York Seam bowler Grace Hall shines with Northern Diamonds

Hall was one of four Diamonds bowlers to take two wickets in a tricky but ultimately comfortable defense of a 219 goal, with the hosts winning by 32 runs.

It was an exciting way to start a T20 campaign which will continue tomorrow morning in Edgbaston against the Central Sparks.

“It was really cool to be out there,” said the 20-year-old, who hails from York. “It was a dream to play at Headingley and it was incredible that it went like that.

“What a game to come by here. It was definitely a batsman game. However, I’m not sure about becoming a bowler. It’s just about sticking to your plans.”

Hall, who finished 2-41 after four overs and had a great jumping catch deep in the middle of the wicket, is the youngest academy graduate to advance to senior cricket for the Diamonds – a bowler with flinging action and plenty of variation.

“I worked a lot on my slower balls and yorkers and they were a good choice (against the Storm),” she continued. “That’s what got me my wickets and that’s what I set my field on.”

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With a competitive record 218-3 overall and Lauren Winfield-Hill and Hollie Armitage hitting career-high T20s with 98 and 74, respectively, the batters took the spotlight and the bowlers stayed under the radar.

“The bowlers, we work really hard as a unit and I think it showed that our T20 skills are where we want them to be,” continued media student Hall.

“Going out with that amount on the board, hitting Loz like she did and Hollie hitting like they did, put us in good shape. I felt comfortable and ready to bowl. On the debut, that’s exactly what you want.”

Now to Edgbaston, where Hall will play at a different testing venue early in her career.

“I know what is it about?” She smiled. “The debut at Headingley under the headlights, I couldn’t believe it.

“I found out quite late on Thursday and wasn’t expecting it at all. I was just a little shocked. But I loved it.

“It’s great that Dani (Hazell) is supporting me and the girls too. It gave me so much confidence.”

Friday was the Diamonds’ fourth win in six games this season, including three from five games of the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy.

“We’ve had an encouraging season so far and we’re really looking forward to getting the T20 off to a flying start and seeing where we can go after a great start,” added Hall.

“We’re coming back to Birmingham.”