it’s a bit too early to say anything. We played in a similar fashion against Australia, and a point came in that chase that the head coach called a meeting to discuss that we will go for a win. But unfortunately, Babar got out on 196, and we had to settle for a draw.”What might encourage Pakistan is that the pitch in Galle is not as worn at the end of the fourth day as it often is at this venue. Although, on the flipside, previous Pakistan teams have not needed a bone-dry Galle pitch to collapse on.”I think once you get in, you get used to it,” Yousuf said of the surface “Early on it’s a bit of a challenge, but once you are set, it’s a better batting wicket.”

سيد عبد الحفيظ: كنت أتمنى هذه النتيجة لمباراة الزمالك وبيراميدز

كشف سيد عبد الحفيظ، مدير الكرة السابق في النادي الأهلي، عن النتيجة التي كان يتمناها لمباراة الزمالك وبيراميدز، التي أقيمت بين الفريقين، مساء اليوم الثلاثاء.

وفاز بيراميدز على الزمالك، بهدف دون رد، في المباراة التي أقيمت ضمن منافسات الجولة السادسة من المرحلة النهائية لبطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز.

وأضاف عبد الحفيظ خلال تصريحات عبر برنامج “الكورة مع فايق” المذاع على قناة “إن بي سي مصر 2”: “كنت أريد مباراة الزمالك وبيراميدز تتنهي بالتعادل، والزمالك لا يفوز”.

طالع | أيمن الرمادي يعتذر لجماهير الزمالك بعد الهزيمة أمام بيراميدز.. ويصرح: لدي سيناريوهين للفترة المقبلة

وتابع: “بطولة الكونفدرالية الموسم المقبل ستكون صعبة على الزمالك، إذ سيتواجد الرجاء والوداد فيها، بعدما كانت بطولة في المتناول”.

وأكمل: “بيراميدز لأول مرة في حياته يفوز على الزمالك ذهاب وعودة، شخصية الزمالك المتواجدة هي التي تحافظ على تواجده في المربع الذهبي لبطولة الدوري هذا الموسم”.

ويتصدر ترتيب الدوري المصري، النادي الأهلي برصيد 52 نقطة، يأتي بيراميدز ثانيًا بـ 50 نقطة، وفي المركز الثالث نادي الزمالك، برصيد 41 نقطة.

ANÁLISE: Sem matar o jogo 'cedo', Palmeiras repete erro e tem desgaste desnecessário

MatériaMais Notícias

O torcedor do Palmeiras tem vivido em estado de graça com o time, mas começa a notar problemas conforme a temporada tem avançado. Diante da Juazeirense, alguns deles têm virado rotina e foram nítidos mais uma vez em Londrina. É preciso corrigir, já que as consequências têm vindo em forma de resultado e de desgaste.

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Quem lê esse primeiro parágrafo pensa que o Verdão passou vexame no Estádio do Café e foi eliminado precocemente na Copa do Brasil. Nada disso. A vitória magra por 2 a 1 garantiu a equipe nas oitavas de final da competição. No entanto, para o nível que esse grupo atingiu, um desempenho como foi o de quarta-feira não é aceitável.

Com uma temporada desgastante e com tantos desfalques como tem tido, o objetivo do Alviverde deveria ser “matar” logo esses jogos em que é considerado favorito, mas mais uma vez não foi isso que aconteceu. Além dos erros de fundamentos e da insistência em jogadas sem futuro, o time pecou novamente nas finalizações. Rony, sempre ele, desperdiçou pelo menos três boas chances de marcar.

Isso sem contar a displicência, o ritmo abaixo da rotação tradicional e uma desatenção que tem chamado muito a atenção nos últimos duelos. Com esses ingredientes, o adversário pode ser de qualquer qualidade, ele vai se aproveitar e possivelmente vai balançar a rede, como ocorreu nos dois jogos eliminatórios contra a Juazeirense.

Aliás, os dois gols sofridos em contra-ataque diante da equipe baiana em dois jogos diferentes não são coincidência. Eles partem de uma bola perdida no ataque, uma recomposição mal feita, uma dificuldade para matar a jogada e acabam no fundo da rede. Isso se prova quando pensamos como foi o gol sofrido diante do Fluminense… Igual, né? Em transição e sem cortar a descida.

