Boehly could sell Sterling and sign "relentless" £40m star for Chelsea

Chelsea ended their 2023/24 campaign with a win on Sunday as they secured all three points with a 2-1 victory over Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge.

Moises Caicedo scored an outrageous goal from the halfway line to open the scoring in the first half before Raheem Sterling struck just after the break, with an own goal from Benoit Badiashile serving as merely a consolation for the away side.

The Blues finished sixth in the Premier League table, three points ahead of Newcastle United, to ensure that they will return to European football next season, after a year away from it.

With the campaign wrapped up and finished for the London giants, Mauricio Pochettino and Todd Boehly can now turn their attention to the upcoming transfer window.

The Chelsea chiefs may look to improve the playing squad over the coming weeks and months to prepare them to improve on their sixth-placed finish in the Premier League, whilst also strengthening the group to be able to compete in Europe.

With this in mind, Pochettino could brutally ditch one of Sunday's scorers – Sterling – by securing a deal to sign one of the club's reported transfer targets.

Chelsea's interest in Championship star

Earlier this month, TEAMtalk named Chelsea as one of a number of teams interested in a possible swoop to sign Leeds United star Crysencio Summerville.

The report claimed that several sides are considering an approach to sign the impressive Dutch winger in the upcoming summer window to bolster their respective attacks.

It stated that Newcastle United and Aston Villa have both been sending scouts to watch the former Feyenoord youngster in action, whilst there is genuine interest from the Blues.

Leeds winger Crysencio Summerville

Meanwhile, incoming Liverpool boss Arne Slot, who is set to arrive from Summerville's former club Feyenoord, has added the 22-year-old magician to his list of targets ahead of his first transfer window at Anfield.

TEAMtalk stated that Leeds have placed an asking price of up to £40m on the forward's head but that could be reduced to around £35m if they fail to earn promotion to the Premier League.

Daniel Farke's side have a Championship play-off final clash with Southampton to come at Wembley on Sunday and the interested clubs may be rooting for the Saints to come out on top, as it looks as though it would save them around £5m on Summerville should they pursue a deal for him.

Bringing the right-footed dynamo to Stamford Bridge could, then, free up space in the squad for Chelsea to ruthlessly sell Sterling ahead of next season.

Why Chelsea should cash in on Raheem Sterling

Per Capology, the former Manchester City star is the highest earner in the squad on a staggering wage of £325k-per-week – £75k-per-week more than Reece James in second on the list.

Cole Palmer is said to be on £75k-per-week and Noni Madueke is on just £50k-per-week, with Sterling topping the charts for the Blues this season.

However, the winger's performances in the Premier League during the 2023/24 campaign do not suggest that the club got value for money on that £325k-per-week.

He ranked third in the squad for goals (eight), fifth for assists (four), and ninth for key passes per game (1.0), which shows that he did not lead the way for Pochettino in any key attacking metric.

Nicolas Jackson

18.66

14

-4.66

Enzo Fernandez

6.33

3

-3.33

Malo Gusto

1.44

0

-1.44

Raheem Sterling

9.42

8

-1.42

Marc Cucurella

1.15

0

-1.15

In fact, as you can see in the table above, Sterling underperformed in front of goals with eight strikes from 9.42 xG and only three players were more wasteful than him.

This shows that the attacker has been below-par as a finisher for Chelsea in the division, as an average player would have been expected to score at least one more goal based on the quality of chances that were created for him by his teammates.

Sterling also ended the season with just four assists to his name, which does not suggest that he made him up for his lacklustre finishing with outstanding creativity.

In March, Chelsea were reportedly considering offloading the 29-year-old dud in the summer, and Pochettino must press ahead with those plans by signing Summerville to replace him.

Why Chelsea should sign Crysencio Summerville

Whilst Sterling turns 30 this year and is heading towards the later stages of his career, the Leeds star is a bright young talent who could be a future star for many years to come at Elland Road.

