SKIPPER Sophie Luff led by example, hitting 80 as Somerset beat Hampshire Hawks by 35 runs to book a place at Finals Day at Emirates Old Trafford on Saturday, August 29.

Former England captain Heather Knight, playing her first professional game since her international retirement, made 44 as Somerset posted 207-7,

Lola Harris claimed three for 18 from four overs as Hampshire Hawks were bowled out for 172 in the final over.

After being invited to bat Somerset raced to 29 before Bex Odgers (22), who dominated the opening partnership with Luff, fell to the final ball of the third over.

Emma Corney then came to the crease and continued to keep the scoreboard ticking over with 15 from seven. When Knight joined Luff the score was 73 for two but the third wicket pair advanced their side to 169 before the former England captain was bowled.

Luff’s 50 came from 37 balls and she moved onto 80 off 51 before she was out, but Charlie Dean made sure Somerset reached 207 for 7 with 21 from 11 balls.

The Hawks too got off to a quick start in their reply, taking 10 runs off each of the first two overs, and by the halfway stage, they needed another 101 runs to win.

Francesca Sweet and Abi Norgrove partnered for 54 runs, but the required rate was always climbing. The former made 34 before she was well-caught by Dean at long on, just after Norgrove raised her bat for her half-century.

With 49 runs needed off the final three overs, a double-wicket over from Lola Harris removed Norgrove and Bristowe with just two runs coming off it, to all but seal the win.

Charlie Dean rounded off the innings with back-to-back wickets as Hants were all out with two balls remaining to see Somerset to victory by 35 runs.