Quando você não mata o jogo, não mantém a atenção e a organização durante os 90 minutos, você corre dois riscos que o futebol atual nesse nível não ameniza: sofrer com o resultado e se desgastar quando poderia se poupar. E o Palmeiras precisava resolver logo sua eliminatória para poder preservar seus jogadores. Algo que conseguiu apenas após Veiga marcar de pênalti no fim.

Abel Ferreira, ao contrário desta análise, viu uma equipe competente, que cria oportunidades com facilidade e que foi fiel ao seu objetivo, que era passar de fase na competição. Mas concorda com o texto quando admite que o confronto poderia ter sido definido mais cedo.

-Fomos uma equipe muito séria, competente. Como se diz na minha terra: “Quem facilita, lasca-se”, para não dizer outro nome. Poderíamos ter resolvido o jogo mais cedo, mas essa equipe não nega intensidade, esforço, cria oportunidades com muita facilidade mesmo com adversário no 6-3-1. Nossa obrigação era passar e conseguimos o objetivo. Poderíamos te resolvido a eliminatória mais cedo – disse o treinador palmeirense em coletiva após a partida.

Neste sábado, no Allianz Parque, o Palmeiras receberá o Red Bull Bragantino em um confronto direto na tabela do Brasileirão. O Verdão está três pontos atrás do RB e pode igualar o adversário na classificação. Para isso, não pode voltar a vacilar jogando em casa, e vai precisar ter atenção e muita eficiência para matar o jogo.

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Sheffield United ready offer for "superb" former Champions League winner

Sheffield United are now stepping up their pursuit of a “superb” midfielder, with an official offer set to be made soon, according to a report.

Blades looking to strengthen in attacking areas

Chris Wilder clearly feels some new attacking reinforcements are needed if his side are to go all the way and seal promotion from the Championship this season, and the Blades are now well-placed to win the race for two strikers.

A £13m fee has now been agreed with Leicester City for the signing of Tom Cannon, meaning only personal terms need to be agreed to get a deal over the line.

Should Wilder want to bring in more than one new striker this month, he is also in a good position to win the race for Southampton’s Ben Brereton Diaz, as the Chile international would only consider a return to United, despite interest from elsehwere.

Sheffield United now eyeing move to sign £300,000-a-year international

They would get one over on their city rivals in the process.

ByBen Browning Jan 16, 2025

Not only do Sheffield United want to bring in a new striker, but they are also keen in bringing a new attacking midfielder this month, and there has now been a new update on their pursuit of Besiktas’ Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

According to reports from the Turkish media (via Sport Witness), the Blades have now stepped up their interest in Oxlade-Chamberlain, with Besiktas trying to offload him this month, having deemed him surplus to requirements.

Liverpool's AlexOxlade-Chamberlain

The Championship promotion hopefuls are set to make an official offer for the attacking midfielder soon, aiming to take him on loan until the end of the season, although it is unclear whether they plan to make it a permanent deal in the summer.

There may be competition for the 31-year-old’s signature, however, with French side Nantes also said to be interested.

Oxlade-Chamberlain is proven at the top level

Although his Liverpool career was marred by injuries, the midfielder scored a memorable goal for the Reds against Manchester City in the Champions League back in 2018, one of nine in Europe’s top competition.

The Portsmouth-born maestro is a well-rounded midfielder, having also received praise from football writer Leanne Prescott for his defensive aptitude during his time on Merseyside.

The only concern over signing Oxlade-Chamberlain is the fact his best days are likely to be behind him, having failed to make an impact at Besiktas this season, appearing for a total of just 113 minutes in the Turkish Super Lig.

That said, the former Champions League winner with Liverpool may still be able to do a job at Championship level, and signing him on loan, rather than permanently, would make it a relatively low-risk move for the Blades.

All-round Alice Davidson-Richards leads Stars to victory

Sophie Luff hits 95 but Stars captain leads the way with bat and ball

ECB Reporters Network23-Jul-2022

Alice Davidson-Richards starred with bat and ball•Getty Images

Alice Davidson-Richards produced a brilliant all-round performance to inspire South East Stars to a 36-run victory over Western Storm in an entertaining Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy encounter at Cheltenham.Davidson-Richards made 50 with the bat and then weighed in with 4 for 33 with the ball to ensure Stars maintain their pursuit of frontrunners Southern Vipers and Northern Diamonds.Chloe Brewer top-scored with 61 and Rhianna Southby hit 54 as Stars posted a formidable 283-8 after winning the toss, while offspinner Chloe Skelton took competition-best figures of 5 for 54 to keep Storm in the hunt.Sophie Luff and Alex Griffiths made a decent fist of chasing, scoring 95 and 48 respectively in staging a stand of 102 for the second wicket, but Davidson-Richards took key wickets and Alexa Stonehouse returned figures of 3 for 27 as Storm were dismissed for 247 in 48 overs, Stars holding their nerve to see the game out with something to spare.Stars elected to bat and, thanks to Brewer’s initiative, commenced their innings in T20 mode. Playing on the front foot, Brewer succeeded in knocking Storm new-ball stalwart Lauren Filer off her length and putting the home side under immediate pressure.Sophie Luff led from the front•Getty Images

