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Amid reliable reports surrounding advanced talks for Micky van de Ven, Fabrizio Romano has shared more exciting Tottenham Hotspur transfer news involving Rosario Central forward Alejo Veliz.

Who will Spurs sign?

It's been a solid summer thus far but chairman Daniel Levy still has plenty to do if he wishes to fully back new manager Ange Postecoglou.

Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, midfielder James Maddison and winger Manor Solomon have all officially put pen to paper on moves to north London, with Postecoglou being particularly thrilled by Maddison's arrival.

“Really excited to get James as part of the group," said the Spurs head coach last month.

“Any manager will tell you that part of the key to being a dominant team is having multiple attacking threats and having a midfielder who can score and create goals. They’re not easy to come by. He’s proven himself at that level in the last few years as somebody who can do that.

“I thought it was a really good fit for us to look for a player like James."

Following on from their already-confirmed arrivals, there is a wide belief that Spurs could sign two senior central defensive stars to bolster a back-line which conceded 63 league goals last season.

Read the latest Tottenham transfer news HERE…

Reliable media sources, like Romano, claim they're advancing in talks to sign van de Ven from Wolfsburg and remain in the hunt for Bayer Leverkusen defender Edmond Tapsoba.

In the past few days, Spurs have also been heavily linked with a move for Veliz of Rosario Central, with it looking like Postecoglou is keen to add young and exciting attackers to his ranks as well.

Following talks, it appears the transfer for Veliz has been concluded very quickly, as Romano has now given his famous "here we go" to the deal after verbal agreement in the morning.

"Alejo Véliz to Tottenham, here we go!" wrote Romano on Twitter.

"Talented 2003 striker will join Spurs on long term deal, verbally agreed in the morning despite interest from another top club.

"Package worth around €15m plus add-ons to Rosario Central. Medical to take place in the next days."

The South American scored 11 goals and bagged a further assist in the Argentine first division last season, but he is now on his way to Tottenham.

How good is Alejo Veliz?

South American football expert Tim Vickery, speaking on Sky this week, admitted he had his doubts over the player but Veliz has been praised by other sections of the press.

Commenting on Nottingham Forest's links to the 19-year-old, South American football content creator and Forest supporter Nathan Joyes called him an "exciting" forward.

"There’s two exciting forwards in the Primera who can make the step up," wrote Joyes.

"River’s Lucas Beltran is one – Veliz is the other. He’s only 19 but one who can go to the very top. For £10-15m, get it done."

Meanwhile, Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig has called the player "one of the most interesting young strikers" on his continent.

Aston Villa are preparing an offer for former Arsenal loanee and current Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos, according to reports.

The Villans have already reinforced their midfield options by signing Youri Tielemans this summer, and are now reportedly looking towards the La Liga giants to bolster their squad even further.

Is Dani Ceballos signing for Aston Villa?

The Midlands club are set to offer Real Madrid £15m for the 13-cap Spain international at the request of manager Unai Emery, according to Spanish outlet Diario Sport.

It comes as little surprise to see Villa reportedly so willing to splash the cash, given that they've not been shy when it comes to spending so far this summer, welcoming Moussa Diaby, Tielemans, and Pau Torres for a reported combined fee of €88m (£76m).

Now, it seems as though they're turning their attention to Ceballos, who previously impressed during a loan spell at Arsenal in the 2019/20 season.

Read the latest Aston Villa transfer news HERE…

It wasn't so long ago that Villa were struggling in the bottom-half of the Premier League table under Steven Gerrard. One mid-season managerial change later, however, and Europa Conference League football beckons for a side now in a position to target Real Madrid's Champions League winning stars. It has been some turnaround at Villa Park.

Should Aston Villa sign Dani Ceballos?

If Aston Villa see their reported £15m bid accepted for Ceballos, then it is a deal worth taking the risk on. The Spaniard may have struggled to fully establish himself at the Santiago Bernabeu, but a move back to the Premier League could see him rediscover his best form, especially under compatriot Emery.

And if Villa can get the best out of Ceballos, then a £15m deal may well become the bargain of the summer in English football. Likely paired with Tielemans and Douglas Luiz, the Midlands club could have themselves one of the best midfield trios outside the Premier League's traditional big six.

