Leaders Vipers beaten again as Sparks cruise to win

Charis Pavely is in England's squad for next month's T20 internationals against Ireland

Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, Visit Worcestershire New Road

Southern Vipers 183 (48.4 overs): Elwiss 64*; Arlott 4-17, Pavely 4-31

Central Sparks 184-3 (39.2 overs): Jones 54, Campbell 48; Adams 2-34

Central Sparks won by seven wickets

Leaders Southern Vipers suffered a second successive defeat as Central Sparks cruised to a seven-wicket win at New Road in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy.

After an opening partnership of 64, Vipers fell away to be bowled out for 183 despite an unbeaten 64 by Georgia Elwiss.

Emily Arlott and Charis Pavely - the latter called up for England's T20 series against Ireland next month - both took four wickets.

Skipper Eve Jones scored 54 to launch the Sparks run-chase and they got home on 184-3 with 10.4 overs to spare.

The two teams went into the game with contrasting records, Vipers having won seven and lost three - the exact opposite of Sparks - but Georgia Adams' side was depleted by the absence of players on England duty.

Rhianna Southby (36) and Ella McCaughan (24) gave them a solid start but both fell in successive overs from Arlott, who also removed Adams for only four.

Elwiss hit five fours in her 86-ball innings but no-one else reached 20 and Pavely ran through the tail as they were all out in the 49th over.

Jones and Ami Campbell (48) put on 95 for the first Sparks wicket before the latter gave a return catch to Ava Lee.

Davina Perrin was caught behind off Adams, who also removed Jones, caught at long-on after hitting seven fours but Katie George raced to an unbeaten 38 off 29 balls to see her side home.

Vipers - who lost to The Blaze by 20 runs on Monday - remain two points clear of Northern Diamonds, with Sparks still seventh, six points adrift of the top four.