Chelsea benefitted from taking a chance on a young player last summer when they snapped up 21-year-old Cole Palmer from Manchester City, who went on to score 22 goals and provide 11 assists in the Premier League.

Summerville, 22, won the Championship Player of the Season award last month and his performances this season suggest that he has the potential to be a big player for the Blues if he can make the step up to the top-flight.

Appearances

43

34

Sofascore rating

7.79

7.70

Goals

19

22

xA

12.53

8.67

Big chances created

17

17

Assists

9

11

As you can see in the table above, the Dutch award-winner enjoyed a similar season to Palmer, albeit at a lower level, with his ability to score and create goals at an exceptional rate.

The Whites wizard, who was lauded as "relentless" in his movement off the ball by analyst Ben Mattinson, ranked within the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the Championship for shot-creating actions per 90 (6.10), the top 12% for non-penalty goals per 90 (0.39), and the top 4% for Expected Assisted Goals per 90 (0.30).

This shows that the young star was one of the best attackers in the division at scoring goals from open play and creating high-quality chances for his teammates.

Chelsea star who had more touches than Palmer must be sold this summer

The Blues should ruthlessly cash in on the defender in the upcoming summer transfer window.

ByDan Emery May 19, 2024

Therefore, Chelsea could potentially improve their squad by landing the exciting talent, who outscored his xG by 2.49, to replace the underperforming and highly-paid Sterling this summer, if Pochettino could help him to translate his outstanding Championship form over to the Premier League.

Novo técnico, Enderson Moreira levará auxiliar, treinador de goleiro e preparador físico ao Botafogo

MatériaMais Notícias

Enderson Moreira não será o único novo rosto no dia a dia do Botafogo. O novo técnico do Alvinegro, anunciado na noite desta terça-feira, chega ao clube com mais três profissionais, que vão formar a sua comissão técnica e se unir às pessoas que já estavam no dia a dia do Glorioso.

+ Novo técnico do Botafogo, Enderson Moreira sofreu infarto em maio

Além do novo treinador, chegam o auxiliar Luís Fernando Flores, o auxiliar e treinador de goleirosAilton Serafim e o preparador físicoEdy Carlos Soares. Os quatro trabalham juntos há anos e formam a comissão de Enderson Moreira.

Dos três, o mais famoso é Luis Fernando Flores, que foi jogador de futebol. O ex-meia foi camisa 10 do Cruzeiro na conquista da Supercopa de 1991 sobre o River Plate, tendo também atuado pelo Internacional.

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Enderson e a nova comissão técnica do Botafogo chegarão ao Rio de Janeiro na manhã desta quarta-feira. Eles vão conhecer as instalações do Nilton Santos, conversar com os jogadores pela primeira vez e já iniciar os treinos.

O Botafogo, atual 14º colocado na classificação da Série B do Brasileirão, volta aos gramados no próximo sábado para enfrentar o Confiança no Batistão, já com Enderson no comando da equipe.

Report: Arne Slot wants Liverpool to sign £49,000-a-week duo this summer

Incoming Liverpool manager Arne Slot wants to complete the double signing of two Feyenoord players in the summer transfer window, according to a fresh report.

Slot to replace Klopp at Liverpool

The Reds now have just two matches remaining in the Jurgen Klopp era, with an emotional farewell for the German coming at home to Wolves later this month. It is vital that Liverpool don't go backwards without their legendary leader around anymore, though, and he will leave the next manager with an excellent squad full of both world-class experienced heads and superb young players.

Feyenoord manager Arne Slot

It looks as though Slot is all but guaranteed to be Klopp's successor this summer, having been picked out by FSG as the best option to come in after winning the Eredivisie title with Feyenoord last season. The 45-year-old has reportedly agreed a deal to take him to Anfield, in what represents a huge step up for him personally.

The Dutchman will no doubt be desperate to bring in players who he believes can make Liverpool even stronger but also individuals who can adapt to his style of play.