Indeed, when compared with his positional peers across the top five European leagues, Ceballos ranks in the 93rd percentile for assists per 90, 97th percentile for pass completion and 99th for successful take-ons, creative skills which could be complemented by Tielemans' box-to-box role and Luiz's defensive attributes.

The midfielder received plenty of praise when on loan at Arsenal, with Tony Cascarino saying in his column in The Times: "Dani Ceballos impressed me. He has a bit of everything: tenacity, technical ability, and he wore the shirt as if he was an Arsenal player from 15 years ago. It felt like he really wanted to show his hunger to play and Arsenal have missed that enormously in midfield recently.

“He showed what he is about. He is on loan so Arsenal will have to hope he doesn’t do too well, meaning they can’t sign him.”

Ahead of the forthcoming campaign, Villa look stronger than they have in a long time. Under Emery, they could reach new heights, with fresh faces, potentially including Ceballos, playing a large part in that.

It remains to be seen whether the Villans' reported incoming bid will be accepted by Real Madrid, however.

Tottenham Hotspur finally seem set to move for an often-linked target of theirs, if reports are to be believed…

Who are Tottenham's transfer targets?

Despite having welcomed James Maddison and Guglielmo Vicario already to the club, Ange Postecoglou's summer revolution seems far from over as he now seeks to browse the defensive options within the market.

One such name that continues to crop up is Edmond Tapsoba of Bayer Leverkusen, with the latest report coming from Sport BILD (via Sport Witness) suggesting that a potential move is now in the works.

Despite the German outfit hoping to retain their star defender, a bid from Spurs is expected to come soon. It is noted that they want to offer around €40m (£34m), but that is yet to come.

Xabi Alonso is hoping that no such offer arrives, although that is highly unlikely given how long Postecoglou has chased the 24-year-old.

Once the money is on the table, this should seemingly be a straightforward deal.

Is Edmond Tapsoba good?

The arrival of this Burkina Faso international would not only offer an immediate upgrade to a backline that shipped 63 league goals last term but also likely spell the end of the line for Davinson Sanchez's torrid spell in north London.

Having joined from Ajax back in 2017, the £40m expended immediately heaped undue pressure on the young Colombian, who had shone previously in the Eredivisie.

As a ball-playing titan with all the physical assets to succeed in England, many expected the 27-year-old to take to the Premier League with ease. Mauricio Pochettino certainly thought so too.

However, six years on and it seems Galatasaray are set to secure his services for just €9m (£7.6m), outlining just how underwhelming this move has proved to be.

Therefore, in signing Tapsoba, the Lilywhites could finally secure the player they thought they were getting all those years ago, as a technically proficient giant who can provide the foundation for years of success.

After all, his 6.88 average rating in the Bundesliga last season emphasises this, which was buoyed largely by his 86% pass accuracy, 1.5 tackles and three clearances per game, via Sofascore.

In fact, when compared to other centre-backs across Europe, he sits in the top 10% for passes attempted, the top 5% for progressive passes, the top 8% for progressive carries and the top 6% for successful take-ons per 90, via FBref.

So there are few in the continent as outstanding on the ball as this 6 foot 4 machine.

To compare these figures with Sanchez's final league campaign at Ajax, it is clear to see why there was hope he would succeed under Pochettino.

His 7.25 average rating gave way to six goals, an 89% pass accuracy, 1.9 interceptions, 1.4 tackles and 5.2 clearances per game, via Sofascore.

The similarities between the two are there for all to see.

However, with his best Premier League average rating only reaching 7.08, it is clear that he never managed to recapture these levels.

As a far more experienced titan, who has been allowed to grow in the German top-flight before securing this move, Tapsoba would hope to exorcise the demons of the past and fulfil a role that has arguably been vacant since the departures of Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld.

Journalist Antonio Mango certainly expects big things from him, as he detailed his key attributes on Twitter that will surely make him an instant success under Postecoglou:

"He’s a monster. Ball playing defender. Comfortable on the ball. Big, strong. Quick. Position good with a very good footballing IQ. Keeps his head level and he has a big, big future."

