Sapphires (Super Fours)

Sapphires, previously known as V Team, were an English women's cricket team that competed in the Super Fours. The squad varied from season to season, but was made up of some of the top players in English cricket. They were captained by various England players, such as Clare Taylor, Laura Newton and Heather Knight. They won seven Super Fours titles in their history: three 50-over tournaments and four Twenty20 tournaments.

Sapphires
Personnel
CaptainCharlotte Edwards (2013)
Heather Knight (2011–2012)
Alexia Walker (2008)
Rosalie Birch (2007)
Laura Newton (2004–2006)
Clare Taylor (2002–2003)
Team information
Colours  Dark blue
Established2002
History
SF50 wins3
SFT20 wins4

History

2002–2005: V Team

The Super Fours was established in 2002 as a way of bridging the gap between women's county cricket and international cricket, bringing together the top players in England.[1] V Team was one of the teams established, and was captained by Clare Taylor. They finished 3rd in the first 50 over tournament that took place, winning 3 out of 6 games.[2] After finished 4th in 2003,[3] V Team quickly became a strong side in the Super Fours, winning both the 50 over and the newly-established Twenty20 tournament in 2004.[4] They won the Twenty20 tournament again a year later in 2005, going unbeaten to top the group.[5]

2006–2013: Sapphires

In 2006 the team was renamed Sapphires and continued their form, winning their second 50 over title, with batter Claire Taylor finishing the season as leading run-scorer. They claimed another 50 over title in 2008, as well as two more Twenty20 titles, in 2011 and 2013.[6][7][8] Sapphires therefore ended the Super Fours as the most successful side, with 7 titles.

Seasons

Super Fours
Season League standings Notes
P W L T A Pts Pos
2002 63300363rd
2003 61401124th
2004 63210511st Champions
2005 62310363rd
2006 64220741st Champions
2007 60501114th
2008 63120741st Champions
2011 20200–– No overall standings
2012 21100–– No overall standings
2013 21100–– No overall standings

Super Fours Twenty20
Year Played Wins Losses Tied NR Standing
2004 22000Beat Braves in the final
2005 330001st in group
2006 21100Lost to Diamonds in the final
2007 Tournament Abandoned
2008 21100Won 3rd place play-off
2011 22000Beat Rubies in the final
2012 21100Lost to Rubies in the final
2013 22000Beat Emeralds in the final

References
  1. "Super Fours gives women step up". BBC Sport. 16 May 2002. Retrieved 26 January 2021.
  2. "Super Fours 2002 Table". Cricket Archive. Retrieved 26 January 2021.
  3. "Super Fours 2003 Table". Cricket Archive. Retrieved 26 January 2021.
  4. "Super Fours Twenty20 2004". Cricket Archive. Retrieved 26 January 2021.
  5. "Super Fours Twenty20 2005". Cricket Archive. Retrieved 26 January 2021.
  6. "Super Fours 2008 Table". Cricket Archive. Retrieved 26 January 2021.
  7. "Super Fours Twenty20 2011". Cricket Archive. Retrieved 26 January 2021.
  8. "Super Fours Twenty20 2013". Cricket Archive. Retrieved 26 January 2021.
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