Slot eyeing double swoop for Liverpool

According to a new update from Football Insider, Slot wants to bring Mats Wieffer and Lutsharel Geertruida to Liverpool from Feyenoord this summer, with the Reds believed to be "targeting potential deals" for the pair, who are 24 and 23 years of age respectively.

Feyenoord midfielderMats Wieffer.

Defensive midfield is a position that Liverpool need to strengthen in this summer, with Wataru Endo an ageing figure who should be seen as a squad player moving forward, and Alexis Mac Allister more effective in a No.8 role.

In Wieffer, who makes just £7k-a-week with Slot's current club, the Reds could have a great option to sit in front of the defence, having excelled in Rotterdam since arriving in 2022. This season, the Netherlands international has won an average of 3.2 aerial duels per game, not to mention also scoring five times, showing that he can be a threat in the final third too. The fact that he would be joining his current manager at Anfield would also make things easier for him, in terms of knowing exactly what is expected of him.

The same applies to Geertruida, on a larger £42k-a-week, who has also shone brightly for Feyenoord in 2023/24 to date, registering 12 goal contributions (seven goals and five assists) in the league from right-back, enjoying a 91.5% pass completion rate in the process.

Should Slot see Trent Alexander-Arnold as a future midfielder, the 23-year-old could come straight in and provide competition for Conor Bradley, allowing the Liverpool vice-captain to flourish in a role that many believe he was born to play in.

Liverpool step up interest in "insane" star ahead of summer move

Michael Edwards is making his presence felt.

ByHenry Jackson May 6, 2024

Wieffer and Geertruida may not be the world-renowned names that some Reds supporters want to see come in this summer, but Slot knows them inside out, suggesting he knows exactly the kind of positive impact they could have.

Newcastle could now replace Dubravka with in-demand goalkeeper for Howe

Newcastle United have a lot of work to do this summer. Whether that be seeking new defenders to finally solve Eddie Howe's backline problem or even finding a new backup for Nick Pope, it's reportedly set to be a busy few months at St James' Park.

Newcastle transfer news

There's no doubt that the Magpies' main priority should be signing central defenders with Jamaal Lascelles and Sven Botman set to miss part of next season due to ACL injuries to leave Howe short on options. The injuries have likely forced PIF's hand in the transfer market, with Max Kilman and Dean Huijsen already linked with moves this summer.

Newcastle may have sold another Lewis Miley for just £1.5m

He might end up being better than Miley

ByJoe Nuttall Apr 12, 2024

Meanwhile, away from the injury news, Newcastle have at least been handed a positive boost in the form of Joelinton's new contract. Some may have been concerned about his future at the club, but the Brazilian has now reaffirmed his commitment.

The same is unlikely to be the case for Martin Dubravka, however, whose contract runs out in the summer of 2025. At 35-years-old, he is not an option that the Magpies can rely on as Nick Pope's backup in the long-term, which has seen their attention turn towards elsewhere.

According to FTBL, Newcastle have joined the race to sign Middlesbrough's Tom Glover this summer alongside Rangers, Celtic and FC Copenhagen. A goalkeeper in demand, Glover looks set to have a decision to make this summer.

At 26-years-old, he represents a far more suitable option to take up the role of Pope's number two for years to come. The shot-stopper's arrival would solve a problem at St James' Park before it becomes a major stumbling block for Howe and his side.

Glover would seamlessly solve Newcastle's problem

Whilst Dubravka deserves credit for how he's stepped up in Pope's absence this season, the 35-year-old is unlikely to be in a place where he is able to step up as he edges closer to calling it a day. And that's where Glover should come in this summer.

The Australian has given Michael Carrick a headache at times when competing with Seny Dieng for a place in Boro's squad, especially after his performances in the number one's absence. Now, he could get the chance to hand Howe the same headache.

