Kathryn Bryce has praised the depth of The Blaze’s squad ahead of their final Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy game before the onset of The Hundred. 

One change is made to the matchday squad, with Kirstie Gordon missing through a family commitment and Marie Kelly captaining in her absence, as The Blaze face Northern Diamonds at Lindum CC (Sunday 14 July, 10.30am) 

Last time out, the East Midlands outfit conducted a nerveless chase of 217 against Western Storm to secure a third win in four 50 over games. 

Sarah Bryce continued her fine form with the bat in contributing a 54-ball 61, while she shared a 115-run partnership with Lucy Higham who made 64 not out - her first List A half-century in regional cricket. 

The result followed a comfortable victory against South East Stars in Beckenham, which itself was preceded by a narrow four-wicket loss with four balls remaining against Southern Vipers. 

“I think we’ve put in a couple of great performances over this block,” Bryce said. 

“It was just small margins in all areas of the games against Vipers that meant we fell short but there was stuff we knew we could put right, and it was a great win against Diamonds heading into the last game before the break. 

“That performance showed the depth we have in the squad and the number of people who can win games of cricket for us.”

Bryce also reflected on her own performance, having taken four wickets for 20 runs in nine overs. 

That return followed the Scotland captain being named PCA Player of the Month for June, having won the same title in May. 

“It is nice to get a few wickets and continue to contribute to the team, and also just put pressure on at one end so others can take wickets too,” she said.

“The way that I’ve gone in the last few months, I’d say it’s the best cricket I’ve ever played in my career, so I’m trying to just keep building that momentum.

“Equally I want to make sure I am focussed on each game, doing the basics well and as being as prepared as I can be.”

Bryce reiterated the importance of carrying form into the final block of regional games in September. 

The Blaze are currently six points off the top four, with those spots gaining qualification through to the semi-final stage. 

“It’s important to end this phase well, to keep chipping away at that gap,” she said.

“These wins could be really important come the back end of the competition and with the performances we have put in so far, we know we have got the ability to beat any team.

“If we can keep playing to our own strengths, we will be in a good position come the end of the group stage.”