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Elly De La Cruz is having a great season. He has improved in every statistical category from his rookie year, collecting more hits, doubles, triples and home runs than he did in 2023. He has also improved his batting average, on-base and slugging percentages in a larger sample size thanks to more than 200 more plate appearances than he had as a rookie.

Of course, it's his speed that truly sets him apart as one of the most electric athletes in the sport. With a week-and-a-half remaining in the season, he leads baseball with 64 stolen bases. He's just the sixth person to steal more than 60 bases in a season in the last decade.

But that's not what makes this season truly historic.

De La Cruz also leads baseball with 203 strikeouts and counting. With 11 games remaining on the Reds schedule, he has 15 more strikeouts than the next most K'd batter in baseball, Ezequiel Tovar.

It's not the best historical achievement, but when you do something that has never been done in the entirety of a sports existence, it's pretty amazing. Especially when that sport has existed for over a century. And they've been keeping incredibly detailed records of stuff like this since the 1880's.

Under Roman Abramovich and now Todd Boehly, Chelsea have spent big over the last 20 years on a number of new signings, but how have the Blues fared when it comes to departures?

Those at Stamford Bridge have cashed in on a number of stars, with a plethora of players moving to the likes of Real Madrid and Manchester United.

Here’s a look at Chelsea’s most expensive sales in their history, as per news reports and Transfermarkt, with a detailed look at the top 10.

1

Eden Hazard

£89m

Real Madrid

2019

2

Kai Havertz

£65m

Arsenal

2023

3

Oscar

£60m

Shanghai SIPG

2017

4

Alvaro Morata

£58.3m

Atletico Madrid

2020

5

Diego Costa

£57m

Atletico Madrid

2017

6

Mason Mount

£55m

Man Utd

2023

7

David Luiz

£50m

PSG

2014

8

Noni Madueke

£48.5m

Arsenal

2025

9

Nemanja Matic

£40m

Man Utd

2017

10

Juan Mata

£37.1m

Man Utd

2014

=11

Ian Maatsen

£35m

Aston Villa

2024

=11

Thibaut Courtois

£35m

Real Madrid

2018

13

Tammy Abraham

£34m

Roma

2021

14

Conor Gallagher

£33m

Atletico Madrid

2024

15

Romelu Lukaku

£30m

Napoli

2024

16

Kurt Zouma

£29.8m

West Ham

2021

=17

Lewis Hall

£28m

Newcastle

2024

=17

Romelu Lukaku

£28m

Napoli

2024

19

Joao Felix

£26.2m

Al Nassr

2025

20

Timo Werner

£25.3m

RB Leipzig

2022

Here’s a detailed look at Chelsea’s 10 most expensive sales… 10 Juan Mata £37.1m to Man Utd, 2014

Like Nemanja Matic, attacking midfielder Juan Mata also swapped Stamford Bridge for Old Trafford, but did so three years prior in 2014.

The Spaniard joined Chelsea from Valencia in 2011 and starred in the Premier League, but Jose Mourinho who had recently returned for a second stint at the club, was happy to cash in midway through the 2013/14 campaign, bringing in just over £37m.

9 Nemanja Matic £40m to Man Utd, 2017

Matic had two spells at Chelsea, returning to Stamford Bridge in 2014 from Benfica in a deal worth £21m.

The Serbian was a regular over the next three years and the Blues went on to make a tidy profit when selling him to Manchester United and Jose Mourinho in 2017, with their former boss shelling out £40m to prise him from the champions.

8 Noni Madueke £48.5m to Arsenal, 2025

Noni Madueke spent two-and-a-half years at Stamford Bridge after arriving from PSV Eindhoven in 2023, with the Blues making a profit when selling him to rivals Arsenal in 2025.

It looked to be a reasonable decision from Chelsea chiefs, however, Madueke’s start to life at the Emirates shows it could actually prove to be a call the club live to regret.

7 David Luiz £50m to PSG, 2014

Brazilian centre-back David Luiz made an immediate impact after joining Chelsea from Benfica for £21.3m in 2011 and was a regular for the next two and a half years.

Luiz was then sold to Paris Saint-Germain for big money in 2014 as the French giants swooped for a mind-boggling £50m, but two years on, Chelsea would buy the defender back, with Luiz picking up Premier League, FA Cup and Europa League titles during his second stint.