Save Percentage

68.8%

70%

Goals conceded per 90

1.36

2.12

Pass completion rate

78%

79.5%

Saves per 90

3

4.04

In a busy race for his signature, Newcastle will be hoping that the temptation of Premier League football is enough to convince Glover into a move this summer. The 26-year-old could be set to go from the Championship all the way to the top half of the Premier League in what would be an excellent and unexpected career step. When the summer window opens, he certainly looks like one to keep an eye on.

Revealed: Why Man Utd have still not signed Matthijs de Ligt as delay holds up Bayern Munich's bid to land Jonathan Tah from Bayer Leverkusen

Manchester United have not yet signed Matthijs de Ligt as a reported delay is holding up Bayern Munich from landing Bayer Leverkusen's Jonathan Tah.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Man Utd still chasing De LigtBayern want to sign a replacement firstPreparing to step up their pursuit of TahWHAT HAPPENED?

The urgency for Bayern to bolster their defensive line has intensified following an injury to their new signing, Hiroki Ito. The Japanese defender sustained a serious injury, breaking his metatarsal, during a friendly match against 1. FC Duren, and is expected to be sidelined for several weeks. According to this injury might prompt Bayern to expedite their pursuit of Tah to cover the defensive gap left by Ito's absence.

Advertisement(C)Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Despite the pressing need for defensive reinforcements, Bayern's improved offer for Tah — €20 million (£17m/$22m) plus an additional €5 million (£4m/$5.5m) in bonus payments — has not met Bayer's expectations. Sports director, Simon Rolfes, confirmed that no acceptable offer has been received from any club, maintaining a stalemate in the transfer negotiations. Nonetheless, Tah is eager to join Bayern and has already reached a personal agreement with the club.

DID YOU KNOW?

Meanwhile, Bayern and United have also not yet reached an agreement over the transfer fee for De Ligt. United are reluctant to meet Bayern's €50 million (£42m/$54m) asking price, with both clubs reportedly €15 million (£12.6m/$16m) apart in their valuations.

The potential departure of De Ligt has elicited varied responses from Bayern's management and fanbase. Thousands of Bayern supporters have signed a petition urging the club to retain the Dutch defender. This sentiment is echoed by Honorary President Uli Hoeness, who has expressed no opposition to De Ligt staying at the club. The decision-makers have taken note of the developments and have hence stalled his transfer.

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(C)Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT?

The transfer saga involving De Ligt, Tah, Bayern and United remains a complex and evolving situation. With the injury to Ito and the unresolved negotiations between Bayern and United, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining the outcomes for all parties involved. As it stands, De Ligt is expected to rejoin Bayern training on August 2 after returning from his holidays following the European Championship.

West Indies batting great Basil Butcher dies at 86

Basil Butcher, the stylish Guyana and West Indies batsman of the 1950s and 1960s, died on Monday in Florida following a long illness aged 86. He played 44 Tests between 1958 and 1969, scoring 3104 runs at an average of 43.11, and was named one of Wisden’s Cricketers of the Year in 1970.Of his seven Test hundreds, Butcher is best remembered for his second-innings 133 – in the 1963 Lord’s Test against England – which is often rated as one of the greatest matches to have been played at the ground. He made those runs against an England attack led by Fred Trueman after having learnt of his wife’s miscarriage just moments before walking out to bat.Three years later, Butcher posted his highest Test score of 209 not out, against England in Nottingham. It helped West Indies overhaul a first-innings deficit of 90 to win by 139 runs. It was in 1958-59 that Butcher, understood to be the first player of Amerindian descent to represent West Indies, first made his mark in West Indies colours. Against India, he scored 486 runs at 69.42 in his debut series, but fell away for the next few seasons. He then returned to the side in 1963 for the England tour, and was a regular fixture in the team after that till his retirement. After Richie Benaud, the Australian legspinner, played West Indies in two series in that period, he said Butcher was the most difficult of all West Indian batsmen to dismiss.Butcher, in fact, bowled some legspin himself. All of his five Test wickets came in one innings when he claimed 5 for 34 against England at Port of Spain in 1967-68.Butcher was born on September 3, 1933 and was raised on a sugar estate outside the village of Port Mourant in what was then known as British Guiana. He was a neighbour of Alvin Kallicharan’s family and future West Indies team-mates Rohan Kanhai and Joe Solomon lived nearby too. To support his cricket career that began at Port Mourant Sports Club, he worked as a teacher, an insurance salesman, a clerk, and a welfare officer. After his retirement, he ran a bauxite company in Guyana.

