SOPHIE ECCLESTONE played her part as England beat South Africa by 69 runs to level their one-day series.

The Chester-born spinner recovered from being hit for 30 in her first three overs to claim 3-24 from her final seven and help restrict South Africa to 262 for nine.

Amongst Ecclestone's wickets was the key dismissal of Chloe Tryon, who had threatened to get South Africa across the line at Hove with a 26-ball 44.

Katherine Brunt and Laura Marsh picked up two wickets apiece as England successfully defended their earlier score of 331 for six.

Tammy Beaumont (101) and Sarah Taylor (118) both struck centuries for England, who will be looking to wrap up a series win when the two teams meet again in Canterbury on Friday.