6 Mason Mount £55m to Man Utd, 2023

Chelsea chiefs did brilliantly to bring in an initial £55m for Mason Mount back in 2023, as the midfielder was heading into the final 12 months of his Stamford Bridge contract.

Manchester United were happy to splash the cash on the Englishman, but his first year at Old Trafford was hampered by injury, making the cash brought in for his services a shrewd decision by the Blues.

5 Diego Costa £57m to Atletico Madrid, 2017

Arguably Chelsea’s best striker since Didier Drogba, Diego Costa was signed from and sold to Atletico Madrid in 2014 and 2017 respectively.

During his time in west London, Costa shone with his power and finishing ability, scoring 59 goals in 120 appearances and winning two Premier League titles.

Upon his departure following a reported falling-out with manager Antonio Conte, Chelsea managed to recoup some £57m as Atleti came calling for their former forward.

4 Alvaro Morata £58.3m to Atletico Madrid, 2020

Chelsea received the extremely handsome sum of £58.3m when selling Alvaro Morata to Atletico Madrid back in 2020. The Blues sold him on loan at the start of the 2019/20 season, with the La Liga giants obligated to buy the Spaniard in the following summer.

It meant that Chelsea almost broke even having bought the striker in the summer of 2017 for around £60m from Atleti’s city rivals, Real Madrid.

Considering things didn’t quite work out for Morata at Stamford Bridge, it was a pretty impressive deal from a financial point of view.

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2 ByStephan Georgiou Aug 23, 2024 3 Oscar £60m to Shanghai SIPG

Oscar was one of several Brazilians sold for big money by Chelsea, with the midfielder spending five years at Stamford Bridge from 2012 before a £60m switch at the height of the Chinese Super League boom.

He won four major honours with the Blues and made more than 200 appearances before moving to China with Shanghai SIPG. Oscar recently sealed a move back to his native Brazil with a January switch to former club Sao Paulo.

2 Kai Havertz £65m to Arsenal, 2023

Scorer of the winner in the 2021 Champions League final against Manchester City, Kai Havertz was sold to London rivals Arsenal in 2023.

Three years prior, the German forward was signed from Bayer Leverkusen, but struggled to find a starring role at Chelsea, resulting in him joining Mikel Arteta’s side, where he has impressed since his £65m move.

1 Eden Hazard £89m to Real Madrid, 2019

Top of the charts is winger Eden Hazard, who starred for Chelsea between 2012 and 2019, resulting in Real Madrid swooping in a record deal.

The Belgian made more than 350 appearances for the Blues, scoring 110 times, providing 85 assists and winning six major honours. Those at the Bernabeu made Hazard a Galactico, but things didn’t go to plan for him in Madrid, with injuries limiting him to just seven goals in 76 appearances.

Reports stated that his transfer fee could have topped £150m, but Chelsea had to settle for a €100m (£89m) windfall following his departure.

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Arsenal ended up just about getting past Greek Super League champions Olympiacos in the Champions League on Wednesday, courtesy of strikes from Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka.

For all the chances, possession and clear-cut openings created by Mikel Arteta’s side, they held a tender 1-0 lead for the majority of the 90, and goalkeeper David Raya was forced into a magnificent first-half save to keep them ahead.

Arsenal 2-0 Olympiacos – Champions League – best performers

Match Rating

Martin Odegaard

8.1

Myles Lewis-Skelly

7.9

David Raya

7.6

Mikel Merino

7.4

Chiquinho

7.4

via WhoScored

Summer signing Viktor Gyokeres also had multiple chances to extend their advantage, but the Sweden international just couldn’t quite fire home on what was a frustrating night for him.

Arsenal’s control of the match never wavered, with club captain Martin Odegaard pulling all the strings in midfield and dictating the tempo throughout.

The Norwegian’s vision and passing range constantly stretched the visitors’ defence, creating numerous opportunities, particularly for Gyokeres, with the striker feeding off Odegaard’s excellent through balls but missing the final end product.

The £30 million star was very nearly rewarded for his efforts with a goal, but was unable to convert Bukayo Saka’s cut-back very late in the second half.

Instead, it was Saka who ended up putting the game beyond sight in added time, courtesy of another excellent threaded pass from Odegaard, with the England international slotting home through goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis’ legs.

Their routine win over Olympiacos was Odegaard’s first start after coming back from a shoulder problem, and boy did he deliver on a night where he absolutely silenced his critics.

In the build up to their Champions League clash, former Arsenal player Perry Groves suggested that Arteta should continue to bench Odegaard in order to send a message and help the ex-Real Madrid man rediscover his best form.