Sky pundit heaps praise on Tottenham player after surprise statistic

A Tottenham player has been subject to real praise from pundit Stephen Warnock, who told Sky Sports about an incredible statistic of his this season.

Spurs players transformed by Postecoglou

Of the players transformed by manager Ange Postecoglou, there are many.

Tottenham willing to bid at least £30m for midfielder likened to Bentancur

Spurs are really interested.

By
Emilio Galantini

Feb 21, 2024

Indeed, the likes of Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr have become mainstays under the Australian since his arrival from Celtic, with the latter in particular turning heads as Spurs look to replicate that successful buy-to-loan-back deal with future transfers.

Alongside the African duo, Son Heung-min has rediscovered his very best form under Postecoglou, with the Lilywhites still very much contending for Champions League football next season. Tactically, two other players to have seriously benefitted from Postecoglou's arrival at N17 are full-backs Pedro Porro and Destiny Udogie.

Tottenham's next league fixtures

Date

Crystal Palace (home)

March 2nd

Aston Villa (away)

March 10th

Fulham (away)

March 16th

Luton Town (home)

March 30th

West Ham (away)

April 2nd

The former, signed from Sporting Lisbon last January, has been dazzling as an inverted full-back in Postecoglou's system alongside Udogie – who himself has enjoyed an incredible debut campaign after fully linking up from Udinese in the summer.

Warnock hails Udogie after surprising Tottenham statistic

The Italy international has started 21 top-flight matches as a mainstay for Tottenham, bagging two goals and three assists, with Warnock sharing that he's also completed their most dribbles from midfield so far this season.

In reaction to the head-turning stat, Warnock has heaped praise on Udogie and is "made up" that he's become one of Tottenham's "most important" players.

Destiny Udogie

"The way Tottenham play this season, everybody talks about the spine of the team, but it’s actually the fullbacks who are the most important players,” said Warnock on The Sky Sports Football Show (via HITC).

“And I am made up to say that. It makes me very happy. They change the way that they play. Udogie doesn’t play as a conventional fullback or as an overlapping fullback.

“Incredibly, I saw an article on this a few weeks ago where he has actually completed the most dribbles in midfield. That tells you everything about the type of player he is and where he is playing on the pitch, so often, you see him and Porro in centre-forward positions or number 10 positions.

Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou celebrates.

“You are thinking, why are you playing there? What’s this trying to achieve? The more that you watch Spurs, the more that you understand it. They are key to the way Tottenham play. You can get away with one not playing, but when both don’t play, then they are completely different.”

The defender has also been praised by Arsenal legend Ian Wright for his "impressive" performances this season.

"You know someone who has to get some love as well for going under the radar, Udogie," explained Wright (as transcribed by Spurs Web).

"You watch Spurs and they have put together some players that you look at and think it’s a team that are shutting up everything. He has given them a stability and a progression of the ball that is very impressive. The man is going under the radar. I cannot wait to see this guy, I can’t wait to see him live.”

Allianz Parque anuncia volta de tour oficial pelo estádio

MatériaMais Notícias

O Allianz Parque anunciou, oficialmente, a volta do Allianz Parque Experience Tour, um tour guiado completo pelo novo estádio do Verdão. A atração havia sido suspensa em virtude das diretrizes sanitárias do governo de São Paulo, mas agora está de volta para todos os palmeirenses e demais amantes do futebol.

