Charley Phillips says The Blaze are focused on turning in a strong performance to end the season on a high when they face Hampshire in the Metro Bank One Day Cup final on Saturday (11:00am).

“We know how to play finals, now we’ve had a few!” said Phillips. “We’ve been able to take the semi-final performances from last year and turn those into winning showings this time.

“That’s been a real turning point for us, to be able to get over the line in those tough games, and we’re proud that we’ve been able to do that.”

Seamer Phillips, who has 26 wickets to her name at an average of just 16.11 in this year’s competition, is one of 15 selected to head to Utilita Bowl for the season-ending showpiece.

“I worked really hard over the winter, and since then I’ve just tried to be confident in my skills,” said Phillips. “I’ve planned what I want to do going into games.

“If you can go into games and be really clear on your plans, then that gives you the best chance of being able to execute them, instead of always thinking about what to do next.”

Such an analytical approach is credited by Phillips as being one of the key drivers in individual and collective success this term, as has the influence of a Nottinghamshire great on the staff.

“Kirstie Gordon as captain has some great ideas, and so has Luke Fletcher, and they both bring a lot to the table, as do all the staff.

“The rest has also been really good for us,” she continued, discussing the fact The Blaze topped the group stage table and thus were able to bypass the Eliminator.

“It’s always tough at this time of year, with tired bodies, so that rest was beneficial for us, and I think we were also able to hone in on our skills in training and be as prepared as we can.”

As for Saturday’s opposition, while the game is nominally a home one for Hampshire at Utilita Bowl, Phillips is unperturbed by that fact.

“Yes, obviously it’s a home advantage for them and they know how to play on that ground while we’ve not played there that much.

“But, every time you play a team, you get to know them better, and we’re taking plenty of learnings from when we’ve faced them before and been down there this season.

“There are always times, too, when teams have played finals or knockout games against teams that were at home and have come out on top, so we’re going down there to give it our all.

“Obviously, winning three trophies would be an incredible achievement, but we’re focused completely on Saturday only, and on finishing the season nice and strong.”