As such, the Aussie head coach must look to replace Sanchez with a move for Tapsoba before the season gets underway next month.

NWSL side Washington Spirit are set to make a poach attempt for Barcelona Femeni boss Jonatan Giraldez.

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Washington Spirit to make poach attempt at GiraldezBarca boss spurns new deal with Catalan clubMichelle Kang leading push for SpaniardWHAT HAPPENED?

Relevo reports that the Spirit are set to make an 'astronomical offer' to the Spaniard in an attempt to lure him stateside, with owner Michelle Kang leading the charge. The Spaniard has also turned down a new contract offer from the Catalan club.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Giraldez joined Barca in 2021 and has since won the league twice, two Queen's Cups and the Champions League as well. The most impressive feat, however, may be be earning 50-straight wins with the club – which was achieved last March.

The Spirit have been in limbo since the end of the NWSL season, without a head coach going into free agency and the majority of the offseason. If Giraldez makes an early switch to the U.S. Capital, it would boost morale of both the players and the club, while also allowing him to add his footprint on the club sooner than later.

WHAT GIRALDEZ SAID

"The only thing I can say about my future is that it won't be in Europe. "It is important not to compete against Barça," he said Monday morning in an official club press conference.

When asked if it was financially driven, he added: "If I only valued money, I would have left sooner. When making a decision, and not only at Barça, I value many more things […] There are things much more important than money."

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DID YOU KNOW?

Giraldez is also responsible for turning Fridolina Rolfo into a fullback with Barca, where she now crafts her trade as the widely considered best left-back in the world.

Cricket Australia’s decision to rebuff the players’ calls for mediation to end the escalating pay dispute has been accompanied by another attempt to deal directly with some of the nation’s highest-profile players.CA’s chief executive James Sutherland and his Australian Cricketers’ Association (ACA) counterpart Alistair Nicholson are set to cross paths in London over the next week, and it is clear a sharp change of course will be required to take the heat out of a dispute that is creeping perilously close to the June 30 expiry of the current MoU without any resolution in sight.After a week’s deliberation, CA chairman David Peever wrote to his ACA counterpart Greg Dyer on Friday to reject the mediation request while maintaining his view that the players’ association had not yet started to negotiate. It also emerged on Saturday that the team performance manager Pat Howard had written to Steven Smith, Meg Lanning, David Warner, Alex Blackwell, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Ellyse Perry to again press the board’s case.Peever’s letter to Dyer emphasised CA’s refusal to countenance any form of fixed revenue percentage model while accusing the ACA of not attempting to negotiate. “This is a regrettable approach because CA’s proposal features substantial increases in player payments while allowing greater flexibility to address the underfunding of grassroots cricket over the next five years,” Peever wrote.”You indicate that the ACA has offered flexibility within the negotiation process around certain issues. However, this does not address the significant problems with the current player payments model from CA’s perspective. While we fully respect the enormous contribution made by the game’s elite players, it is also true that player payments have grown by 63 per cent for international men and 53 per cent for domestic men over the past five years.”These words were echoed by Sutherland in a column in The newspaper, which also reported Howard’s approach to key players, which he said insisted CA’s offer was fair while also questioning whether the players had read its financial details for themselves.”During the player period at the NCC, it became clear to me that very few players have actually read the CA offer,” Howard wrote. “As leaders of Australian cricket, you need to review the actual offer and ask questions. My view as leaders of the game is that your duty is to cricket, not CA, not ACA, but cricket.”This year players will benefit from $79m, our offer next year is $91m. This is a pay rise of over $12m or over 15 per cent. I heard from some quarters that Cricket Australia was ‘screwing us’, as you can see, that is not the case. These are like-for-like numbers and include all male and female players.”BBL salaries will go up 6 per cent every year. Yes, we are trying to put a lid on big increases to state cricket; however, both BBL (6%) and state (1.4%) are going up. I don’t apologise for putting international players ahead of domestic players. (Under) our offer, Australian cricket wages are the highest in the world for males and females and the highest for any team sport in Australia. Something we are proud of.”Howard also expressed discontent that he had been unable to communicate more directly with the players about the pay issue, as distrust grows on both sides of the argument. In response, the ACA said the board was continuing to play “word games” while also questioning how the game’s grassroots could be so underfunded when CA retained 80 cents out of every dollar in the game’s revenue.”These are the word games and evasions of the last six months, and a window into the negotiations over the same period,” an ACA spokesman said. “The CA strategy is to refuse to deal with the ACA and go directly to individual players to try and break the model. This is despite the players’ repeated insistence for CA to respect their request and mediate with the ACA. To refuse mediation at a time when it’s the only sensible way forward shows a clear lack of common sense.”CA takes 80 cents in every dollar that comes into the game: that’s 80% of revenue, yet blames the players for under expenditure on grassroots. CA’s grassroots argument therefore has no factual basis. What CA forget is that the players themselves are the ones that have invested around $10million of their own money in to delivering grassroots programs. The most often asked question in this current climate is the right one: Where does all the revenue go?”The board’s public emphasis on the need for more grassroots facilities funding formed only a part of its formal pay offer to the players. That document also pressed the case for an expanded media production unit and game development staff to rival those of the AFL, and a desire to invest in “other projects” capable of generating more revenue for CA.

