Hampshire Hawks kept their strong run in the Women's T20 Blast with a calm eight-wicket win over Lancashire Thunder. Essex also made noise, handing Warwickshire Bears their first loss with a 19-run victory in a rain-hit match at Chelmsford. The two wins pushed Essex to the top of the table, while Hampshire now sit close in second.

At Old Trafford, Ella McCaughan led the Hawks with a career-best 68. Her efforts helped Hampshire chase 123 runs and win against Lancashire. Bex Tyson starred with the ball, grabbing 3 for 27 to hold the Thunder to 122-8.

In Chelmsford, Essex's Grace Scrivens hit 36 runs off 23 balls. The team pushed on with big hits from Maddie Penna (27), Lissy Macleod (44), and others. The Bears gave a fight, led by Sterre Kalis�52, but fell short at 139-8.

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Nottinghamshire took control after Essex lost five men early on Sunday for just 66 runs. Essex ended their first turn at bat with 367, only 20 ahead. With the sun out, Notts openers came in with drive and pace. Haseeb Hameed played a fine knock of 92, while Ben Slater hit 67 in a fast 113-run start. Slater hit big early but fell to Harmer just before tea.

Notts slowed late in the day. Joe Clarke, Freddie McCann, and Kyle Verreynne all fell as Essex fought back. Jack Haynes stayed calm and reached 49 not out, helping Notts end the day at 233 for 5. They now lead by 213 runs.

Earlier, bowlers Fergus O’Neill and Brett Hutton struck key blows for Notts. Hutton took 3 for 61, while O’Neill removed Critchley and Thain, who had helped Essex reach 300.

With five wickets left, Notts may try for fast runs on Monday and push for a win in their second match of the season.

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