Kathryn Bryce has pointed to increased professionalism and canny recruitment for The Blaze’s unbeaten streak so far this season, with the Trent Bridge-based side within touching distance of qualifying for the Charlotte Edwards Cup Finals Day. 

The all-rounder is named in a squad of 15 for the squad's trip to Durham to face Northern Diamonds. 

“There was a good build up over the winter, a good block of training here and things feel more professional,” Bryce remarked. 

“We have recruited well, with the addition of Georgie Boyce who has been fantastic but also the likes of Sarah Glenn who has strengthened the attack along with Nadine. 

“Just those couple of bowlers, and one batter extends the order and gives belief and confidence to the group.”

Bryce also admitted the benefit of breaking hoodoos after the Southern Vipers were beaten for the first time by the East Midlands outfit. 

The victory took The Blaze to four wins from four and within six points of a guaranteed Finals Day spot on 10 June.

“A lot of good things have been ticked off,” she said. 

“We have beaten a couple of teams in the last couple of weeks that we have never beaten in this competition. It is brilliant to win but especially getting over the line in those kinds of matches.

“We have been on a winning streak but it is still easy to think about what happened the last time you were at certain venues playing particular teams. 

“They are things we have acknowledged before games and been open about. It is not always the perfect game to get us over the line but we are winning, and that is the most important thing.”

In Northern Diamonds, though, The Blaze face opposition with pedigree. 

They are also unbeaten in the Charlotte Edwards Cup, trailing The Blaze by a solitary bonus point. 

The last time the two sides met, Nadine de Klerk made history with the best figures in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint trophy, but Bryce maintains her side will have to be at their best to claim victory.

“We want to keep improving and put together that perfect performance,” she continued.

“We have got a big game against Diamonds, they are undefeated and have been performing really well. I think it was good to get the 50 over win up there. 

“It will be a big hurdle but we are moving in the right direction. They are a strong T20 team, but if we bowl well to them we can restrict them and put the pressure on.”