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>> Rony desequilibra, Palmeiras bate o Defensa y Justicia e segue 100% na Libertadores

O torcedor poderá fazer o passeio por todos os pontos da arena mais moderna da América Latina como vestuários, camarotes, arquibancada e sala de imprensa. Além disso, pode ter a oportunidade de levar para casa uma recordação histórica de uma foto pessoal com a taça da Libertadores.

Seguindo as determinações recomendadas pelas autoridades de saúde, o tour conta com um protocolo rígido que deve ser respeitado por todos. Confira a lista de prevenção à Covid-19 do Allianz Parque Experience Tour:

– Aferição de temperatura no acesso, serão liberadas apenas pessoas com temperatura inferior à 37,5º;
– Distanciamento de 1,5m entre as pessoas;
– Acesso ao lounge do tour será permitido somente 30 minutos antes do evento;
– Obrigatório o uso de máscaras durante todo o tempo de permanência na arena;
– A capacidade do evento estará reduzida a 40% do público.

O preço dos vouchers é de R$ 70,00 a inteira e R$ 35,00 a meia. Torcedores membros do Sócio Avanti também têm descontos especiais no ingresso. Vale lembrar que a foto com o troféu da Liberta não está inclusa no preço do tour, sendo opcional por uma taxa adicional de R$ 30,00. Você pode reservar seu tour clicando aqui.

continua após a publicidade

Liverpool star who lost the ball 12x was better than the scorers vs Luton

Someone said something about an injury crisis, didn't they?

Liverpool weathered the storm and emerged victorious once again on Wednesday night, defeating Luton Town in the Premier League to maintain their spot at the summit despite a startling spate of absences.

Admittedly, it was a dour opening, but how often has that been attributed to Liverpool's first-half performance this season, so often galvanised after the break – down, in no small part, to some Jurgen Klopp invectives at the interval – and so often turning the game on its head emphatically.

Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez, ostensibly the squad's best front three, were all sidelined, with this compounded by injuries to Dominik Szoboszlai, Curtis Jones, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Alisson Becker, topped by longer-term absentees Thiago Alcantara, Joel Matip and Stefan Bajcetic.

With a trip to face Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday looming, it was a troubling situation, the sheer volume of injuries precluding rotation, but Liverpool got the job done.

The performance of Liverpool's forwards

A real Jekyll-and-Hyde display, it must be said. Liverpool's first-half was as bad as it got. Wastefulness, particularly from Luis Diaz, was rife as Klopp's side looked to prevent a damaging upset, but when good work from Tahith Chong allowed Chiedozie Ogbene to head home from close range, Anfield was silenced after just 12 minutes.

And Luton would take that lead into the break, resilient and uniform against waves of pressure from the hosts, who squandered some fantastic opportunities to poison the atmosphere.

But re-entering the field, Liverpool were fresh and fearsome, and captain colossus Virgil van Dijk provided the narrative-spinning contribution to head home from a corner after 56 minutes, opening the scoring and sparking the comeback that saw Cody Gakpo head his 11th of the campaign home mere moments later.

The goals of Salah and co were sorely missed but the Merseyside outfit exhibited its mettle and never-say-die attitude to continue a remarkable campaign, with Diaz finally bagging his goal after 71 minutes, breezing past the defence and firing home after being handed an excellently won ball by Andy Robertson.

Harvey Elliott scores for Liverpool.

Harvey Elliott, much-improved after the break, curved a shot into the net in the closing stage to seal the victory, with a big contribution from 18-year-old debutant Jayden Danns proving the depth and talent at Klopp's disposal even with the catalogue of injuries.

The goalscorers all played their part, decisively so. But, the true hero on a night of the utmost importance didn't actually get himself onto the scoresheet.

Alexis Mac Allister, stand up.

