Yorkshire Diamonds stay cool, calm and clinical under pressure

The Diamonds skipper starred with a fine 56 to help set the Thunder a target of 152 which they failed to overhaul, losing by nine runs.

It was the White Rose’s first win in three games and owed much to a composed display with the ball and in the field – not that composed was one of the C’s.

“After the way we bowled and fielded in our game against Loughborough, we spoke about what’s going wrong when we’re under pressure,” explained Winfield.

“A lot of the bowlers felt we were really rushed, so we just slowed the game down.

“At half-time against Lancs, I said, ‘We have to be clear, clinical and calm – the three C’s’.

“We just about managed it, despite a few squeaky bum moments.

“We were pretty abysmal with the ball against Loughborough, so to turn it around was really encouraging.

“The girls bounced back and showed a lot of character.”

Next up for the Diamonds is a clash with current KSL leaders Western Storm in Winfield’s home city of York tomday.

The match at Clifton Park starts at 2.30pm.

“I’m really looking forward to it. I love playing there,” said England’s Winfield, who topped the 500-run mark in career KSL matches in the Lancashire win.

“We know they’re a good side who are always up and about in the top few teams.”