Wolverhampton Wanderers reportedly remain in the chase for a teen sensation, in a player that could turn the fortunes in front of goal around for Julen Lopetegui.

The Midlands side were the Premier League’s lowest-scorers last season, and will aim to bolster the strike area this summer while remaining on a tight budget.

The Old Gold could achieve both by making a swoop for the latest link, in a deal that could prove to be an overwhelming success in years to come.

What’s the latest on Adama Bojang to Wolves

As reported by Evening Standard this week, Wolves remain in the race for The Gambia and Steve Biko FC striker Adama Bojang.

The striker is reportedly wanted by a ‘raft of European clubs’, with Wolves listed as one of five representing the Premier League.

Evening Standard revealed that the Gambian teenager is valued by Steve Biko FC at £2.6m, making him an attractive prospect for Wolves.

What could Adama Bojang offer to Wolves?

The 19-year-old’s agent is a name familiar to English football, with former Millwall and Plymouth Argyle striker Cherno Samba mentoring the young talent.

Speaking about his client via talkSPORT, the former player lauded the teen as being a starlet “destined for greatness”, making his journey one to watch in world football.

The youngster has rightfully earned his praise, shining in international competition so far this year acting as a talisman for The Gambia in both the U20 African Cup of Nations and the U20 World Cup.

Named in the U20 AFCON team of the tournament, Bojang led his team to a second-place finish in the competition, scoring four goals and assisting one in six games, via Sofascore.

A similar feat has been evident at the U20 World Cup, where the 19-year-old scored two goals in four games, averaging two shots on target per game for his country.

Hailed as an “insane talent” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, the teenager could follow in the footsteps of a Premier League great, who was given a slim chance as a rotation player that allowed him to pass through a door that opened record-breaking status.

Harry Kane burst onto the scene in 2014 in his first full season in the Premier League, scoring 21 goals in 34 appearances for Spurs in a feat that redefined the meaning of taking your chance.

The now 29-year-old has never looked back from the campaign that he was nurtured into the first team by Mauricio Pochettino, and now leads as the club’s all-time leading goalscorer with 280 goals so far.

Kane’s story is an admirable one for rising stars to aim to follow, and with the England skipper listed as one of the players young Bojang “looks up to”, the Gambian is showing signs of having the potential to hit the ground running in the Premier League like his idol.

Lopetegui is desperate for a goalscorer, and in the 19-year-old he could deploy a hungry-to-succeed talent that undoubtedly has an innate eye for goal, as highlighted by his scoring records this year.

In giving such a young player creative freedom when leading the line, the Spaniard could unearth one of The Gambia’s biggest talents, in a side that isn’t short on creativity.

Molineux could pose to be the perfect place for the teenager to flourish, in an environment that could allow him to make a significant difference to his and Wolves’ future.

Arsenal are edging closer to signing a Premier League ace, as the Gunners aim to make a dominant start to the transfer window.

Mikel Arteta will be hoping to build upon his title-challenging season in north London by making strong reinforcements this summer.

The latest talent speculated to be Emirates-bound poses as a significant figure to bolster the squad.