However, Wednesday’s heroics sent a clear message in return — the 26-year-old is still one of Arteta’s superstars.

Owen Hargreaves says Martin Odegaard has proved he's still Arsenal's star man

This is echoed by TNT Sports pundit Owen Hargreaves, who told the panel during last night’s broadcast that Odegaard was back to his “absolute best” against Olympiacos.

The £240,000-per-week playmaker now has Eberechi Eze to compete with for a place in the centre of Arsenal’s attacking midfield, alongside Ethan Nwaneri, who the Gunners wish to deploy more centrally rather than in the wide area like last season (David Ornstein).

Odegaard will undoubtedly be mindful of the growing competition for a place in Arteta’s starting elevens, but he appears to be staking his claim as an undroppable following last night’s sumptuous display and his assist against Newcastle last weekend.

With Monday’s transfer deadline fast approaching, Aston Villa have reportedly launched a shock £47m offer to sign a late midfield reinforcement for Unai Emery.

Aston Villa's late transfer plan

The Villans are attempting to salvage their summer after battling with PSR constraints since the end of last season. So far, the current window has seen Evann Guessand, Yasin Ozcan and Marco Bizot all arrive, but after Emery revealed his desire to have two players in every position, the Midlands club may not be done with their incomings just yet.

The rumours have been coming thick and fast since those words and all eyes are now on Monchi as Aston Villa look to bolster their squad one final time this summer.

Of those mentioned, the biggest name has been Marco Asensio. It seemed as though Aston Villa were destined to miss out on the Spaniard after an excellent loan spell last season, but fresh reports have now indicated that they’ve made their move and he could be on the way.

The Paris Saint-Germain winger was a real difference-maker for the Villans last season and would no doubt add the further firepower that they’ve lacked in recent weeks.

The same, meanwhile, can be said for another Premier League rival that Aston Villa have already reportedly launched a shock bid to sign late on in the window.

Aston Villa launch shock Paqueta bid

According to Fabrizio Romano, Aston Villa have launched a £47m bid to sign Lucas Paqueta from West Ham United before the transfer window slams shut.

Those in the Midlands are reportedly pushing to secure his signature, but remain without the green light from the Hammers, who are keen to keep hold of the Brazilian.

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It seems like West Ham are in no mood to compromise, either. TalkSPORT’s Alex Crook has been quick to burst Villa’s bubble, reporting that a move, at this stage, is unlikely for Paqueta with West Ham unwilling to agree a loan deal that includes an obligation to buy. As such, Villa are not in a position to afford the midfield star.

Things can quickly change in a transfer window, however, and Paqueta remains one to watch. Dubbed “incredible” by David Moyes during his time at West Ham, the South American is certainly one worth fighting for.

يلتقي منتخب ألمانيا ضد أيرلندا الشمالية، في قمة المجموعة الأولى ضمن منافسات تصفيات أوروبا المؤهلة لبطولة كأس العالم 2026.

ويحتل منتخب الماكينات صدارة المجموعة الأولى في تصفيات كأس العالم بـ6 نقاط خلال 3 مباريات، من انتصارين وتعادل، وسجل الفريق 7 أهداف وأستقبلت شباكه 3 أهداف.

ويحتل منتخب أيرلندا الشمالية المركز الثاني برصيد 6 نقاط خلال 3 مباريات، من انتصارين وتعادل أيضاً، وسجل المنتخب 6 أهداف واستقبلت شباكه 4 أهداف.

ويأتي منتخب سلوفاكيا في المركز الثالث بـ6 نقاط، بفارق الأهداف، ومنتخب لوكسمبورج في المركز الرابع بدون أي نقاط.

اقرأ أيضًا.. “لم يحلم أن يصل إليه”.. سواريز يحقق رقمًا تاريخيًا في مباراة إنتر ميامي وأتالانتا

وكان منتخب ألمانيا قد حقق فوزًا كاسحًا ضد لوكسمبورج يوم الجمعة الماضية، برباعية نظيفة، ويطمح لفك منافسته مع منتخب أيرلندا الشمالية والانفراد بصدارة المجموعة.

