Robust Rubies down Diamonds

Rubies and Emeralds, the top two sides, brushed aside the rain to storm to victory and maintain their status in the Super 4s table. Rubies are still undefeated in the tournament.

The Emeralds, playing bottom-placed Sapphires, won by 27 runs at Loughborough. . Danielle Wyatt took for 5 for 23 to roll Sapphires for 120, who were chasing just 148 for victory.

Beth Morgan made an impressive 65 to lift Emeralds, while Laura Spragg took 3 for 18 and Rochelle Petty took 3 for 29. For the Sapphires, only Laura Spragg (40) and Helen Wardlow (23*) put up any resistance.

At Taunton, Rubies once again showed their all-round talent by beating a Diamonds side still missing England captain Charlotte Edwards. The Rubies were put in on an overcast day and made 98 for 6 from 35 overs, before rain delayed the match by two hours.

Upon the resumption, the Diamonds were set a revised target of 96 from 27 overs. They fell to 84 for 9 as England spinner Holly Colvin took another five-wicket haul, with 5 for 27. Jenny Gunn top-scored with 22 for the Diamonds.