What’s the latest on Kai Havertz to Arsenal?

As initially reported by journalist Alex Goldberg via AFCStuff last week, Arsenal are interested in Chelsea forward Kai Havertz.

The speculation has gathered significant pace since the official opening of the transfer window.

Journalist Angelo Mangiante stated yesterday that the Gunners are “very close” to signing the German star, naming him a player with “great class”.

Valued around £60m by FootballTransfers, it’s believed that Chelsea are wanting a fee in the region of £75m for the 24-year-old, who has two years remaining on his current contract.

What could Kai Havertz offer to Arsenal?

Lauded as a “generational talent” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the Germany international could be a revelation in north London.

While this season was damningly underwhelming in the west of the capital, Havertz has unquestionable talent outside of his form and contribution to Chelsea’s 12th-place finish.

Deployed primarily as a forward at Stamford Bridge, the former Bayer Leverkusen star is versatile in his positioning in attack, having innate playmaking skills which make him a strong asset in central midfield.

During his rise to senior football in the Bundesliga, the Aachen-born gem contributed to 61 goals in 118 league appearances, including a glamorous individual campaign in which he was voted Transfermarkt Player of the Season for 2018/19.

That year, the then-20-year-old scored 17 goals and added four assists in 34 appearances, showing the threat the talent can provide if stationed in a fluid attack.

Arsenal ended the season as the Premier League’s second-highest scorers in a delightful term for the Gunners, with Arteta creating a flourishing young attack Havertz could undoubtedly thrive within.

Due to his creative ability, the Champions League winner could add a playmaking spark if deployed to lead Arsenal’s line, which could significantly benefit Gabriel Jesus.

The Brazilian scored 11 goals in his first term at the Emirates, as well as registering six assists, showcasing his own creative ability aside from putting the ball in the net.

This campaign, the German averaged 3.12 progressive passes per 90 via FBref, highlighting his ball-playing competency and multi-dimensional approach to leading the line in a style that could reach new heights in Arteta’s system.

Jesus followed closely behind Havertz in terms of progressive passes, averaging 2.76 per 90 – suggesting that he could be complemented by the German in the similarities to their games.

The duo could form a balanced partnership with their goal-scoring and creative ability, supplying the squad with unlimited chance creation in attack.

If Arteta is capable of unlocking the past form of Havertz in a positive environment in north London, having two creative forwards could be the key to unlocking another title charge at the Emirates.

Liverpool could now be in pole position to complete an audacious swoop for Jarrad Branthwaite after PSV deemed the on-loan ace too expensive.

It would certainly send tremors through the city, with Abel Xavier in 2002 the most recent example of a player moving directly across Merseyside the historic rivals, but that's not to say a deal would be unattainable for Jurgen Klopp's side as he looks to bolster his defence this summer.

In February, a report from the Daily Mail stated that Liverpool – alongside Manchester United and Roma – had sent scouts to watch the Eredivisie star in action after his impressive displays on loan this season.

And now, according to a report from Dutch outlet Eindhovens Dagblad (via Sport Witness), PSV have pulled out of the running to make his transfer permanent, with Marcel Brands, the Eredivisie club’s director of football, saying: “Financially this will be difficult to achieve, I expect.”

PSV had a £15m offer rejected in January but Liverpool boast wealth on a different scale and could look to test Everton's waters with a shock bid over the coming weeks.

Could Liverpool really sign Jarrad Branthwaite?

It certainly seems unlikely on the surface, but although it hasn't happened in a long time, it has indeed not been unheard of for the Reds and Toffees to conduct business in the past.

And it makes sense from a playing perspective; Branthwaite is a towering defender standing at 6 foot 5, and given his natural preference as a left-footed defender, he could provide Virgil van Dijk – who favours his right foot but typically occupies the left side of the centre-defence – with a sturdy alternative.

Having made 37 appearances across all competitions this term, scoring four goals and supplying two assists, the 20-year-old has been hailed as a "great talent" by ex-boss Ruud van Nistelrooy and boasts all the attributes to flourish at the top level as he grows into his skin over the next several years.

