Rubies win Super 4s

Gill Richards' Rubies claimed the 2007 Super 4s after completing an unprecedented clean sweep throughout the competition, resulting in their second competition crown since their inaugural victory in 2002.

In the final round of matches, which were held at Loughborough University over the weekend of July 7-8, the Rubies finished unbeaten, claiming their sixth victory in a row as they brushed aside the Emeralds and Sapphires.

Rubies captain Richards commented; "It's an awesome achievement to win the Super 4s trophy. We worked hard as a team throughout and it has paid off. Players like Lydia Greenway and Holly Colvin have played particularly well. Lydia finished as top run scorer and Holly took three marvellous five-wicket hauls. But it is a team game and all of us showed great team spirit all the way through"

She continued; "To remain unbeaten for the whole competition is a tremendous achievement. The players can be really proud of themselves and I am sure many of them will be back next year for another season at Super 4s. I am so happy for all the team."

On Saturday they took on their then closest rivals for the crown, the Emeralds, and showed just why they were champions elect with a stunning performance. Holly Colvin took another five wicket haul as they bowled out the Emerald's for a paltry 69, Colvin taking 5-7. In reply, the Rubies knocked the runs off with the loss of only three wickets.

This victory on Saturday ensured a competition win for the Rubies who then completed a clean sweep by beating the Sapphires, last years victors. Having totalled 139 in their innings, they then bowled out the Sapphires for 124 to win by 15 runs. Sarah Taylor, 18-year-old batsman/wicket-keeper, top scored for the Rubies, making 30, with Helen Wardlow taking 3-18 from her ten overs. In reply Colvin and Dawn Prestige each took three wickets apiece. Claire Taylor top-scored for the Sapphires, making 32.

In the other matches, England captain Charlotte Edwards showed us all exactly what the Diamonds have been missing by making a much awaited return to action. She plundered 69 not out against the Sapphires as the Diamonds won by eight wickets on Saturday and then 94 not out as they beat Emeralds by nine wickets on Sunday. The Sapphires totalled 154 during their innings, Lynsey Askew taking 3-14, in reply Jenny Gunn scoring 60 not out as she ably supported Edwards.

In a match that would determine who finished as runners-up, the Diamonds took the honours after they completed a comprehensive nine wicket victory. The Emeralds were bowled out for 173, Alexia Walker making 52 as Gunn took 4-28. In reply Edwards made 94 not out and Gunn 49 not out as the Diamonds won with 15 overs remaining.

England and Rubies spinner Holly Colvin finished as the leading wicket-taker in the competition, taking 19 scalps at an amazing 4.05 runs per wicket, including three five-wicket hauls. On the batting front, Rubies left-hander Lydia Greenway would have impressed the England selectors by topping the highest runs. She accumulated 233 runs throughout the competition at an average of 58.25. Diamonds' Jenny Gunn finished second with 214 runs at 42.8.