Southern Vipers star Lauren Bell reflects on crazy summer after ending with Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy success

After a hectic summer of cricket, Lauren Bell capped her season off by helping Southern Vipers successfully defend the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy.

The 20-year-old was in the squad that secured a three-wicket victory over Northern Diamonds in Northampton, in which the game was decided with two balls to spare.

The former Bradfield College pupil bowled 10 overs in the final as Diamonds opened the batting and set a target of 184.

Vipers struggled at 109-7, but Emily Windsor (47no) and Tara Norris (40) shared a partnership of 78 to see them over the line.

“It was a great game,” admitted Bell. “It was a very close game, but it was finally great to get a win in one of the finals we have been in this summer.

“I think we have chased in every final we have been in and it’s always been a little bit nervy because getting runs on the board first is always better in a final.

“We were probably in a position where we shouldn’t have won the game, but Emily and Tara dug in and got us over the line.”

The result means its back-to-back victories in the competition as Vipers also beat Diamonds in last years final.

“Everyone was so happy and it was one of the competitions that we really wanted to win because we won it last year and it would be great to do it two years in a row.”

It’s been a busy few months for Bell, who was involved in the Charlotte Edwards Cup with Vipers and The Hundred with Southern Brave.

“It has been crazy, I don’t think I have ever played this much cricket, but I have loved every minute of it.

“It is great there has been so many opportunities with so much going on, but I have finished now and I have time to have a rest.

“I have learnt loads, especially during the Hundred when I was working with Anya [Shrubsole] because she taught me so much about bowling.

“It has been a great summer, I have gained so much confident throughout and I am really happy with how it has all gone.”

Despite enjoying every minute of it, the former Hungerford player is happy with some time off before preparations start again.

“I am back at university, so I will have time away from cricket before we meet back up for winter training and we need to prepare for another big summer next year.

“I was so ready for the break,” she said. “I loved every minute of the summer, but I was so tired towards the end.

“It will be strange not having any cricket to play, but I am just going to focus on my third year of university and getting my dissertation started before I get into cricket again.”