As per FBref, the £15k-per-week titan ranks among the top 15% of centre-backs across Men's Next 8 divisions over the past year for goals, the top 24% for assists, the top 25% for progressive passes and the top 26% for rate of interceptions per 90. So while there is clearly room for improvement, he has time on his side to become one of the best in his position.

Described as "skilful" by Carlo Ancelotti, he could replace Joel Matip at Anfield, with the Cameroonian veteran now 31 years old and out of contract on Merseyside in just one year's time.

Despite playing an important role in an illustrious period in Liverpool's history, Matip started just 12 times in the Premier League this term and was an unused substitute for 13 of the last 17 matches of the campaign.

Branded "awful" by CBS reporter Nico Cantor for his dismal displays this term, Matip's time could be up and Branthwaite could provide youthful exuberance as a promising back-up for Klopp's team, growing into the role and perhaps cementing it as his own at some point over the next few seasons.

It might seem unlikely, but this is a deal to keep an eye on; Liverpool will understandably prioritise the bolstering of the midfield, but should the cogs fall into place, Branthwaite could be a shrewd option to enrich the defensive ranks at Anfield.

Cheteshwar Pujara has said he and Virat Kohli improved their understanding between the wickets after having a chat at lunch

Alagappan Muthu in Visakhapatnam17-Nov-2016Sometimes two wrongs do make things right. At least that was the case for Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli in Visakhapatnam. In the first session, soon after drinks, with India already two down, they gave England the chance to break their partnership not once but twice in a single over.First, Kohli nudged to the right of Joe Root at midwicket and called for a single that probably wasn’t on. Pujara, who isn’t the quickest across 22 yards, had to put in a big dive despite the throw being a bit wayward. A ball later, Kohli refused a second run after Pujara’s dab to point had been parried by the fielder Stuart Broad towards the man rushing in from sweeper cover. Having come halfway down the pitch, and losing his bat to add to the drama, Pujara was forced into another big dive to keep his wicket safe.On a first-day pitch that was offering very little help to the bowlers, with the team depending on them to fight back, a run-out might have had the same effect on India as… well, the three catches they dropped in the first session in Rajkot.”I think we didn’t judge the singles well, especially in the first session,” Pujara said at the end of the day’s play, after he had scored 119 and put on 226 with Kohli, who was not out on 151 at stumps. “But once there was a lunch time, we had a chat of how we want to go in the next session and if you look at the time between the lunch and tea sessions, we didn’t miss many singles and the way we were running between the wickets in the second session was much much better”Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli had a couple of mix-ups in the first session, before having a chat at lunch and improving their understanding between the wickets•Associated Press

Kohli and Pujara collected 118 runs off only 170 balls in the middle session. There were spells of play such as from the 43rd to the 53rd overs when they went at more than six an over. Even this period began with a mistake from an Indian batsman – Ben Stokes could have had Kohli caught at long leg – which was then followed by swift and effective corrective measures.”There was one error, where he [Kohli] didn’t control the pull shot well,” Pujara said. “But after that, I think the way he was batting and the way I was judging the bounce, we felt that if we continued rotating the strike, continue batting the way we’ve been batting, there wouldn’t be any trouble. It was just one shot where he didn’t control it well.”Kohli was circumspect against the short ball thereafter, and recorded his third 150-plus score in five months. Pujara made his third century in as many Tests and his 119 was vital in taking India to stumps at 317 for 4. A big first-innings total is likely to have considerable bearing on the outcome of the match with the pitch at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium likely to offer increasing assistance to spinners.”On day one in India, we mostly see that it’s always good for batting. Even if we see in the last Test match, Rajkot, day one it was really good to bat on, even day two was good to bat on in Rajkot,” Pujara said. “I don’t know how it will shape up starting from tomorrow but we are expecting it to turn a little more than what it did in Rajkot. So if we bat well, looking to put up a good total on the board and let’s see how it turns up on day three.”

