In the 2022 season, the Southern Vipers, under the guidance of coach Charlotte Edwards, experienced a remarkable turnaround in their performance. They achieved an extraordinary feat by clinching both the Charlotte Edwards Cup (a 20-over competition) and the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy (a 50-over competition) in the same season, making history.
Charlotte Edwards herself has emerged as a highly successful coach, having recently secured the Women’s Premier League title and the Women’s Hundred. However, their path to victory was not without obstacles. They had a sluggish start to the season and were ranked fifth when the competition paused in August for the Hundred. Nevertheless, they staged an impressive comeback, winning their last five group games, including three after the mid-season break, earning them a direct spot in the final. They managed to triumph in the final, mirroring their success in the Charlotte Edwards Cup earlier in June.
Charlotte Edwards expressed her astonishment and joy at the team’s performance, describing it as a “miracle.” With this latest win, Edwards now boasts 11 final appearances and seven trophies in 12 campaigns as a coach. Looking ahead, she is not slowing down, as she will soon be heading to Australia to join the Sydney Sixers for the WBBL, with aspirations to surpass their previous season’s runner-up finish. Edwards’s focus on building for the future is evident in her inclusion of promising 18-year-olds like Freya Kemp, Ava Lee, and Mary Taylor in the team’s final lineup, underscoring her commitment to nurturing young talent.
Charlotte Edwards, the coach of the Southern Vipers, had high praise for Freya Kemp’s exceptional performance, stating that it was among the finest displays she had ever seen. Edwards also highlighted Kemp’s potential, believing that once she resumes bowling, she could become one of the top allrounders globally. Edwards emphasized her coaching role, emphasizing her duty to prepare the team to the best of her ability and attributing any success to the players’ hard work. She went on to describe watching Kemp’s remarkable batting as the standout moment of her season.
Additionally, Emily Windsor, Kemp’s batting partner in the crucial partnership of 94 runs, lauded Kemp’s incredible talent and maturity in her innings. Windsor expressed her admiration for Kemp’s performance and highlighted her ability to elevate her game under pressure. She also acknowledged the significance of winning the final and praised Charlotte Edwards for her exceptional coaching, emphasizing Edwards’ ability to connect with each player individually, create a positive team environment, and bring out the best in her players.
