Hollie Armitage scored an impressive hundred to guide Northern Diamonds to a six-wicket victory over Western Storm in the Rachel Heyhoe Flint Trophy.

Her unbeaten hundred, in a match marred by sporadic rain, helped her team reach their revised target of 199 with 16 balls to spare.

This sterling performance included nine fours and a six, and has significantly helped the Diamonds inch closer to top-ranking Southern Vipers.

Assisting Armitage was Sterre Kalis, contributing 34 points, and Australia's Erin Burns with her 21 runs.

This support allowed the Northern Diamonds to make a spectacular comeback, especially after Western Storm dropped Armitage twice.

Earlier, Fran Wilson, from Western Storm, had expertly executed an innings of 61 off 63 balls allowing Storm's total score to be 200-5.

Emma Corney, Nat Wraith, and Amanda-Jade Wellington all made considerable contributions, supporting Storm's total.

Diamonds Bowler Abi Glen stood out with taking 2-24 from six overs.

In the initial phase, Northern Diamonds had put the Storm on the spot, holding them at 26-2.

However, the partnership between Wilson and Corney, fuelled by impressive boundary shots and an effective running between the wickets, managed to raise the score.

With one more over remaining, the Diamonds chased 199, with Armitage scoring a 50 with five fours.

However, Kalis was defeated, leading to a tense final.

A narrow defeat for Western Storm - Credit: Western Storm

Yet, the Diamonds remained focused and composed in the latter part of the match.

Despite some slip-ups, Armitage's frequent boundary shots and quickfire runs by Burns helped them reach the target.

Western Storm captain Sophie Luff said: "I'm bitterly disappointed.

"It's a game that got away from us and we seem to be making a bit of habit of it at the moment.

"As well as Hollie Armitage played, we've missed two great opportunities to get her out and lost the game because of those.

"We're professional cricketers and there can be no excuses."

Hollie Armitage, celebrating her victory, added: "I was a bit lucky with the dropped catches, but these things sometimes make you switch on and I was pleased with the way we chased that total.

"Luckily for me, those chances were put down and we managed to chase the runs we needed.

"This is the first time I've played here and I enjoyed it."