Suzie Bates put in a stellar all-round display as Southern Vipers secured the inaugural Women’s Super League with a convincing seven-wicket victory in Chelmsford

Adam Collins at Chelmsford21-Aug-2016
Scorecard1:58

‘You only learn from being in finals situations’ – Bates

 It was how Charlotte Edwards’ summer started back in May when moved on from the England captaincy. Still making runs, but not part of the future. Holding aloft the inaugural Kia Super League trophy in the late afternoon Chelmsford sun, her Southern Vipers reminded everyone that this adage has a third part to it as well: Chasing down Western Storm’s 140 for 5 with seven wickets and seven balls to spare, it was a triumph of big game experience on the big game stage. New Zealand captain Suzie Bates batted with authority to top score in the chase, tallying 52 in 46 balls after putting on 78 with Edwards at the top.Then when the game was there to be won with five overs to go and still work to do, it was Lydia Greenway – retired from England with Edwards – who took control alongside Sara McGlashan – the 34-year-old New Zealander – their unbeaten stand of 39 seeing the win home.Arran Brindle, another (in her case, long) retired England veteran wasn’t required to bat at No. 6 but was Vipers’ crucial owler instead; claiming 2 for 15 in a boundary-less middle-overs spell that stalled Western Storm’s innings that shot to 71 without loss by half way.Let’s pick up the story there. Brindle came into the attack with her medium pace after eight overs with Stafanie Taylor and Rachel Priest building an imposing stand. As Edwards said later, she was  by Brindle, her former England team-mate that she’d be taking the next over. She wanted to own the situation, and did precisely that.Her second over was successful in provoking Taylor into going over the top, miscuing to Edwards at mid-off, gone for 35. Vipers bowled first at the toss expressly on the basis that they didn’t want Taylor to bat second, having shown repeated skill in this tournament for timing her chases to perfection. With her removed (finishing with 289 runs for the tournament at 57.80, more than any other), the bowling side were immediately back in the contest.When Heather Knight was nicely held at deep-backward square leg by Katie George, then Priest was also taken in the deep for 57, Edwards’ side had got themselves out of jail. Fran Wilson’s unbeaten 16 was resourceful, and 14 were taken from the final over to push the score to an even seven-an-over, but on an excellent surface it appeared light.Enter Edwards and Bates. The two are close, playing county cricket this year for Kent and sharing a changing room for Perth Scorchers during the Women’s Big Bash League last summer in Australia. Both said after the game that they knew the deal in a situation like this: get the board ticking over early and put the pressure straight back onto the fielding team.As important as the 43 runs they scored in the six-over Powerplay were the strokes that defined these opening exchanges. They cut hard and drove straight; both along the air and over the rope in the case of the captain. They called loud and ran hard. They were the hunters, not the hunted.In the best traditions of T20 Finals, Storm fought back to create what very nearly became a grandstand finish after Edwards was bowled when misjudging a reverse sweep off Jodie Dibble. Two overs later, Bates was dismissed too after Wilson combined with Priest to run her out against the trend of play. When Georgia Adams also ran herself out the equation was 36 required in 30 balls.It was a situation perfect for McGlashan, who developed a habit of chasing down totals during the WBBL for Sydney Sixers. She immediately reduced the task to an even 28 from 28 after carving Georgia Hennessy past point and then behind square leg in consecutive deliveries.When Greenway connected with one of her trademark reverse sweeps the next over, it all of a sudden came down to whether Anya Shrubsole could remove one or both of the now-set batsmen in the 18th over with 20 runs to play with. Instead, she shed 14 from it, Greenway successfully picking her over midwicket before the England opener sprayed an untimely five wides down the legside.When Greenway saw a half volley on the penultimate delivery of the penultimate over she didn’t miss out, driving Freya Davies to the boundary and Vipers to victory.The victorious charge to the middle may have been a little slower than for some of the youthful opponents they had seen off through the tournament, but it was no less enthusiastic. Nor was the response by administrators, who despite the modest showing of 1353 patrons on Finals Day praised the tournament as comfortably exceeding expectations in season one.”I think our experience really counted in the end,” Edwards said. “It’s been a special few months and you hope to get to finals day and put in a performance like that.””It has been an emotional tournament,” she added. “I had to deal with quite a lot this summer and the team wanted to kind of win it for us… I have really sensed the team behind me.”Next summer the Super League will expand to also encompass the 50-over game, to be played in the lead up to the Women’s World Cup scheduled for June and July. As for Edwards, her international career may be over, she promises one thing for Vipers fans: she’ll be back.