New Milton's Charlotte Taylor, who took 6-34 in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy final [Dave Vokes]
Charlotte with her POM award NEW Milton’s Charlotte Taylor produced the performance of her life, taking six wickets to lead the Southern Vipers to the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy Women’s title at Edgbaston.
The former Arnewood School pupil’s performance, which is the best return from any bowler in the competition, ensured the Vipers defended 232 to beat Northern Diamonds by 38 runs to become the competition’s inaugural champions.
Charlotte, who has an unconventional style and is able to spin the ball the other ay with what her team-mates have described as an ‘accidental doosra’. is the daughter of New Milton chairman and left-arm spin bowler Steve Taylor and niece of Neil Taylor, the Bashley (Rydal) and Hampshire 50s all-rounder.
The Diamonds’ run chase got off to a decent start with them well-placed on 74-1 in the 15th over. However, off-spinner Taylor’s brilliant spell cut them down to 96-6 by the 23rd.
She ripped through the heart of the Diamonds batting order. Using a whole raft of variations, Taylor bamboozled her opponents, who struggled to work out which way the ball was turning.
The Southern Vipers made it seven wins out of seven in a perfect season with the Diamonds bowled out for 193 with seven overs spare.
Havant's Emily Windsor, who made an important 37 after the Vipers had slipped to 165-5, and Charlie Dean (daughter of retired Havant and Minor Counties opener Steve Dean), who took 1-35 off her ten overs, played fine support roles in the victory.
The 26-year-old’s remarkable performance may have taken many by surprise considering she did not make the initial squad but was drafted in after the competition began.
Taylor, who also claimed the player of the match award, said: “That’s the best I’ve ever bowled. I couldn’t have asked for anything better. Obviously a few weeks ago I got drafted into the competition. I never expected to play, but I’m proving to myself week in and week out that I can play at this level.
“They got off to a good start, but we took wickets at key times, and I’m so happy I was able to contribute. Lots of people wouldn’t have seen me play too much cricket, and I think that works to my advantage, especially with my bowling.
“For us to win seven games out of seven with such a young side, it’s really impressive and bodes well for the future."
Taylor first played at New Milton in the U9 boys team, later joining Hursley Park CC as a 14-year-old. She played regularly for the men’s team at Fernhill in 2015, taking 15 Hampshire League wickets, including a 4-27 return against Bransgore.
The cricketing Taylor family were unable to attend the Edgbaston final due to Covid-19 regulations, but Charlotte’s dad, Steve said: “The immediate family were all at home watching the final on Sky Sports. It was great to watch as the wickets came – we weren’t surprised at all because we know how good she is.
“She does the basics really well; she consistently puts the ball on the spot and makes the batsmen work every ball. Her success comes from that consistency.”
In 2017, Taylor’s rise was curtailed after tearing her cruciate ligament. After completing a rigorous rehab programme, she was recalled by Hursley Park before Vipers coach and former England captain Charlotte Edwards called her up.
Steve added: “It was great to watch her perform at such a high level. It really is testament to all the hard work she’s put in over the last three years.
“When I think about the time Charlotte lost with the injury, I couldn’t help but wonder about where and who she might be playing for. I knew she had the drive and determination, but I honestly wasn’t sure if she’d get back to this level. She deserves all the praise she’s getting.”
The former Arnewood School pupil’s performance, which is the best return from any bowler in the competition, ensured the Vipers defended 232 to beat Northern Diamonds by 38 runs to become the competition’s inaugural champions.
Charlotte, who has an unconventional style and is able to spin the ball the other ay with what her team-mates have described as an ‘accidental doosra’. is the daughter of New Milton chairman and left-arm spin bowler Steve Taylor and niece of Neil Taylor, the Bashley (Rydal) and Hampshire 50s all-rounder.
The Diamonds’ run chase got off to a decent start with them well-placed on 74-1 in the 15th over. However, off-spinner Taylor’s brilliant spell cut them down to 96-6 by the 23rd.
She ripped through the heart of the Diamonds batting order. Using a whole raft of variations, Taylor bamboozled her opponents, who struggled to work out which way the ball was turning.
The Southern Vipers made it seven wins out of seven in a perfect season with the Diamonds bowled out for 193 with seven overs spare.
Havant's Emily Windsor, who made an important 37 after the Vipers had slipped to 165-5, and Charlie Dean (daughter of retired Havant and Minor Counties opener Steve Dean), who took 1-35 off her ten overs, played fine support roles in the victory.
The 26-year-old’s remarkable performance may have taken many by surprise considering she did not make the initial squad but was drafted in after the competition began.
Taylor, who also claimed the player of the match award, said: “That’s the best I’ve ever bowled. I couldn’t have asked for anything better. Obviously a few weeks ago I got drafted into the competition. I never expected to play, but I’m proving to myself week in and week out that I can play at this level.
“They got off to a good start, but we took wickets at key times, and I’m so happy I was able to contribute. Lots of people wouldn’t have seen me play too much cricket, and I think that works to my advantage, especially with my bowling.
“For us to win seven games out of seven with such a young side, it’s really impressive and bodes well for the future."
Taylor first played at New Milton in the U9 boys team, later joining Hursley Park CC as a 14-year-old. She played regularly for the men’s team at Fernhill in 2015, taking 15 Hampshire League wickets, including a 4-27 return against Bransgore.
The cricketing Taylor family were unable to attend the Edgbaston final due to Covid-19 regulations, but Charlotte’s dad, Steve said: “The immediate family were all at home watching the final on Sky Sports. It was great to watch as the wickets came – we weren’t surprised at all because we know how good she is.
“She does the basics really well; she consistently puts the ball on the spot and makes the batsmen work every ball. Her success comes from that consistency.”
In 2017, Taylor’s rise was curtailed after tearing her cruciate ligament. After completing a rigorous rehab programme, she was recalled by Hursley Park before Vipers coach and former England captain Charlotte Edwards called her up.
Steve added: “It was great to watch her perform at such a high level. It really is testament to all the hard work she’s put in over the last three years.
“When I think about the time Charlotte lost with the injury, I couldn’t help but wonder about where and who she might be playing for. I knew she had the drive and determination, but I honestly wasn’t sure if she’d get back to this level. She deserves all the praise she’s getting.”