Danielle Gibson had Kirstie White held at slip for 11 in the fifth over, but Brewer was already out of the traps and in full flight, having quickly worked out how to use the College Ground slope to her advantage. Cutting and driving with impunity, the 20-year-old opener raced to a 36-ball 50 as Stars made the most of the fielding restrictions to post 70 from 10 overs. Having set an aggressive tone to raise 61 from 53 balls and garner nine fours, Brewer chanced her arm once too often, miss-timing a drive off Skelton and skying a catch to mid-off, where Gibson took a tricky catch over her shoulder.Storm breathed a sigh of relief and sought to restore order by deploying spin at both ends, Skelton and Sophia Smale at least succeeding in controlling the run rate where seam had failed. Encouraged by her earlier success, Skelton made further inroads, inducing Kira Chathli to drive expansively and hole out to Fi Morris at mid-on for 14.But Davidson-Richards was already displaying immaculate timing and striking the ball cleanly and her alliance with Phoebe Franklin, who adopted the role of chief support in a progressive stand of 56 in 11 overs for the fourth wicket, ensured Stars reached halfway on 144-3 to regain the upper hand.One of four spinners who sent down 32 overs between them for Storm, Morris removed Franklin in the 28th over, the Kent right-hander miss-cuing a drive and offering a catch to the ubiquitous Skelton at mid-off, having contributed a handy 29 from 37 balls. Davidson-Richards went to 50 via 64 balls, with five boundaries, and was looking to bat long when she inexplicably attempted a reverse sweep against Claire NIcholas and was held at backward point.Katie George kept things tight during seven overs from the Chapel End, but Stars again broke loose from any attempt to shackle them, Southby and Lauren Smith wresting back the initiative in an exhilarating stand of 57 in 44 balls for the sixth wicket. Southby demonstrated excellent placement in scoring at a run a ball and she and Australian Smith ran frantically between the wickets to put the fielding side under intense pressure.Southby raised 50 in the grand manner, hoisting a delivery from Gibson over the square leg boundary to register the only six of the innings. She had harvested 54 from 52 balls and accrued 5 fours and a six when she hit the returning Skelton to mid-on with the score on 247. Skelton accounted for Smith and Alexa Stonehouse in quick succession, taking three wickets in five balls to register her first five-wicket haul in the competition, but the damage had already been done.Related

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Kapp leaves England tour for family reasons

Vipers recover from 38 for 5 to extend unbeaten run

Constrained by Stonehouse, who sent down five overs for nine runs and clean bowled Nat Wraith for four, Storm battled to 48-1 by the end of the 10-over powerplay. Setting their stall out to bat long, Luff and Griffiths advanced their partnership to 50 from 65 balls, found modest acceleration to raise a three-figure stand from a further 57 deliveries and demonstrated impressive footwork to deal with the threat posed by Danielle Gregory’s legspin.Luff reached 50 from 66 balls and Griffiths, having hewn 48 from 79 deliveries, looked a sure bet to emulate her when she top-edged a drive and was caught at the wicket off the bowling of Davidson-Richards in the 27th over with 123 on the board.The required rate was already above seven an over when new batter Fran Wilson smacked Davidson-Richards straight to midwicket and departed for 15, and Franklin made Storm’s task even more difficult by removing George for 16 in the 38th over. Morris was bowled by Eva Gray in the next over, at which point Storm were 183 for 5 and in need of inspiration.Chasing 86 to win off the last 10 overs, Storm suffered a further blow when the returning Stonehouse bowled Gibson for 9, while Smale was adjudged lbw to Ryana Macdonald-Gay as Stars turned the screw.Lauren Filer elected to throw caution to the wind, scoring at better than a run a ball to put the visitors under pressure, but Luff’s brave pursuit of victory ended when she was bowled by Stonehouse, having made 95 from 119 balls, with 11 fours. And with the captain, went Storm’s last chance.

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