CENTRAL Sparks were beaten by seven wickets (on DLS) in their opening match of the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy against Southern Vipers.
Sparks posted 163-7 from 36 overs (reduced from 50) as Eve Jones top scored with 39 before Vipers reached their revised target with two balls to spare at Edgbaston Community Sports Ground.
The home side made a strong start as Jones and 15-year-old Davina Perrin (22) put on 65 for the first wicket before Thea Brookes (13) and Ami Campbell (16) helped Sparks reach 101-3.
Abigail Freeborn (7) fell cheaply before Sarah Glenn hit 15 runs from as many balls and Ria Fackrell (8) helped the innings tick along.
Georgia Davis (8 not out) and Grace Potts (5 not out) were left at the crease as Sparks finished on 163-7 with 14 overs lost to rain.
And Sparks made the perfect start with the ball when Potts (1-10) trapped Georgia Adams lbw with her third delivery in the first over.
However, a lengthy rain delay at the end of Vipers third over, with the Southern side on 24-1, saw their innings reduced to 10 overs with the required target revised to 70.
And Vipers made the most of the rain to put on a 62-run second-wicket partnership before Glenn (1-10) trapped Maia Bouchier (20) lbw.
England international Danni Wyatt hit an impressive 36 not out from just 24 balls and, despite Hannah Baker (1-21) taking a late wicket, Georgia Elwiss came to crease and smashed a six to steer Vipers to victory in 9.4 overs.
Sparks are next action away at Western Storm on Saturday, July 9 with the game set to begin at 10.30am at the Seat Unique Stadium.
