Abbey Freeborn's half century propelled Central Sparks to a 21-run Charlotte Edwards Cup victory over Western Storm.

The opening batswoman dominated with a 40-ball 68 at the Cooper Associates Ground in Taunton.

This followed partnerships of 63 and 57 with Davina Perrin and Eve Jones respectively.

The Sparks finished the game on 168-6 having been put into bat on a good track.

Supporting roles saw Perrin contributing a useful 26 and Jones 38 in the game.

Western Storm bowlers Chloe Skelton and Amanda-Jade Wellington came in with 2-31 and 1-22 respectively.

Dani Gibson, seeking to re-establish her reputation after losing her England squad place, scored a promising 40 for the Storm.

However, Katie George of the Sparks recorded a 4-36 to help her team maintain control while Grace Potts contributed to the Storm's defeat with a 3-35.

Following this triumph, the Sparks, who face Northern Diamonds at Headingley on September 20, have secured their second consecutive victory and sit on top of the table.

Western Storm, who are still seeking their first win, will go head-to-head with South East Stars in Beckenham.

Freeborn and the in-form Perrin had an excellent early game despite the loss of Ami Campbell in the first over.

The score was 53-1 by the end of the six-over power play, thanks to a big hit from Freeborn, taking down Gibson’s half volley.

Somerset County Gazette:

Western Storm all-rounder Dani Gibson said: "We simply didn't get our act together with the bat, and it's disappointing to lose in the way we did.

"I was enjoying it out there and was going along nicely when I played a silly shot.

"Sometimes, you have to give credit to the opposition and they played really well, especially Abbey Freeborn."

Despite this setback, Freeborn reached 50 from just 34 balls.

She celebrated her seventh four, an aerial off-drive at the expense of Smale and the first six of the match.

Freeborn’s run continued until she was finally caught out by Sophi Luff.

Central Sparks bowler Katie George said: "I'm absolutely buzzing.

"We've won back-to-back games and there is still room for improvement.

"It's a great start and we will keep striving for perfection, because you cannot afford to take your foot off the gas in this competition.

"I'm so glad Abbey Freeborn is on our side, because I wouldn't want to bowl against her!"

Western Storm countered the Sparks’ impressive run through Griffiths and Wellington, but by then the Sparks had done more than enough, putting them comfortably at the top of the table.