Alexis Mac Allister's game vs Luton in numbers

With so many first-team stars out of action, it was paramount that Mac Allister was on his a-game against the Hatters, providing energy, creativity and technical quality in the centre of the park.

With Wataru Endo placed as the anchorman, the Argentina international was allowed to roam and proved most effective in between the thirds, keeping it crisp, chipping in defensively and, crucially, providing the forwards with a flow of attacking support.

Stat

#

Minutes played

89'

Assists

2

Touches

65

Accurate passes

38/44 (86%)

Key passes

4

Dribble attempts

2/2 (100%)

Duels won

6/12 (50%)

Tackles

2

Interceptions

2

Possession lost

x12

As the table portrays, Mac Allister's all-encompassing performance was crucial for the second-half turnaround's success. The glue in midfield, the 24-year-old is proving his worth and then some as the season creeps toward the business end.

Whipping in the corner for Van Dijk's parity-restoring header before doing the same minutes later as Gakpo, cool as ice, nodded the ball past Thomas Kaminski, Mac Allister pulled the strings and Liverpool would not have succeeded without his ball-playing brilliance.

Surrey Stars start defence with win as Sarah Taylor, Laura Marsh shine

Surrey Stars kicked off their Kia Super League title defence with a nine-run victory over Yorkshire Diamonds at Emerald Headingley.Australia star Alyssa Healy’s blistering 31 looked to have put Yorkshire on top in their pursuit of 131, after Helen Fenby helped restrict Surrey by claiming four wickets. But the Diamonds, who have yet to reach Finals Day in the KSL, failed to capitalise on their strong start as Laura Marsh took three wickets to lead the Stars to opening day success.Healy, who scored 266 runs in the women’s Ashes, launched a superb attack in the Powerplay, striking three boundaries in each of the third and fourth overs. But she was removed for 31 from 17 balls by spinner Mady Villiers – who also dismissed Healy on her England debut last week – to leave Yorkshire 43 for 1 in the fifth over.Experienced England spinner Marsh helped keep the Diamonds in check with two key wickets, as Hollie Armitage and India star Jemimah Rodrigues fell for 12 and 4 respectively.Yorkshire reached 75 for 3 at the halfway mark as captain Lauren Winfield set about anchoring the innings. But Stars skipper Natalie Sciver dismissed Cordelia Griffith for 5 and then claimed the key scalp of Winfield for 31.At 97 for 5, Yorkshire required 34 to win from the last five overs. But Leigh Kasparek fell in the 16th as Marsh claimed 3 for 17 from her four overs.Allrounder Alice Davidson-Richards offered hope for the Diamonds with a brisk 17, taking them to 19 needed from 12 balls, but her run out in the 19th over ended their chances. Yorkshire lost three wickets in the final over to be bowled out for 121.Surrey’s innings had followed a similar pattern. South African Lizelle Lee, who hit 104 from 58 balls in last year’s final win over Loughborough, hammered two fours in the opening over. But Lee was the first of four wickets for 20-year-old legspinner Fenby, trapped lbw for 9 attempting to sweep, before opening partner Bryony Smith was caught by Armitage for a breezy 20.England pair Sarah Taylor and Sciver guided Surrey to 71 for 2 at the halfway mark. Sciver struck the only six of the match as she crashed Kasparek down the ground, but the spinner responded by forcing Sciver to miscue one straight back to her.Taylor, who missed the T20 part of the recent women’s Ashes due to mental health problems, played well on her return to make 43. But her departure in the 15th over, also caught and bowled by Kasparek, sparked a collapse.The legspinner picked up her third when South African Dane van Niekerk was brilliantly caught in the deep by Rodrigues, before Marizanne Kapp was the third to be caught and bowled – this time by Linsey Smith.Fenby returned to dismiss Marsh and Gwen Davies to finish with figures of 4 for 20, but Surrey’s total of 130 for 9 proved beyond Yorkshire.

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