By Graham Hardcastle
Coach Paul Grayson is refusing to give up hope that his Yorkshire Diamonds side can reach the Kia Super League’s Finals Day at Hove later this month – but he knows they can’t afford any more slip ups.
The Diamonds have won just one of their six games so far – against fellow strugglers Southern Vipers at York last Thursday.
They have four to play, starting with the return clash against the Vipers at the Ageas Bowl tomorrow (WEDNESDAY).
Grayson said: “We have to win our next four games to have a chance of going through.
“I don’t want to put a spin on it, but I still believe we can do that.”
Grayson’s side were beaten by champions and group leaders Western Storm at Scarborough on Sunday as they failed to defend a target of 173.
The obvious area for improvement is their bowling.
They conceded 18 wides against Heather Knight’s side added to the 19 they leaked in their first meeting with the Vipers, although it didn’t cost them on that occasion.
“That’s a massive issue,” continued Grayson.
“We’re trying to bowl tight lines at the stumps, and occasionally in one-day cricket you are going to get the odd wide. We know that. But there’s been too many.
“We’ve bowled six extra overs in the last two games. That’s just a lack of discipline.”
