SOUTHERN Vipers head coach Charlotte Edwards admitted cup final victory felt “a long way off even two weeks ago” but insists her side came into form at the right time.

Emily Windsor again led Southern Vipers to glory in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy Final at Wantage Road with a sparkling 57 off 53 balls.

Vipers chased down 201 to beat The Blaze with five wickets and 46 balls to spare to continue success and bring them their third 50-over title in the last four years.

It completes a remarkable double for the south coast team this season after they dispatched the same opposition in the Charlotte Edwards Cup Final in June.

Windsor, well supported by Freya Kemp (32 off 35), took charge after Northamptonshire leg-spinner Josie Groves claimed three wickets in eight balls to give The Blaze real hope.

Windsor and Kemp more than kept up with the required run rate in a stand of 94 off 84 balls and while Windsor was dropped on 46 with 15 still needed, they reached their target.

Speaking after the match, Edwards said: “This felt a long way off probably even two-and-a-half weeks ago, coming into this last batch of games.

“I just can't believe it if I'm honest. To think the team has played the way they have done and stood up when they needed to. We were miles off the pace.

“But it just felt we had good momentum coming into today. But finals are finals, you never quite know and the fact that they pulled this off, is quite remarkable.”

She added: “Our ambition this year was to always be ambitious and that's what the girls have shown. There's so much fight in that dressing room. Our experienced players stood up.

“To see four academy players come up and perform the way they did. Ava Lee was outstanding. Against Tammy Beaumont she was up to the task. So, I'm just delighted.

“Emily Windsor, that's what she does. And that's what we have in our team is people who know their role. That was her situation today, it was perfect.

“But more importantly, Freya Kemp’s innings. We've talked to her a lot about playing longer innings, hitting the ball along the ground.

“That's as good as I've seen her play and for England, that is a massive highlight, to see her play the way she has, because once she gets bowling again, she'll be one of the best all-rounders in the world.”

Edwards was keen to credit others despite her continued success, suggesting it is down to having good players and staff and recruiting the right people.

 “I've got good players, good staff, good people, and people who are committed and are winners,” she explained.

“I guess when I recruit, I look at the character. Emily Windsor is not the most attractive batter on the eye sometimes, but she's effective and she's got a big heart.

“I think that's what I look for in players. Those players have been unbelievable this season.”