أما منتخب أيرلندا الشمالية، فإنه يدخل المباراة بمعنويات عالية، حيث حقق الفوز ضد سلوفاكيا بهدفين نظيفين الجمعة الماضية، ويريد استغلال عاملي الأرض والجمهور. موعد مباراة ألمانيا وأيرلندا الشمالية اليوم في تصفيات كأس العالم

ستنطلق المباراة في تمام الساعة العاشرة إلا ربع مساء بتوقيت مصر والسعودية. معلق مباراة ألمانيا وأيرلندا الشمالية اليوم في تصفيات كأس العالم

تم إسناد مهمة التعليق في هذه المباراة للمعلق عصام الشوالي. القناة الناقلة لمباراة ألمانيا وأيرلندا الشمالية اليوم في تصفيات كأس العالم

من المنتظر أن تنقل المباراة عبر قناة bein Sports 1

 ويُمكنكم متابعة أحداث مباريات اليوم لحظة بلحظة من مركز المباريات من هنـــا

حرص الدكتور أشرف صبحي، وزير الشباب والرياضة، على زيارة الكابتن حسن شحاتة، المدير الفني السابق لمنتخب مصر ونادي الزمالك.

ويمر حسن شحاتة، بوعكة صحية خلال الفترة الحالية، ويتواجد لمتابعة حالته الصحية في أحد المستشفيات الخاصة.

طالع | حسام حسن: كنت أتواصل مع “المعلم”.. وإسعاد المصريين هدفي

واطمأن وزير الشباب والرياضة على الحالة الصحية، مؤكدًا أنه يتابع الحالة الصحية له أولًا بأول.

كما حرص على التأكيد على تلقي الكابتن حسن شحاتة كل الرعاية والاهتمام، تقديرا له ودوره الكبير، مؤكدا أن الدولة المصرية تقف خلف جميع أبطالها الرياضيين الذين قدموا الكثير للوطن، وهذا حقهم، متمنيا له الشفاء العاجل.

A couple of years ago, Kobbie Mainoo was seen as the latest talent to emerge out of the Manchester United academy, potentially cementing his place in the first-team squad.

The excitement around his performance was understandable, especially after he popped up with key goals, including a late winner against Wolves, before scoring in the FA Cup final back in 2023/24.

However, last year was an injury-hit campaign for the youngster, only making 25 appearances in the Premier League, with just 19 of which coming from a starting position.

Mainoo has also had to face competition from the likes of Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte and Casemiro for the starting role, but has rapidly dropped down Ruben Amorim’s pecking order at Old Trafford.

Things could be about to get a lot worse for the 20-year-old in the months ahead, especially considering the hierarchy are targeting added reinforcements in such an area in the coming weeks.

The latest on United’s hunt for a new midfielder

A new name has entered the mix for United over the last couple of days, with Stuttgart talent Angelo Stiller a player the Red Devils are considering, according to recent reports.

The German, who made 47 appearances across all competitions last season, could be available for around £50m this summer – a potential bargain if they don’t land one other target.

Another player has been firmly in their sights over the last few weeks, with Crystal Palace talent Adam Wharton one option the club are considering, according to one report.

They claim that Amorim’s side have made an approach for the 21-year-old, who helped the Eagles win the FA Cup and Community Shield under Oliver Glasner.

It’s also been confirmed that the player has been valued at around £100m this summer, a potential hefty fee, given he’s only made 36 appearances in England’s top-flight.

Why United’s latest target is a bigger talent than Baleba

It’s no secret that United have been pursuing a move for Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba this summer, even holding talks to land the 21-year-old.

At one stage, it appeared as though a move for the Cameroonian was rapidly progressing, with the player himself open to a switch to move to Old Trafford before the September 1st deadline.

However, a deal has somewhat evaporated over the last couple of days, leading to the Red Devils accepting the Seagulls’ stance that the youngster is not for sale this summer.

As a result, the hierarchy have had to look down other avenues, leading to the recent rumours to land German star Stiller after his rapid rise in the Bundesliga in recent months.

Whilst he would be a superb addition, a move for Wharton must now be the priority, potentially being an expensive pickup, but one that would be worth every penny if he carries on his current trajectory.

In his short career, he’s already picked up two more trophies than Baleba, getting a taste for success – something which the Red Devils desperately need in the near future.

When comparing their respective stats from the recent campaign, the Englishman managed to massively outperform the Cameroonian in key areas – showcasing why he’d be a bigger talent for Amorim’s side.

Games played

20

34

Goals & assists

2

4

Progressive passes

7.6

3.9

Key passes made

1.8

0.7

Passes into final third

5.3

3.6

Interceptions made

1.6

1.5

Clearances made

1.9

1.4

Carries into final third

1.6

1.5

Recoveries made

7.1

6.6

Wharton, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by HLTCO, notched more passes into the final third and more key passes completed – having the tools to provide the players ahead of him with chances in front of goal.

