The Blaze qualified for their second consecutive Charlotte Edwards Cup final after securing a five-wicket victory over local rivals Central Sparks at the Incora County Ground.

After restricting the Sparks to 140/9, Josie Groves the pick of the bowlers with figures of 2-16, Tammy Beaumont (39) and Kathryn Bryce’s (44) 58-run second wicket stand broke the back of the chase, The Blaze eventually claiming victory at the end of the 18th over.

At the top of the day, Ami Campbell and Davina Perrin began brightly, adding 37 for the opening wicket, both striking a maximum apiece.

The Blaze’s skipper, Kirstie Gordon, made the breakthrough at the end of the fourth over, Campbell well caught on the boundary by Marie Kelly for 21.

After the loss of her opening partner, Perrin found ample support in Abbey Freeborn (17) and skipper Eve Jones (10) as the Sparks reached the halfway stage at 77/3.

That would soon turn into 96/6, as the leg-spin of Josie Groves accounted for Katie George and Charis Pavely, in a four-over spell costing just 2-16.

As the innings continued to ebb and flow, the Sparks were heavily indebted to Australian Courtney Webb, who struck an unbeaten 31-ball 45 to lift her side to 140-9 at the end of the 20 overs.

In reply, The Blaze lost Wednesday’s match-winner, Marie Kelly, for eight, Hannah Baker removing the right-hander for 8.

That breakthrough brought together the pivotal pairing of Tammy Beaumont and Kathryn Bryce, who added 58 for the second wicket inside eight overs.

Beaumont was caught and bowled by George for 39 and Sarah Bryce became Baker’s second victim as the Sparks mounted a similar middle overs fightback.

However, a 13-ball 16 from Graham swung the momentum back towards The Blaze, Kathryn Bryce also bringing up 400 T20 runs for the summer at the other end.

Despite both batters falling in sight of the finish line, The Blaze wrapped up the victory after 18 overs, Groves adding to her earlier brace of scalps with 14* off four deliveries.

Gordon’s side now await the winner of South East Stars and Southern Vipers to see who they will face in the final at 6:45pm.