Western Storm lost a tightly contested battle against the Southern Vipers by just four runs in a thrilling Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy contest at Bristol's Seat Unique Stadium.

21-year-old Australian all-rounder Charli Knott dominated stands of 91 and 115 with Maia Bouchier and Georgia Adams for the first and second wickets respectively as Vipers posted a formidable 295-5.

Adams went onto score 65, while Freya Kemp smashed a quickfire 44 not out.

Meanwhile for the Western Storm England captain Heather Knight and Fran Wilson laid the foundations for a successful chase.

Both players registered half centuries in a third wicket stand of 112 in 18 overs.

Sophie Luff and Dani Gibson then staged an outstanding alliance of 78 in nine overs to set-up a dramatic finale.

Both scored half centuries but were dismissed with victory in sight.

Freya Davies and Adams bowled well for the Vipers in crunch time to prevent their opponents from finishing strong, ending the game with the Storm coming up just short on 291-9.

Western Storm batter Heather Knight said: "It's disappointing to lose such a close game, but there are so many positives to take from the day. To run arguably the best team in the country so close and take the game deep to 12 off the last over, is really pleasing.

“That's progress and something I'm not sure the group would have been able to do last year. I see so many signs of growing maturity and the players will take so much belief and confidence from the way they played.

“The way I got out was unfortunate and, hopefully, I don't get another one like that for the rest of the season. But Sophie Luff and Dani Gibson batted brilliantly after myself and Fran (Wilson) were out and, on another day, we could easily have come out on the right side of it.

“If we're going to be a bit critical, then we gave them a few too many runs, especially in the early overs, when we allowed them to get away a bit. But the belief shown by the girls was amazing and they will come back from this even stronger."