He also made more recoveries per 90 and registered more interceptions per 90, outperforming Baleba in such an area – highlighting the defensive quality he possesses.

Given the similarities in the fees touted for the aforementioned duo, either player would be an expensive addition – further showcasing the ambition shown by the board this summer.

The nature of the money involved makes it pivotal that the club make the right decision about whom to sign, with Wharton showcasing that he would be a better addition ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

It would be extremely harsh on Mainoo, with any deal massively disrupting his progress in the side, but unfortunately, the world of football is a cutthroat industry, with the academy graduate needing to try and force himself back into the manager’s plans.

He's perfect for Bruno: Man Utd to make bid for "complete" £42m sensation

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ByEthan Lamb Aug 16, 2025

Sunderland have now submitted a bid for a proven Premier League player who is capable of scoring “worldies”, according to a new transfer update.

Le Bris outlines Sunderland's pre-season training plan

The Black Cats are getting closer to their Premier League return all the time, with Regis Le Bris working on having his squad as prepared as possible during pre-season.

Sunderland’s manager has been discussing what he wants to see from his players during their trip to Portugal, with focus on the “dynamic” within the team.

Le Bris will know that further signings are needed before the end of the summer transfer window, though, with talks reportedly underway over a move for Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Granit Xhaka, and now a fresh update has emerged.

Sunderland submit formal offer for Xhaka

According to Bild [via Sport Witness], Sunderland have now “made advances” to sign Xhaka, submitting a bid for the former Arsenal man. While the Swiss is valued at £17m, the offer in question is believed to be “less” than that, as the Black Cats look to get a cut-price deal over the line.

Meanwhile, Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes has discussed the 32-year-old’s future: “Granit is a very important player for us, for the team and for the club.

“Our main interest is to keep him. Sure, there is interest in him, we need to speak to the player to know what his ambitions are. But one thing is clear: There would only be a transfer in a win-win situation.We still have a three-year contract with the player and are very happy with him.

“We have big goals for the next few years. That’s why there can only be a transfer if it’s good for all sides. We’ll have to wait and see. But our goal is for Granit to stay with us.“

Xhaka stands out as such a shrewd option for Sunderland this summer, so it is exciting to see progress being made in their pursuit of him.

The Leverkusen stalwart is now a 137-cap Switzerland international, showing how vastly experienced he is, and he has been hailed as a “lovely technician” by Joe Cole, also lauding the ex-Gunners star for his ability to score “worldies” from distance.

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Xhaka knows the Premier League inside out, making 225 appearances in the competition during his Arsenal days, so he could be an invaluable addition to Sunderland’s midfield, combining tactical discipline with an eye for the spectacular.

Glasgow Rangers added yet another signing to their first-team ranks on Wednesday when they confirmed the arrival of central defender Nasser Djiga on loan.

The Burkina Faso international has joined on a season-long loan, and the Gers do not have an option to make it permanent next summer.

He joins Joe Rothwell, Thelo Aasgaard, Emmanuel Fernandez, Max Aarons, and Lyall Cameron in making the switch to Ibrox during the summer transfer window, and there is more to come.

The Light Blues are also closing in on the signing of winger Djeidi Gassama from, having agreed a deal with the English side, but he is not the only wide attacker Rangers are pursuing.

Rangers have bid rejected for English forward

As well as eyeing up a deal to bring the Sheffield Wednesday forward to Ibrox, Russell Martin is also looking to reunite with one of his former players.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

According to BBC Sport journalist Nizaar Kinsela, Rangers are interested in a swoop to sign Southampton attacker Samuel Edozie during the summer transfer window.

The reporter claims that the Scottish Premiership giants have had an ‘initial’ offer turned down by the Saints, who were relegated from the Premier League last season.

Kinsela states that the Light Blues have a long-term interest in Edozie, which predates Martin’s appointment, and that more clubs are expected to join the race for his signature.

If Rangers go in with another offer for the 22-year-old winger and manage to strike a deal with the Saints, the club could land a big upgrade on Oscar Cortes.

Why Edozie would be an upgrade on Cortes

The Gers played their first friendly at Ibrox against Club Brugge last weekend and Cortes provided an assist for Mohamed Diomande’s goal in the 2-2 draw.

