Bryce Brilliance: Kathryn's All-Round Show Leads Blaze to Big Win

Bryce Leads The Blaze to Dominant Win Over Essex in Vitality Blast Kathryn Bryce produced a stellar all-round performance to guide The Blaze to a seven-wicket bonus-point victory over Essex Women in the Vitality Blast at the Central Co-op County Ground, Derby. Bryce took 2 for 11 with the ball and followed it up with a run-a-ball unbeaten 51, finishing the match with a straight six to cap a commanding display. Essex were bowled out for 104, with Jo Gardner top-scoring on 22. They collapsed after losing three wickets in the powerplay, including a key scalp by Bryce, who stepped up after opening bowler Grace Ballinger left the field injured just one ball into the match with a suspected hamstring issue. Ella Claridge's sharp fielding led to a run-out, while Cassidy McCarthy (2 for 22) and Josie Groves contributed with timely strikes. Kirstie Gordon and Maddy Green added pressure with economical spells, helping reduce Essex to 44 for 5. Despite a brief recovery through Gardner and Sophia Smale (42-run stand), Essex’s innings lacked momentum and finished under-par. In response, The Blaze shrugged off early losses—Georgia Elwiss fell for a duck and Marie Kelly for 14—but Kathryn Bryce steadied the chase. Supported by her sister Sarah Bryce, she accelerated with composure and finished the job with 35 balls to spare. Match Hero: Kathryn Bryce – 2/11 & 51 (run-a-ball)* The result boosts Blaze’s campaign and raises concerns for Essex, who struggled with dropped catches and a modest total on a batting-friendly surface. The Blaze 106 for 3 (K Bryce 51*) beat Essex 104 (K Bryce 2-11, McCarthy 2-22) by seven wickets