It remains to be seen if the Colombian winger will be a useful operator when the competitive games roll around, though, as the forward has only produced one goal and one assist in 16 matches in the Premiership in his career at Ibrox to date.

Edozie, meanwhile, produced three goals and two assists in 23 games in the Pro League whilst on loan at Anderlecht in Belgium in the 2024/25 campaign.

The former England U20 international also racked up six goals and three assists in 16 Championship starts under Martin in the 2023/24 season, as Southampton earned promotion to the Premier League.

Appearances

32

10

Goals

6

1

Big chances missed

1

2

Chances created

26

11

Assists

3

1

Dribbles completed per game

1.6

0.4

As you can see in the table above, the English speedster produced more goals, more assists, more dribbles, and created more chances in the second tier for the Rangers boss than Cortes has managed in 18 months in the Premiership with the Gers.

Edozie, who was once hailed as an “exciting” talent by Martin, has already played for the ex-Saints manager, which means that he could hit the ground running at Ibrox as a player who already knows the system and style of play.

This is why Rangers should go back in with a second offer to sign the former Manchester City academy star, who has only missed 19 games through injury in his career, compared to Cortes’ 39 matches missed just last season.

Therefore, the Southampton youngster could come in as a big upgrade on Cortes, as he is clearly available more often and provides more quality as both a scorer and a creator of goals from the left or right flank.

Personal terms agreed: Rangers set to sign their next Ryan Kent at Ibrox

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Fourth-wicket partnership of 127 seals 20-run win over Central Sparks

ECB Reporters Network04-Sep-2024

Kira Chathli shared a 127-run stand with Alice Davidson-Richards•Getty Images

South East Stars advanced to the brink of a place in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy semi-finals by beating Central Sparks by 20 runs in a fluctuating encounter at Moseley.Put in, Stars totalled 270 all out from 49.5 overs, an imposing score built around a fourth-wicket partnership of 127 in 20 overs between Kira Chathli (80) and Alice Davidson-Richards (70). Katie George took 4 for 47 for Sparks and Charis Pavely 3 for 37.Sparks’ chase of the demanding target was then set back by the loss of early wickets and though they recovered boldly through Davina Perrin (50), Chloe Brewer (54) and Bethan Ellis (57), they fell short at 250 for 9.The victory means Stars will qualify for the semis if they win their last game, away to Northern Diamonds at Chester-le-Street on Saturday. Defeat there could still see them edged out of the top four if Sunrisers record a bonus-point win over Southern Vipers at Southampton.Asked to bat first, Stars lost a wicket to the 12th ball of the innings when George bowled Cloe Hill through an airy waft. Alexa Stonehouse and Phoebe Franklin added 70 in 14 overs but then fell in quick succession. Franklin, in pursuit of her seventh four, lifted Ellis to extra cover. Four balls later, Stonehouse was beaten in the flight and bowled by Pavely.Chathli and Davidson-Richards rebuilt first carefully then stylishly. The latter hit two straight sixes and the pair shared 14 fours to put their side in command before George slowed the Stars’ momentum with three quick wickets. The left-armer had Davidson-Richards caught at mid-wicket from a full toss then struck twice in four balls when Aylish Cranstone fell lbw and Emma Jones diverted an attempted pull on to her middle stump. Chathli’s polished innings ended when she hoisted Grace Potts to deep mid-wicket but Priyanaz Chatterji provided a useful late cameo of 17 off 18 balls.Sparks’ top order, without captain Eve Jones, who has joined Thunder on loan for the rest of the season, lost four wickets in the first 13 overs. Seventeen-year-old slow left-armer Tilly Corteen-Coleman dismissed openers Ami Campbell and Meg Austin, caught in the deep, in an opening spell of 5-0-14-2. Abi Freeborn edged a wide ball from Franklin to wicketkeeper Chathli. George chipped Chatterji to midwicket.Perrin reached a run-a-ball half-century but perished next ball when she lifted a shot ball from Danielle Gregory to deep midwicket. That was 104 for 5 but Brewer and Ellis rebuilt to send their side into the last ten overs needing 75 with five wickets still intact.Brewer reached her maiden half-century for Sparks from 75 balls and, after she top-edged Stonehouse to deep mid-wicket, Pavely lent Ellis further good support so that they needed 32 from the last three overs. But Paveley was run out by calm work from Chathli and when Ellis gave Stonehouse the charge and was bowled, Sparks’ gallant chase was over.